comparison 7vt/report.xml @ 42:9262f74116b2

editorial work, add names and roles of guests
author ht
date Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:42:49 -0400
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6 <title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working Group</title> 6 <title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working Group</title>
7 <title><emph color="red">DRAFT: contains contributions received through 1/6</emph></title> 7 <title><emph color="red">DRAFT: contains contributions received through 1/6</emph></title>
8 <author>Alison Burnley, Madeleine Harding, Phil Lucas, Brian Mayes, 8 <author>Alison Burnley, Madeleine Harding, Phil Lucas, Brian Mayes,
9 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade, 9 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade,
10 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</author> 10 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</author>
11 <date>2 June 2009</date> 11 <date>4 June 2009</date>
12 <style>td.t, td.s {text-align: right} 12 <style>td.t, td.s {text-align: right}
13 td.n {text-align: center} 13 td.n {text-align: center}
14 td.s {font-weight: bold} 14 td.s {font-weight: bold}
15 td.d {color: red} 15 td.d {color: red}
16 td.h {text-align: center} 16 td.h {text-align: center}
46 forward.</p> 46 forward.</p>
47 </div> 47 </div>
48 <div id="exec"> 48 <div id="exec">
49 <title>Executive summary of work and conclusions</title> 49 <title>Executive summary of work and conclusions</title>
50 <p>The working group met a total of twelve times throughout the first five 50 <p>The working group met a total of twelve times throughout the first five
51 months of 2009. We invited a number of people to join us to share their particular 51 months of 2009. Over th course of thos meetings we invited a number of people to join us to share their particular
52 perspectives on the matter, solicited information from a number of different 52 perspectives on the matter:</p>
53 constituencies via questionnaires and held two open meetings for Friends and 53 <list>
54 attenders to share with us their answers to the question "What is your vision for the Quaker presence and witness in 54 <item>Alastair Cameron and Don Stubbings, who briefed us on Area Meeting's perspective;</item>
55 Central Edinburgh for the <emph>next</emph> 20 years."</p> 55 <item>John Phillips, Area Meeting Treasurer;</item>
56 <item>Anthony and Sue Buxton, Meeting House Managers;</item>
57 <item>Mark Hutcheson, Clerk of Area Meeting Trustees;</item>
58 <item>Ken Jobling, Convenor of Area Meeting Fabric and Maintenance Committee.</item>
59 </list>
60 <p>We also solicited information from a number of different
61 constituencies via questionnaires and held two open meetings, at which around 60 Friends and
62 attenders, mostly, but not entirely, from Central Edinburgh, shared with us their answers to the question "What is your vision for the Quaker presence and witness in
63 Central Edinburgh for the <emph>next</emph> 20 years?"</p>
56 <p>Our conclusions can be summarised in terms of a sequence of choices, each leading 64 <p>Our conclusions can be summarised in terms of a sequence of choices, each leading
57 to a situation with costs and benefits. The primary choice is, do we stay in 7 Victoria 65 to a situation with costs and benefits. The primary choice is, do we stay in 7 Victoria
58 Terrace, or do we leave it? If we leave, do we 66 Terrace, or do we leave it? If we leave, do we
59 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria 67 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria
60 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to 68 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to
80 88
81 <p>The coffee room was a bit of a squash.</p> 89 <p>The coffee room was a bit of a squash.</p>
82 90
83 <p>The children were in the basement in three 91 <p>The children were in the basement in three
84 small rooms. The young people were like sardines in the smallest room. The 92 small rooms. The young people were like sardines in the smallest room. The
85 cr&egrave;che was at the front of the building and the 5-12s at the back---neither 93 cr&egrave;che was at the front of the building and the 5&ndash;12s at the back---neither
86 room was very big and there was very little room for storage.</p> 94 room was very big and there was very little room for storage.</p>
87 95
88 <p>There was lack of office space.</p> 96 <p>There was lack of office space.</p>
89 97
90 <p>Letting possibilities were minimal and the 98 <p>Letting possibilities were minimal and the
139 </div> 147 </div>
140 <div> 148 <div>
141 <title>Building structure</title> 149 <title>Building structure</title>
142 <p> 150 <p>
143 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting. 151 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting.
144 Apart from the internal work which gave us the basic rooms layout, substantial repair work had to be undertaken to repair badly weathered sandstone on the exterior and some roof repairs were also necessary. Urgent repair to stonework was necessary in 2007-8 to make the building safe and opportunity was taken, while the scaffolding was in place, to do general stonework improvement with a view to preventing the need for further such work for the next 20 years or so. 152 Apart from the internal work which gave us the basic rooms layout, substantial repair work had to be undertaken to repair badly weathered sandstone on the exterior and some roof repairs were also necessary. Urgent repair to stonework was necessary in 2007&ndash;8 to make the building safe and opportunity was taken, while the scaffolding was in place, to do general stonework improvement with a view to preventing the need for further such work for the next 20 years or so.
145 </p> 153 </p>
146 <figure> 154 <figure>
147 <caption> 155 <caption>
148 <emph color="red">[Insert room plans from publicity leaflet -- argh, where are these coming from?!]</emph> 156 <emph color="red">[Insert room plans from publicity leaflet, expected RSN from
157 Andrew Farrar]</emph>
149 </caption> 158 </caption>
150 </figure> 159 </figure>
151 <p>There follows a description of each room, working down from the top.</p> 160 <p>There follows a description of each room, working down from the top.</p>
152 <list> 161 <list>
153 <item> 162 <item>
182 <item> 191 <item>
183 <p> 192 <p>
184 The <name>Bow Room</name>, accessed from the foyer by a corridor (with two steps) and 193 The <name>Bow Room</name>, accessed from the foyer by a corridor (with two steps) and
185 with its own outside door to Upper Bow, was, for the first 20 years of Quaker ownership, 194 with its own outside door to Upper Bow, was, for the first 20 years of Quaker ownership,
186 let to charities (most recently International Voluntary Service) for office hours use, 195 let to charities (most recently International Voluntary Service) for office hours use,
187 with the Monthly Meeting retaining the right to use it in the evenings and at weekends. It was redecorated and re-carpeted in 2002. IVS, who rented the room at considerably less than its commercial value, moved out in 2008, at which point the room became available for meeting use throughout the week. 196 with the Monthly Meeting retaining the right to use it in the evenings
197 and at weekends. It was redecorated and re-carpeted in 2002.
