Annual report spring 2012

1. The
Friends of
St Nicholas
Chairman: Alfie Flett Treasurer: Athole Thomson
Secretary: Marlene Mainland
Skaill, Holm
781 395
dmainland@btinternet.com
Annual Report 1st
March 2012
Following the AGM last year we met at the Kirk in April, along with many of you, to
complete the cleaning process from the previous year. The committee then met on 18th
May
to assess the possibilities for providing public access to the building. It was decided to
concentrate on the Vestry and to address the need for window repairs and a new door. It was
also decided to repair and paint the interior plasterwork and to provide seating and
noticeboards. A grant of £2000 from the Holm Community Council ensured that we could
provide a custom- built door on the north side and have a sash window professionally
repaired. On the 29th
October the group met again to discuss expenses and how to prioritise
spending. The remaining money was used for a bench seat and security noticeboards.
Allowance was also made for the cost of specialist plastering round the door and windows,
work which will be completed within the next couple of months.
Between those formal meeting times, committee members worked individually, or in
groups, on refurbishment, with several stages of plastering and wood treatment taking up
most of the time. Expenditure from funds has been kept to a minimum, with committee
members willingly bearing the costs of items such as plaster, paint, wood oil, VAO fees and
postage.
With the fitments installed, and the floorboards oiled, the Vestry is now a much more
welcoming place for visitors to the Kirkyard.
At the AGM we plan to set a date for an ‘opening day’ for the Ould Vestry, so listen to
What’s On or visit our website www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/stnicholas for confirmation
of time and date. You will also find a photo gallery there showing work in progress.
On behalf of the Chairman and the committee, thank you for your continuing support and
interest