The meeting was called to inform members of the Club of progress since the meeting of 22nd August when it was agreed that the club should be run by volunteers without any paid staff.

The Treasurer reported that for the first month bar takings have increased, and the overall the financial balance was moving steadily into the black.

A donation of £10,000 to assist refurbishment of the lounge has been received from the Billmeyir Trust. Various other repairs will be made from available funds.

Bar prices and membership costs are to be reviewed.

The new staffing arrangement started on the 1st of October with the Bar managed by Kevin Nutt and a complete clean out of the bar and barn area by Dawn, Sheila and Pam. Not all members who volunteered to help have been approached so far, but they need not fear - their time will come shortly as various plans come into operation. 

Additional items have been added to the drinks range at the Bar, snacks are available Sunday mid day. There are discussions about how to extend the range of food being sold along with the addition of a Tea/Coffee machine.

The Bonfire Night evening with Fireworks, Disco and other attractions was a success with about 400 children and adults attending.

Under review are other plans for renewal of the Heating in the Barn, advertising it for letting - with plans for a 60th Anniversary Party in May 2009.

Diary Dates:  Friday 12^th December Legion Club AGM 8.00 pm in the Barn
   Friday 19^th December Legion Branch AGM. 8.00 pm in the Barn

Saturday the 6^th December will be the last coffee morning in 2008 at the United Reformed Church Hall where I have my stall.  With my usual tea, coffee, sugar, dried fruit and cereal will be Christmas cake, pudding, chocolate-coated Christmas tree biscuits, cards and some unusual gifts as well as jewellery.  Remember, when you buy Traidcraft, that you will be helping someone to have clean water, a house, education for their children, all we take for granted!

It is no accident that nearly thirty years ago Traidcraft set up its offices and warehouse in Gateshead, an area of high unemployment.  Now, as part of Traidcraft's Christian belief that people deserve a second chance, they have set up a scheme to offer employment to serving prisoners from a resettlement prison who are coming to the end of lengthy sentences for serious crimes.  By giving prisoners the opportunity to work in Traidcraft before they are released from prison, they are helping them to gather the experience and skills they need for when they return to society.

Thank you all for your support in this year.  May you all have a Peaceful Christmas and a Happy  New year.