198 International Voluntary Service, who rented the room at considerably less than its commercial value, moved out in 2008, at which point the room became available for meeting use throughout the week.
188 </p> 199 </p>
189 </item> 200 </item>
190 <item> 201 <item>
191 <p> 202 <p>
192 Little has been done to the double <name>Cr&#232;che</name> room on the first floor, except for redecoration. This is awkward of access, through a narrow corridor which leads off the kitchen and can only otherwise be accessed from the tenement common stair. There is a lavatory off the corridor between the kitchen and this room. 203 Little has been done to the double <name>Cr&#232;che</name> room on the first floor, except for redecoration. This is awkward of access, through a narrow corridor which leads off the kitchen and can only otherwise be accessed from the tenement common stair. There is a lavatory off the corridor between the kitchen and this room.
226 <p> 237 <p>
227 The Meeting House interleaves with the <name>adjacent tenement building</name>, which was built about 30 years after the 238 The Meeting House interleaves with the <name>adjacent tenement building</name>, which was built about 30 years after the
228 Original 239 Original
229 Secession 240 Secession
230 Church. The Boys' Brigade purchased both buildings in the 1950s and made the link 241 Church. The Boys' Brigade purchased both buildings in the 1950s and made the link
231 through at first floor level, where the levels were very similar (the difference evidenced by the slight dip as one enters the Library from the lobby). The two tenement flats at this level were incorporated in the main building and provide the present Library, Kitchen and Creche Rooms, while one ground floor flat provided the present Managers' Office and Bow Room. The other ground floor flat was retained by the Boys' Brigade for income and let as an office, first to a taxi company and in recent years to the 6VT Youth Cafe project. One second floor flat was sold to the Boys' Brigade caretaker, who lived there until 2004, when she sold it to a member of the Meeting. The other four flats were offered to the Meeting, which bought the fourth floor two-bedroomed flat in 1987. The Meeting also rented a single-bedroomed flat on the third floor (Flat 3F2), which was eventually also purchased in 1995. The remaining two flats were bought by a member of the Meeting, who subsequently sold them to other local Quakers. 242 through at first floor level, where the levels were very similar (the
243 difference evidenced by the slight dip as one enters the Library from
244 the lobby). The two tenement flats at this level were incorporated in
245 the main building and provide the present Library, Kitchen and Creche
246 Rooms, while one ground floor flat provided the present Managers'
247 Office and Bow Room. The other ground floor flat was retained by the
248 Boys' Brigade for income and let as an office, first to a taxi company
249 and in recent years to the 6 Victoria Terrace Youth Cafe project. One second floor flat was sold to the Boys' Brigade caretaker, who lived there until 2004, when she sold it to a member of the Meeting. The other four flats were offered to the Meeting, which bought the fourth floor two-bedroomed flat in 1987. The Meeting also rented a single-bedroomed flat on the third floor (Flat 3F2), which was eventually also purchased in 1995. The remaining two flats were bought by a member of the Meeting, who subsequently sold them to other local Quakers.
232 </p> 250 </p>
233 <p> 251 <p>
234 The spacious <name>top floor two-bedroomed flat,</name> owned by the Meeting, is occupied by the Managers. Some basic improvement work was done to this when it was purchased and secondary glazing has subsequently been installed in both bedrooms. It is in reasonable order and has gas-fired central heating, but the roof is poorly insulated. 252 The spacious <name>top floor two-bedroomed flat,</name> owned by the Meeting, is occupied by the Managers. Some basic improvement work was done to this when it was purchased and secondary glazing has subsequently been installed in both bedrooms. It is in reasonable order and has gas-fired central heating, but the roof is poorly insulated.
235 </p> 253 </p>
236 <p> 254 <p>
263 <p>The warden's post was advertised before Mark and Anna left and Pat and Phil Lucas were appointed, Phil taking post in late October 1994 and Pat joining him in January 1995, the two sharing one full-time post. Pat and Phil were asked to continue the development of community use, with a specific objective of attempting to achieve a balance between costs and income, and with the work of raising the Quaker profile of the building in the community. They were invited to join the Festival Committee, clerked at that time by Bronwyn Harwood, which was already engaged in exploring the development of the Festival Fringe involvement. 281 <p>The warden's post was advertised before Mark and Anna left and Pat and Phil Lucas were appointed, Phil taking post in late October 1994 and Pat joining him in January 1995, the two sharing one full-time post. Pat and Phil were asked to continue the development of community use, with a specific objective of attempting to achieve a balance between costs and income, and with the work of raising the Quaker profile of the building in the community. They were invited to join the Festival Committee, clerked at that time by Bronwyn Harwood, which was already engaged in exploring the development of the Festival Fringe involvement.
264 </p> 282 </p>
265 </div> 283 </div>
266 <div> 284 <div>
267 <title>Use of the Meeting House and income from lettings develop</title> 285 <title>Use of the Meeting House and income from lettings develop</title>
268 <p>Income from lettings in 1994 was about &#163;14,000. Given stable management and the resulting improved standards of service offered to users, this grew quite rapidly with increasing use of the building. As lettings increased, there were some small tensions regarding Quaker use during the week. Quaker committees had been accustomed to turning up, sometimes without booking, and finding there was a room available. They now found they had to book and then had to book longer and longer in advance to ensure a room was free. An attempt was made to solve this problem by setting the Library apart one evening each week for Quaker use, but this (unsurprisingly) failed &#8211; the evening so reserved seldom suited the committee that wanted it &#8211; so committees and groups which were unable to plan sufficiently in advance became accustomed to meeting in homes. 286 <p>Income from lettings in 1994 was about &#163;14,000. Given stable management and the resulting improved standards of service offered to users, this grew quite rapidly with increasing use of the building. As lettings increased, there were some small tensions regarding Quaker use during the week. Quaker committees had been accustomed to turning up, sometimes without booking, and finding there was a room available. They now found they had to book and then had to book longer and longer in advance to ensure a room was free. An attempt was made to solve this problem by setting the Library apart one evening each week for Quaker use, but this (unsurprisingly) failed&mdash;the evening so reserved seldom suited the committee that wanted it&mdash;so committees and groups which were unable to plan sufficiently in advance became accustomed to meeting in homes.
