Ullaspool AGM

Tuesday 1^st November 2011

Present                                Jo, Susan, Martin, Briony, Sam, Ruth, Barry

Apologies            Chris

Chairperson’s reports – appended

Agreed these should be published in both Ullapool News and LBL web-site along with future approved minutes.

Richard has handed in notice of resignation and we had Kate’s earlier in the year. New board members to be sought.

Appropriate paperwork for Companies House duly signed. Barry indicated he would be happy to stay on as treasurer until grants process finalised.

Appointment of Office bearers:

Chair                                      Susan Lesley      Proposed Barry , Seconded Martin

Secretary                             Ruth Clark           Proposed Susan, Seconded Barry

Treasurer                            Barry Whitford  Proposed Susan, Seconded Ruth

Date of next AGM           26^th June 2012

Ullaspool Chairmans report 2010-2011

The pool closed in May 2010 due to structural defects discovered with the roof as the solar panels were due to be installed. Almost immediately the community got together and a fundraising team set up. Lots of different events were held throughout the following months including a balloon race, selling goods at Loopallu, the post bike race and hogmanay ceilidhs and who can forget the 50p ladies – worth so much more than 50p!! Laura Talbot set to work writing letters to potential private funders and Diane Campbell and Alison Hitchings on the funding applications. After considerable effort in the local community with fundraising and applying for grants we obtained the funds needed to upgrade the pool roof. Major funders include HIE, Highland Leader and Highland Council. The major contributing factor to receiving funds from these groups was the huge community support we were able to demonstrate with our fundraising total. We also had fantastic support from many local businesses. Work finally began in March 2011 and the pool re-opened on the 8^th October. As a result of the work carried out on the roof and the installation of the solar panels and energy efficient lighting we anticipate reduced energy costs in the future. (Community Energy Scotland was another funder involved in the lighting and solar panel project)

As part of the funding package we have recruited a business development officer, Sam Planterose, who is now in post. He will be focussing on recruiting new highlife members and sourcing funding for future projects and is currently working on re-launching our website.

As ever we seek new board members, Kate Macrae left us in the summer and Richard Weekes is leaving as of this AGM. I thank them both for their contributions to the pool.

I have been amazed by the speed we have been able to re-open the swimming pool and touched by the support we have received. There are too many people to thank but I particularly want to mention Barry Whitford, our treasurer, for all the work involved in getting the funding claims submitted, Joanne Macpherson and her team for putting up with and dealing with all the problems that occurred during the project and finally Sam for coping with being thrown in at the deep end.

We look forward to welcoming everyone into the new pool and a date for the official opening and celebration will be announced soon.

Susan Leslie

Chair

Ullaspool Board of Directors