The new centre Booking Secretary, Charles Tanswell is doing a fine job and it appears that bookings have increased - (Well done Charles)!

The DCA have received information from the Performing Rights Society (PRS) that there is to be a combined licence with the Phonographic Performance licence (PPL). The DCA and DCA Sections are currently covered for all music that is played at the Downswood community centre. Affiliated groups and other private hirers should contact these organisations to see if they require a licence to play music. The PPL collects and distributes money on behalf of record companies and performers. The PRS for Music collects and distributes money on behalf of songwriters, composers and publishers.

The centre management are currently awaiting quotes for the refurbishment of the hall floor.

The centre management are currently discussing replacing the hall and lounge curtains.

All the centre external lights have recently been replaced.

Our annual NIC electrical test took place in December with only minor problems with the lights in the main hall.

During the hiring by Downswood Parish Council for the switch on of the Downswood illumination in December, an accident occurred when a young boy was injured with hot mulled wine in the centre lounge - which was very overcrowded. The Health & Safety Executive are currently investigating this accident.

The DCA have received confirmation from the Probation Service to have community payback teams of offenders attend the centre on Sundays for redecoration projects, but there appears to be a hold up and we are still awaiting for dates to be finalised. We have had groups of offenders, with supervisors in the past who have carried out very professional work and we are looking forward to working with the Probation Service once again.

It was agreed by the general committee that there will be no price increase to hiring fees this year except that for a trial period, the special wedding reception price of £350 for the whole centre 08.00 – 23.00 hours Saturdays has been reorganised to include Friday evenings 20.30 – 23.00 & Sunday mornings  08.00 until midday at a cost of £400.

The DCA general committee have written to Downswood Parish Council inviting them to join together with the DCA in HM the Queens diamond jubilee celebrations & the commemoration of the D-day landings on the weekend of Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd June 2012. Therefore the 2012 Downswood Summer fete, (on Saturday 2nd June) will have a 40’s style theme and all stalls and attractions will be asked to join in with this theme. A 40’s style dance is also being planned for Sunday 3rd June 2012.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help at any of our DCA fundraising events should please contact John or Diane on (01622) 862730