269 </p> 287 </p>
270 <p>A two tier letting charge system has been developed over the years, with a lower charge for charitable and grass-roots groups and higher charges for local and national government and commercial groups and classes. There has been some measure of negotiation on charges, at the discretion of the wardens/managers, with, for example, new grass-roots groups being given use below the charitable rate until they became established. An eye has been kept on rates charged by comparable buildings in the neighbourhood and there has been co-operation on this, especially with Augustine United and St Columba's-by-the-Castle. The busyness of the building increased steadily until, for several years, it was about as full as it reasonably could be, from 288 <p>A two tier letting charge system has been developed over the years, with a lower charge for charitable and grass-roots groups and higher charges for local and national government and commercial groups and classes. There has been some measure of negotiation on charges, at the discretion of the wardens/managers, with, for example, new grass-roots groups being given use below the charitable rate until they became established. An eye has been kept on rates charged by comparable buildings in the neighbourhood and there has been co-operation on this, especially with Augustine United and St Columba's-by-the-Castle. The busyness of the building increased steadily until, for several years, it was about as full as it reasonably could be, from
271 9 am 289 9 am
272 until 290 until
273 10 pm 291 10 pm
279 </p> 297 </p>
280 </div> 298 </div>
281 <div> 299 <div>
282 <title>Quaker Link Scotland</title> 300 <title>Quaker Link Scotland</title>
283 <p>At the time that Phil and Pat Lucas were appointed, Marion Morton was clerk of General Meeting for 301 <p>At the time that Phil and Pat Lucas were appointed, Marion Morton was clerk of General Meeting for
284 Scotland. She was also part of the group providing a Quaker presence in 7 Victoria Terrace and she combined these two roles by doing her GM work in the Meeting House Office one day a week, providing cover for a wardens' day off. 302 Scotland. She was also part of the group providing a Quaker presence
285 </p> 303 in 7 Victoria Terrace and she combined these two roles by doing her
286 <p>A GM group was then looking at developing the Quaker base and presence in 304 General Meeting work in the Meeting House Office one day a week, providing cover for a wardens' day off.
287 Scotland, including the appointment of an administrative assistant to support the GM Clerk. It was thought by some that this should be 305 </p>
306 <p>A General Meeting group was then looking at developing the Quaker base and presence in
307 Scotland, including the appointment of an administrative assistant to
308 support the General Meeting Clerk. It was thought by some that this should be
288 Edinburgh-based, working from 7 309 Edinburgh-based, working from 7
289 Victoria 310 Victoria
290 Terrace. Quaker Link 311 Terrace. Quaker Link
291 Scotland 312 Scotland
292 was born. Phil Lucas was, early in 1995, appointed to the Quaker Home Service Outreach Committee and he, followed by Pat, were appointed General Meeting Outreach Function Group conveners, so one aspect of the QLS development was that the Edinburgh Meeting House became an outreach base for Scotland. Enquirers packs were sent to Scottish enquirers from here, in consultation with QHS Outreach in Friends House. There was thought that the Bow Room could become the Quaker Link 313 was born. Phil Lucas was, early in 1995, appointed to the Quaker Home
314 Service Outreach Committee and he, followed by Pat, were appointed
315 General Meeting Outreach Function Group conveners, so one aspect of
316 the Quaker Link Scotland development was that the Edinburgh Meeting
317 House became an outreach base for Scotland. Enquirers packs were sent
318 to Scottish enquirers from here, in consultation with Quaker Home Service Outreach in Friends House. There was thought that the Bow Room could become the Quaker Link
293 Scotland 319 Scotland
294 office. 320 office.
295 </p> 321 </p>
296 <p>There was concern in some other Scottish Area Meetings about Scottish Quaker affairs becoming too Edinburgh-based, which may have contributed to the end of Quaker Link Scotland's short life, but the fatal blow was that, when the paid administrative assistant post was advertised, the successful candidate lived on the Moray coast and preferred to work from home. The GM clerkship at the same time moved away from the South East. When Pat and Phil Lucas's outreach appointments came to their end, it was no longer appropriate to send enquirers' packs to Scottish enquirers from the 7VT office, (although they continued to do so for a year or two on a voluntary basis). The last vestiges of Quaker Link 322 <p>There was concern in some other Scottish Area Meetings about
323 Scottish Quaker affairs becoming too Edinburgh-based, which may have
324 contributed to the end of Quaker Link Scotland's short life, but the
325 fatal blow was that, when the paid administrative assistant post was
326 advertised, the successful candidate lived on the Moray coast and
327 preferred to work from home. The General Meeting clerkship at the
328 same time moved away from the South East. When Pat and Phil Lucas's
329 outreach appointments came to their end, it was no longer appropriate
330 to send enquirers' packs to Scottish enquirers from the 7 Victoria Terrace office, (although they continued to do so for a year or two on a voluntary basis). The last vestiges of Quaker Link
297 Scotland 331 Scotland
298 thus disappeared. 332 thus disappeared.
