Friends of Leith Hall
Minutes of Meeting held on Tuesday 7th November 2010 at Leith Hall, 7pm

Present:      Eileen, Jim, Dinah, Catharine, Effie, Linda

Apologies;  Grainne, Tina

Minutes of Meeting, held 5th October. 2010       
Minutes to be amended to indicate the support of new committee members.  Otherwise no problems with minute of 5thOct. Meeting

Treasurer’s Reports:
The treasurer provided the following information. To date there has been an outlay of £20.35 and an income of £560. 07, leaving a total of £539.72 in the bank.
 The treasurer would like the committee to consider forward planning of the budget and the setting of targets with a fixed project in mind which we could finance. The committee felt that this was a good idea for the future but until we know  the NTS definitive plan for Leith Hall it is not possible to fix on a target,.
The suggestion of short term projects, eg Easter in the grounds and gardens,  a garden project in tandem with the head gardener, sponsoring events in the Hall should it open next summer, educational projects, eg  the photography competition, social fund raising events, eg quiz evenings, ceilidhs, coffee mornings and the calendar sales, were all considered well worth while events for the Friends to be involved in. We already have a number of these events in hand.

It would be easier to get charity status if the above positive strategy were employed and put on a more formal basis..

The treasurer was thanked, in absentia, by the committee for all the hard work she has put into the banking arrangements and for good financial forward planning. Grainne was also thanked for all her work with the photography competition and for her generosity in donating the prizes.

Bel Canto
The three concerts held at Leith Hall during the summer were in aid of the Friends of Leith hall. As far as it is known no money has so far been handed over yet. This matter should be pursued by Tina who has been the contact with Mr. and Mrs. Munro.   Tina has been asked to invite the Mr. and Mrs. Munro to the afternoon meeting on 14th November where they will be formally thanked for their generosity and hard work on our behalf..

Fabric Report.
Elinor and Dinah have co-operated in listing the movements of all items during this period of flux at Leith Hall.. They have also noted any signs of damage from damp or infestation. Dinah questioned whether it is better to keep the whole house at an even low temperature rather than have the heating come on and off. This needs professional advice With so much work planned it is important that all movements of furniture, books, pictures, china etc, are recorded.
The committee thanked Dinah and asked her to convey our thanks to Elinor.

14th November
 To date replies to the invitation on 14th November have been slow but it is hoped that a satisfactory number of people will attend. Plans for organising the day were discussed and duties allocated. All committee members are asked to be at Leith Hall by 1.00pm on Sunday, 14th November.
A note with more detailed information will be sent out prior to Sunday 14th

Sale of Calendars
  The committee will be required to sell the bulk of the calendars. Those present at the meeting kindly agreed to take ten each. It is hoped the rest of the committee will do likewise. Tina kindly offered to take some to sell at Christmas events at Castle Fraser. The calendars are proving attractive items and selling well.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.30pm

Next committee meeting will be on Tuesday, 7th December