299 </p> 333 </p>
300 </div> 334 </div>
301 <div> 335 <div>
302 <title>Venue 40 &#8211; the Festival Fringe</title> 336 <title>Venue 40&mdash;the Festival Fringe</title>
303 337
304 <p>The Festival Committee introduced a tiered seating rake to the hall, turning it into a 65 seat black box theatre, for the first time in August 1995. Use of the theatre that year was dominated by one theatre group, which was reluctant to share facilities with others. Setting up the theatre in this way involved considerable hire costs, so the Committee decided for 1996 to take firmer control and, to recoup hire costs, to run for three weeks. Use of the space developed over subsequent years until there were up to six shows per day, six days each week, with the caf&eacute; now open also for three weeks. The increased staffing this required was provided almost entirely from volunteers, many of them Quakers from other parts of 338 <p>The Festival Committee introduced a tiered seating rake to the hall, turning it into a 65 seat black box theatre, for the first time in August 1995. Use of the theatre that year was dominated by one theatre group, which was reluctant to share facilities with others. Setting up the theatre in this way involved considerable hire costs, so the Committee decided for 1996 to take firmer control and, to recoup hire costs, to run for three weeks. Use of the space developed over subsequent years until there were up to six shows per day, six days each week, with the caf&eacute; now open also for three weeks. The increased staffing this required was provided almost entirely from volunteers, many of them Quakers from other parts of
305 Britain 339 Britain
306 or the world, who are accommodated in Friends' homes. Exhibitions continued to be organised in the Meeting Room, but the Local Meeting became uncomfortable with the annual transformation of this room. Continuation of the Fringe involvement was endorsed but use of the Meeting Room for exhibitions ceased. The Festival Committee works through the year, but a considerable proportion of the organisational work falls on the Meeting House managers. 340 or the world, who are accommodated in Friends' homes. Exhibitions continued to be organised in the Meeting Room, but the Local Meeting became uncomfortable with the annual transformation of this room. Continuation of the Fringe involvement was endorsed but use of the Meeting Room for exhibitions ceased. The Festival Committee works through the year, but a considerable proportion of the organisational work falls on the Meeting House managers.
307 </p> 341 </p>
410 </tr> 444 </tr>
411 </tbody> 445 </tbody>
412 </table> 446 </table>
413 <list type="enum"> 447 <list type="enum">
414 <item>Staff costs relate to usage of the building, the changing roles of staff and increased remuneration.</item> 448 <item>Staff costs relate to usage of the building, the changing roles of staff and increased remuneration.</item>
415 <item>Council tax on flats, water, electricity and gas, phone and IT.</item> 449 <item>Council tax on flats, water, electricity and gas, phone and Internet.</item>
416 <item>Major items: Roof access and toilets upgrading (2001); redecoration (2005 and 08); roof repair and insulation (2006); lift upgrading (2007).</item> 450 <item>Major items: Roof access and toilets upgrading (2001); redecoration (2005 and 08); roof repair and insulation (2006); lift upgrading (2007).</item>
417 <item>Festival Committee: sum remitted for use of 7VT. Other sums used for external charities and for Kelso MH Appeal.</item> 451 <item>Festival Committee: sum remitted for use of 7 Victoria
452 Terrace. Other sums used for external charities and for Kelso Meeting
453 House Appeal.</item>
418 <item>Contributed to/made up from Area Meeting</item> 454 <item>Contributed to/made up from Area Meeting</item>
419 <item>Approximate cost, 2003-05.</item> 455 <item>Approximate cost, 2003&ndash;05.</item>
420 <item>Approx cost incurred during 2008.</item> 456 <item>Approx cost incurred during 2008.</item>
421 <item>Mainly architect (quinquennial review)</item> 457 <item>Mainly architect (quinquennial review)</item>
422 </list> 458 </list>
423 <caption>7 Victoria Terrace: income and expenditure 2000-8 (All figures shown are thousands of pounds)</caption> 459 <caption>7 Victoria Terrace: income and expenditure 2000&ndash;8 (All figures shown are thousands of pounds)</caption>
424 </figure> 460 </figure>
425 <p> 461 <p>
426 For about the first 15 years, until 2004, of its operation, Victoria Terrace covered its general running costs, there was a balance between income and expenditure. From 2005 onwards there has been a growing annual `loss'; when calculated in this way. The latter has been due to a combination of reduced income from lettings, especially in the last two years, and the cost of redecoration including new carpets, improvements to the lift, roof repairs and insulation to the property having been undertaken. There has also been an increase in staffing costs over the same period with them assuming greater responsibility for internal financial matters and providing more intensive cover from 0900 to 2200 each weekday. The deficit, ranging from &#163;12k to &#163;30,000 <emph>per annum</emph>, has been met from Area Meeting contributions from Friends and attenders. The contribution to Britain Yearly Meeting has, as a consequence, had to be reduced. Throughout the two decades it has not been possible to set aside sufficient funds for undertaking large pieces of work that regularly occur, whether major repairs or improvements. 462 For about the first 15 years, until 2004, of its operation, Victoria Terrace covered its general running costs, there was a balance between income and expenditure. From 2005 onwards there has been a growing annual `loss'; when calculated in this way. The latter has been due to a combination of reduced income from lettings, especially in the last two years, and the cost of redecoration including new carpets, improvements to the lift, roof repairs and insulation to the property having been undertaken. There has also been an increase in staffing costs over the same period with them assuming greater responsibility for internal financial matters and providing more intensive cover from 0900 to 2200 each weekday. The deficit, ranging from &#163;12,000 to &#163;30,000 <emph>per annum</emph>, has been met from Area Meeting contributions from Friends and attenders. The contribution to Britain Yearly Meeting has, as a consequence, had to be reduced. Throughout the two decades it has not been possible to set aside sufficient funds for undertaking large pieces of work that regularly occur, whether major repairs or improvements.
427 </p> 463 </p>
428 <p> 464 <p>
429 Given the limited number of rooms that are available to let, the management 465 Given the limited number of rooms that are available to let, the management
430 costs per letting have proved relatively high. This has been exacerbated as 466 costs per letting have proved relatively high. This has been exacerbated as
431 higher health and safety standards are imposed by law and the expectations of 467 higher health and safety standards are imposed by law and the expectations of
446 <div> 482 <div>
447 <title>Building use</title> 483 <title>Building use</title>
448 <div> 484 <div>
449 <title>Meeting for Worship</title> 485 <title>Meeting for Worship</title>
450 <p> 486 <p>
451 At present there is a meeting for worship on Sunday mornings at 11.00am which sixty 487 At present there is a meeting for worship on Sunday mornings at 1100 which sixty
452 plus people attend. After meeting there is coffee or tea in the library, and then a simple lunch (soup, bread and cheese) in the hall. Central Edinburgh is a big meeting and people value the opportunity to get to know each other better over lunch.</p> 488 plus people attend. After meeting there is coffee or tea in the library, and then a simple lunch (soup, bread and cheese) in the hall. Central Edinburgh is a big meeting and people value the opportunity to get to know each other better over lunch.</p>
453 <p>There is a mid-week meeting for worship on Wednesday at 12.30pm which up to twenty people attend. Some people like a smaller meeting or perhaps cannot always manage a Sunday. This meeting for worship lasts about thirty minutes and is also followed by a simple lunch.</p> 489 <p>There is a mid-week meeting for worship on Wednesday at 1230 which up to twenty people attend. Some people like a smaller meeting or perhaps cannot always manage a Sunday. This meeting for worship lasts about thirty minutes and is also followed by a simple lunch.</p>
454 <p>People who completed a questionnaire felt the library was a good place to have this meeting for worship and lunch afterwards.</p> 490 <p>People who completed a questionnaire felt the library was a good place to have this meeting for worship and lunch afterwards.</p>
455 <p>People felt it was important to have a central location that is normally accessible by 491 <p>People felt it was important to have a central location that is normally accessible by
456 bus. The building itself is not so good for the less physically able and some people do rely on buses coming close to the Meeting House. Access within the Meeting House is good but the toilets need improving.</p> 492 bus. The building itself is not so good for the less physically able and some people do rely on buses coming close to the Meeting House. Access within the Meeting House is good but the toilets need improving.</p>
457 <p>There is also now an early bird meeting for worship on weekdays at 8.00am lasting thirty minutes. This is a small meeting, but valued by those who come.</p> 493 <p>There is also now an early bird meeting for worship on weekdays at 0800 lasting thirty minutes. This is a small meeting, but valued by those who come.</p>
458 <p>Elders are currently looking at having another meeting for worship on Sundays, either at 9.30am or Sunday evening.</p> 494 <p>Elders are currently looking at having another meeting for worship on Sundays, either at 0930 or Sunday evening.</p>
459 <p>Children’s meeting for worship takes place every Sunday. The children meet at 11.00am for their own programme and join the adult meeting at 11.45am</p> 495 <p>Children’s meeting for worship takes place every Sunday. The children meet at 1100 for their own programme and join the adult meeting at 1145</p>
460 <p>On the second Sunday of the month there is an all age meeting for worship held in the hall to which all are welcome. This meeting for worship is programmed, normally lasts thirty to forty minutes, and is well attended by families and other regular attenders from the meeting.</p> 496 <p>On the second Sunday of the month there is an all age meeting for worship held in the hall to which all are welcome. This meeting for worship is programmed, normally lasts thirty to forty minutes, and is well attended by families and other regular attenders from the meeting.</p>
461 <p>We occasionally have “special” all age worship such as the welcome of new babies and 497 <p>We occasionally have “special” all age worship such as the welcome of new babies and
462 children. This is an Area Meeting event, and others from Area Meeting come along to be 498 children. This is an Area Meeting event, and others from Area Meeting come along to be
463 part of this. The most recent of these took place in December 2008 and was held in the meeting room. It was very positively received. This event can only take place at 7 Victoria Terrace because of the need for a large meeting room in which to hold it.</p> 499 part of this. The most recent of these took place in December 2008 and was held in the meeting room. It was very positively received. This event can only take place at 7 Victoria Terrace because of the need for a large meeting room in which to hold it.</p>
464 </div> 500 </div>
466 <title>Lettings</title> 502 <title>Lettings</title>
467 <p>Since 2000 income from lettings has increased gradually until 2008 when there was a small decline.</p> 503 <p>Since 2000 income from lettings has increased gradually until 2008 when there was a small decline.</p>
468 <p>The main use of the Meeting House as a venue is for voluntary and community groups who want a relatively cheap but central location for one-off meetings, or a series of meetings, or one day conferences with a good ambiance. (People frequently say they do not like the formal service they get from hotels). We are not in the market for corporate events.</p> 504 <p>The main use of the Meeting House as a venue is for voluntary and community groups who want a relatively cheap but central location for one-off meetings, or a series of meetings, or one day conferences with a good ambiance. (People frequently say they do not like the formal service they get from hotels). We are not in the market for corporate events.</p>
469 <p>This means our clients cannot afford commercial rates that would bring us a clear profit. However the small number of rooms available limits the number of staff required for cleaning and catering.</p> 505 <p>This means our clients cannot afford commercial rates that would bring us a clear profit. However the small number of rooms available limits the number of staff required for cleaning and catering.</p>
470 <p>7 Victoria Terrace is not in the same league as other large Meeting Houses such as Friends House or Manchester Mount Street, to be a large Quaker centre.</p> 506 <p>7 Victoria Terrace is not in the same league as other large Meeting Houses such as Friends House or Manchester Mount Street, to be a large Quaker centre.</p>
471 <p>The Meeting House is open every day from 9.00am – 10.00pm and five hours on Sunday. The managers, Anthony and Sue Buxton, are employed for twenty hours a week each but in fact work nearer thirty-four hours a week.</p> 507 <p>The Meeting House is open every day from 0900 to 2200 and five hours on Sunday. The managers, Anthony and Sue Buxton, are employed for twenty hours a week each but in fact work nearer thirty-four hours a week.</p>
472 <p>Tom Nisbet, assistant warden is employed for three days a week. In addition there are a number of staff working a varying number of hours a week.</p> 508 <p>Tom Nisbet, assistant warden is employed for three days a week. In addition there are a number of staff working a varying number of hours a week.</p>
473 <p>To give an idea of the pattern of non–Quaker lettings we have taken a recent six-week 509 <p>To give an idea of the pattern of non-Quaker lettings we have taken a recent six-week
474 period and have looked at the groups who used the Meeting House and how long the lets 510 period and have looked at the groups who used the Meeting House and how long the lets
475 were for. The two figures below summarise the results.</p> 511 were for. The two figures below summarise the results.</p>
476 <figure> 512 <figure>
477 <table> 513 <table>
478 <thead class="r"> 514 <thead class="r">
482 <th>Room</th> 518 <th>Room</th>
483 <th>Rent charged</th> 519 <th>Rent charged</th>
484 </tr> 520 </tr>
485 </thead> 521 </thead>
486 <tbody> 522 <tbody>
487 <tr><td>CAAT (charity)</td><td>10 -15</td><td>Bow </td><td>£14.00</td></tr> 523 <tr><td>Campaign Against Arms Trade</td><td>10&ndash;15</td><td>Bow </td><td>£14.00</td></tr>
488 <tr><td>AVP (charity)</td><td>10 -15</td><td>Bow</td><td>£15.00</td></tr> 524 <tr><td>Alternatives to Violence Project</td><td>10&ndash;15</td><td>Bow</td><td>£15.00</td></tr>
489 <tr><td>Wood Craft Folk</td><td>5</td><td>Bow</td><td>£35.00 </td></tr> 525 <tr><td>Wood Craft Folk</td><td>5</td><td>Bow</td><td>£35.00 </td></tr>
490 <tr><td>British Stammering Support Assoc.</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr> 526 <tr><td>British Stammering Support Assoc.</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr>
491 <tr><td>J. Johnson</td><td>20</td><td>Library</td><td>£62</td></tr> 527 <tr><td>J. Johnson</td><td>20</td><td>Library</td><td>£62</td></tr>
492 <tr><td>Soc. of Homeopaths</td><td>20</td><td>Meeting</td><td>£200 (3 sessions)</td></tr> 528 <tr><td>Soc. of Homeopaths</td><td>20</td><td>Meeting</td><td>£200 (3 sessions)</td></tr>
493 <tr><td>Family Fed. of World Peace Development</td><td>0 -15</td><td>Library</td><td>£88.00 (3 sessions)</td></tr> 529 <tr><td>Family Fed. of World Peace Development</td><td>0&ndash;15</td><td>Library</td><td>£88.00 (3 sessions)</td></tr>
494 <tr><td>Edinburgh Drug &amp; Alcohol Action Team</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£105 (5 sessions)</td></tr> 530 <tr><td>Edinburgh Drug &amp; Alcohol Action Team</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£105 (5 sessions)</td></tr>
495 <tr><td>Blake &amp; Stevenson</td><td>4 – 5</td><td>Bow</td><td>£64</td></tr> 531 <tr><td>Blake &amp; Stevenson</td><td>4&ndash;5</td><td>Bow</td><td>£64</td></tr>
496 <tr><td>I.A. Support Group</td><td>30</td><td>Hall &amp; library</td><td>£45.00</td></tr> 532 <tr><td>I.A. Support Group</td><td>30</td><td>Hall &amp; library</td><td>£45.00</td></tr>
497 <tr><td>Scottish Natural Heritage</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£45.00</td></tr> 533 <tr><td>Scottish Natural Heritage</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£45.00</td></tr>
498 <tr><td>Parkinsons Disease Soc.</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£60</td></tr> 534 <tr><td>Parkinsons Disease Soc.</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£60</td></tr>
499 <tr><td>Collective Gallery</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£60.00</td></tr> 535 <tr><td>Collective Gallery</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£60.00</td></tr>
500 <tr><td>Built Environment Forum</td><td>20+</td><td>Hall</td><td>£75</td></tr> 536 <tr><td>Built Environment Forum</td><td>20+</td><td>Hall</td><td>£75</td></tr>
503 <tr><td>College of Occupational Therapists</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr> 539 <tr><td>College of Occupational Therapists</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr>
504 <tr><td>Fruit-market Gallery</td><td>4</td><td>Bow</td><td>£40.00</td></tr> 540 <tr><td>Fruit-market Gallery</td><td>4</td><td>Bow</td><td>£40.00</td></tr>
505 <tr><td>Social Research Assoc. Scotland</td><td>6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£80.00 </td></tr> 541 <tr><td>Social Research Assoc. Scotland</td><td>6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£80.00 </td></tr>
506 <tr><td>Scottish Handcraft Circle</td><td>20</td><td>Library</td><td>£40.00</td></tr> 542 <tr><td>Scottish Handcraft Circle</td><td>20</td><td>Library</td><td>£40.00</td></tr>
507 <tr><td>No 2 I.D.</td><td>20</td><td>Meeting</td><td>£32.00</td></tr> 543 <tr><td>No 2 I.D.</td><td>20</td><td>Meeting</td><td>£32.00</td></tr>
508 <tr><td>Darfur training Committee</td><td>4 – 6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£30.00</td></tr> 544 <tr><td>Darfur training Committee</td><td>4&ndash;6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£30.00</td></tr>
509 <tr><td>Action learning Group</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£30.00</td></tr> 545 <tr><td>Action learning Group</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£30.00</td></tr>
510 <tr><td>Alzheimer Scotland</td><td>10 – 12</td><td>Library</td><td>£28.00</td></tr> 546 <tr><td>Alzheimer Scotland</td><td>10&ndash;12</td><td>Library</td><td>£28.00</td></tr>
511 <tr><td>Alzheimer National</td><td>50</td><td>Meeting &amp; Hall</td><td>£156.00</td></tr> 547 <tr><td>Alzheimer National</td><td>50</td><td>Meeting &amp; Hall</td><td>£156.00</td></tr>
512 <tr><td>British Assoc. of drama Therapists</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£198.00</td></tr> 548 <tr><td>British Assoc. of drama Therapists</td><td>20</td><td>Hall</td><td>£198.00</td></tr>
513 <tr><td>World Development Movt.</td><td>6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£72.00</td></tr> 549 <tr><td>World Development Movt.</td><td>6</td><td>Bow</td><td>£72.00</td></tr>
514 <tr><td>Spiritualist Friends of Edin</td><td>4 - 5</td><td>Room 5</td><td>£82.50 (11 sessions)</td></tr> 550 <tr><td>Spiritualist Friends of Edin</td><td>4&ndash;5</td><td>Room 5</td><td>£82.50 (11 sessions)</td></tr>
515 <tr><td>Scottish Traditional Dance &amp; Music Society</td><td>10</td><td>Hall</td><td>£27.00 (11 weeks)</td></tr> 551 <tr><td>Scottish Traditional Dance &amp; Music Society</td><td>10</td><td>Hall</td><td>£27.00 (11 weeks)</td></tr>
516 <tr><td>Social Enterprise Academy</td><td>8</td><td>Hall(?)</td><td>£105.00 a day</td></tr> 552 <tr><td>Social Enterprise Academy</td><td>8</td><td>Hall(?)</td><td>£105.00 a day</td></tr>
517 <tr><td>Parkinsons Disease Soc. Stirling</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr> 553 <tr><td>Parkinsons Disease Soc. Stirling</td><td>10</td><td>Bow</td><td>£50.00</td></tr>
518 </tbody> 554 </tbody>
519 </table> 555 </table>
541 4</td><td class="h"> 577 4</td><td class="h">
542 4</td><td class="h"> 578 4</td><td class="h">
543 7</td> 579 7</td>
544 </tr> 580 </tr>
545 <tr> 581 <tr>
546 <td>2-3 hour bookings</td><td class="h"> 582 <td>2&ndash;3 hour bookings</td><td class="h">
547 15</td><td class="h"> 583 15</td><td class="h">
548 13</td><td class="h"> 584 13</td><td class="h">
549 20</td><td class="h"> 585 20</td><td class="h">
550 21</td><td class="h"> 586 21</td><td class="h">
551 24</td><td class="h"> 587 24</td><td class="h">
565 <p>At the end of the day the staff are not here to run a business but to be the face of Quakerism in Edinburgh.</p> 601 <p>At the end of the day the staff are not here to run a business but to be the face of Quakerism in Edinburgh.</p>
566 </div> 602 </div>
567 <div> 603 <div>
568 <title>Festival Fringe</title> 604 <title>Festival Fringe</title>
569 <p>The use of the building for the Festival is a major undertaking (see 3.3.4). The main hall is made into a small theatre with raked seating. Several small theatre groups rent this space during the Festival.</p> 605 <p>The use of the building for the Festival is a major undertaking (see 3.3.4). The main hall is made into a small theatre with raked seating. Several small theatre groups rent this space during the Festival.</p>
570 <p>There is also the Rainforest Café that runs at the same time-from around 10.00am-6.00pm. The income form this has increased over the years but again last year there was a drop. The main income is from the theatre lettings but the café does not make much of a profit but adds to the feel and ethos of the venue.</p> 606 <p>There is also the Rainforest Café that runs at the same time-from around 1000&ndash;1800. The income form this has increased over the years but again last year there was a drop. The main income is from the theatre lettings but the café does not make much of a profit but adds to the feel and ethos of the venue.</p>
571 </div> 607 </div>
572 <div> 608 <div>
573 <title>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting 609 <title>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting
574 House</title> 610 House</title>
575 <p><emph color="red">See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</emph></p> 611 <p><emph color="red">See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</emph></p>
654 </tr> 690 </tr>
655 </tbody> 691 </tbody>
656 </table> 692 </table>
657 <list type="enum"> 693 <list type="enum">
658 <item>Includes services, cleaning, equipment and furniture purchases and architect's fees</item> 694 <item>Includes services, cleaning, equipment and furniture purchases and architect's fees</item>
659 <item>Building work - external stonework</item> 695 <item>Building work&mdash;external stonework</item>
660 <item>For the meeting house and specifically building work</item> 696 <item>For the meeting house and specifically building work</item>
661 <item>External £47.4k and Central Edinburgh meeting £3.3K</item> 697 <item>External £47,400 and Central Edinburgh meeting £3,300</item>
662 <item>From the capital account (legacies) £30k and the Festival Fringe account £4k</item> 698 <item>From the capital account (legacies) £30,000 and the Festival Fringe account £4,000</item>
663 <item>Made up by Area Meeting</item> 699 <item>Made up by Area Meeting</item>
664 </list> 700 </list>
665 <caption>7 Victoria Terrace: Revised summary of 2008 income and 701 <caption>7 Victoria Terrace: Revised summary of 2008 income and
666 expenditure, including capital project</caption> 702 expenditure, including capital project</caption>
667 </figure> 703 </figure>
678 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of 714 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of
679 &#163;30,000 if cooking is to be undertaken and offered for sale, for 715 &#163;30,000 if cooking is to be undertaken and offered for sale, for
680 example in conjunction with the <emph>Rainforest Caf&#233;</emph> at 716 example in conjunction with the <emph>Rainforest Caf&#233;</emph> at
681 the time of the Festival Fringe. Extending and improving the toilets 717 the time of the Festival Fringe. Extending and improving the toilets
682 is estimated would come to about &#163;50,000 and opening the 718 is estimated would come to about &#163;50,000 and opening the
683 cr&#232;che to the library about another &#163;5k. No figures are 719 cr&#232;che to the library about another &#163;5,000. No figures are
684 available [<emph color="red">as far as I can remember</emph>] for the re-hanging and further insulation of the windows to the south west of the building or for improving the heating. 720 available [<emph color="red">as far as I can remember</emph>] for the re-hanging and further insulation of the windows to the south west of the building or for improving the heating.
685 </p> 721 </p>
686 722
687 </div> 723 </div>
688 </div> 724 </div>
697 <p> 733 <p>
698 One option would be to do less than at present. That could mean reducing the hours that the building is open 734 One option would be to do less than at present. That could mean reducing the hours that the building is open
699 </p> 735 </p>
700 <list> 736 <list>
701 <item> 737 <item>
702 The Meeting House office is open 9.00 to 5.00 daily 738 The Meeting House office is open 0900 to 1700 daily
703 </item> 739 </item>
704 <item> 740 <item>
705 The building is currently open to the public from 741 The building is currently open to the public from
706 9.00 a.m. 742 0900
707 to 9.30/10.00 p.m. Monday to Friday depending on bookings and 743 to 2130/2200 Monday to Friday depending on bookings and
708 9.30 744 0930
709 to 745 to
710 5.00 p.m. 746 1700
711 on Saturday depending on bookings 747 on Saturday depending on bookings
712 </item> 748 </item>
713 <item> 749 <item>
714 Sundays &#8211; 10.00 -3.00 for Quaker use. Bookings may be taken for 750 Sundays&mdash;1000&ndash;1500 for Quaker use. Bookings may be taken for
715 3.00 751 1500
716 to 752 to
717 5.00 p.m. 753 1700
718 </item> 754 </item>
719 </list> 755 </list>
720 <p> 756 <p>
721 Several staff work flexibly to cover these periods: there is always someone at 757 Several staff work flexibly to cover these periods: there is always someone at
722 the front desk when the building is open. 758 the front desk when the building is open.
723 </p> 759 </p>
724 <p> 760 <p>
725 Reasons for reducing the opening hours : reducing costs- heating, lighting and staff cover and reducing wear and tear on the fabric of the building 761 Reasons for reducing the opening hours : reducing costs&mdash;heating, lighting and staff cover and reducing wear and tear on the fabric of the building
726 </p> 762 </p>
727 <p> 763 <p>
728 Reasons for not reducing opening hours: reduced lettings and reduced income, as 764 Reasons for not reducing opening hours: reduced lettings and reduced income, as
729 well as reduced facilities for Quakers and non-Quakers using the building and reduced opportunities for outreach. 765 well as reduced facilities for Quakers and non-Quakers using the building and reduced opportunities for outreach.
730 </p> 766 </p>
731 <p> 767 <p>
732 Hospitality, information and outreach: the Meeting House is centrally located and attracts many visitors &#8211; reduced opening hours would limit contact with the public, it may affect bookings if enquiries are not answered in person (rather than on-line or by leaving a message on an answer-phone) and may reduce first-timers coming to Meeting for Worship. 768 Hospitality, information and outreach: the Meeting House is centrally located and attracts many visitors&mdash;reduced opening hours would limit contact with the public, it may affect bookings if enquiries are not answered in person (rather than on-line or by leaving a message on an answer-phone) and may reduce first-timers coming to Meeting for Worship.
733 </p> 769 </p>
734 <p> 770 <p>
735 Other alternatives &#8211; all of which would reduce costs, reduce income and contact with the general public, visitors, newcomers and passers-by therefore reducing outreach opportunities:</p> 771 Other alternatives&mdash;all of which would reduce costs, reduce income and contact with the general public, visitors, newcomers and passers-by therefore reducing outreach opportunities:</p>
736 <list> 772 <list>
737 <item> 773 <item>
738 Reduce activities to Quaker activities only &#8211; this would reduce opening hours and lettings and increase costs per capita.</item> 774 Reduce activities to Quaker activities only&mdash;this would reduce opening hours and lettings and increase costs per capita.</item>
739 <item> 775 <item>
740 The Rain Forest Caf&#233; - the caf&#233; could go and/or drinks and snacks alone could be provided for visitors. 776 The Rain Forest Caf&#233;&mdash;the caf&#233; could go and/or drinks and snacks alone could be provided for visitors.
741 </item> 777 </item>
742 <item> 778 <item>
743 The Meeting House as a Festival Venue &#8211; events/opening hours could be reduced and income would be reduced. 779 The Meeting House as a Festival Venue&mdash;events/opening hours could be reduced and income would be reduced.
744 </item> 780 </item>
745 <item> 781 <item>
746 Reduce or cancel Christmas lunch and other social activities involving the preparation of food and serving of food and drink. 782 Reduce or cancel Christmas lunch and other social activities involving the preparation of food and serving of food and drink.
747 </item> 783 </item>
748 </list> 784 </list>
762 donations from the public. Trustees are actively exploring this area: the 798 donations from the public. Trustees are actively exploring this area: the
763 working group does not feel that the exact nature of the trade-offs between 799 working group does not feel that the exact nature of the trade-offs between
764 regulation, enforcement and kinds of use has yet been clearly established, so 800 regulation, enforcement and kinds of use has yet been clearly established, so
765 that an informed decision can be taken with respect to the kitchen in particular.</item> 801 that an informed decision can be taken with respect to the kitchen in particular.</item>
766 <item> 802 <item>
767 We could plan for the future to include a schedule of works - upgrading basic facilities - the windows, toilets, heating and consider what is required to improve the layout of the rooms and food preparation facilities as they affect members of the meeting and lettings. 803 We could plan for the future to include a schedule of works&mdash;upgrading basic facilities&mdash;the windows, toilets, heating and consider what is required to improve the layout of the rooms and food preparation facilities as they affect members of the meeting and lettings.
768 </item> 804 </item>
769 </list> 805 </list>
770 </div> 806 </div>
771 <div> 807 <div>
772 <title>Do More</title> 808 <title>Do More</title>
776 <list> 812 <list>
777 <item> 813 <item>
778 Offering more activities/learning opportunities on Quaker concerns to Quakers and non-Quakers 814 Offering more activities/learning opportunities on Quaker concerns to Quakers and non-Quakers
779 </item> 815 </item>
780 <item> 816 <item>
781 Offering more activities/learning opportunities on Quaker Faith and Practice and other aspects of Quakerism&#8211;past and present 817 Offering more activities/learning opportunities on Quaker Faith and Practice and other aspects of Quakerism&mdash;past and present
782 </item> 818 </item>
783 <item> 819 <item>
784 Becoming an information centre on Quakers in 820 Becoming an information centre on Quakers in
785 Scotland 821 Scotland
786 </item> 822 </item>
878 the Festival.</p> 914 the Festival.</p>
879 <p><emph color="red">Is this enough?</emph></p> 915 <p><emph color="red">Is this enough?</emph></p>
880 </div> 916 </div>
881 <div> 917 <div>
882 <title>Conclusions</title> 918 <title>Conclusions</title>
883 <p><emph color="red">How the practicalities and the vision fit (or don't). What does AM do 919 <p><emph color="red">How the practicalities and the vision fit (or
920 don't). What does Area Meeting do
884 next. . .</emph></p> 921 next. . .</emph></p>
885 </div> 922 </div>
886 </div> 923 </div>
887 <div id="appendices"> 924 <div id="appendices">
888 <title>Appendices</title> 925 <title>Appendices</title>