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36 thead.r th {text-align: left}</style><title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working GroupDRAFT: contains contributions received through 1/6</title></head><body style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, Arial; background: rgb(254,250,246)"> 37 thead.r th {text-align: left}</style><title>Report to Area Meeting from the Future of Victoria Terrace Working GroupDRAFT: contains contributions received through 1/6</title></head><body style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, Arial; background: rgb(254,250,246)">
41 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade, 42 Laurie Naumann, Rufus Reade,
42 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div> 43 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div>
43 <div class="byline">2 June 2009</div> 44 <div class="byline">2 June 2009</div>
44 45
45 </div> 46 </div>
46 <div class="toc"><h1>Table of Contents</h1><ul class="naked"><li><h2>1. <a href="#intro">Background and introduction: The remit of the working group</a></h2></li><li><h2>2. <a href="#exec">Executive summary of work and conclusions</a></h2></li><li><h2>3. <a href="#history">The past</a></h2></li><li><h2>4. <a href="#present">The present</a></h2></li><li><h2>5. <a href="#future">The future</a></h2></li><li><h2>6. <a href="#appendices">Appendices</a></h2></li><li><h4>6.1. <a href="#remit">Appendix A: Remit from Area Meeting</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.2. <a href="#quests">Appendix B: Questionnaires for different user groups</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.3. <a href="#open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.4. <a href="#other">Appendix ?: What else?</a></h4></li></ul></div><div id="intro"> 47 <div class="toc"><h1>Table of Contents</h1><ul class="naked"><li><h2>1. <a href="#intro">Background and introduction: The remit of the working group</a></h2></li><li><h2>2. <a href="#exec">Executive summary of work and conclusions</a></h2></li><li><h2>3. <a href="#history">The past</a></h2></li><li><h2>4. <a href="#present">The present</a></h2></li><li><h2>5. <a href="#future">The future</a></h2></li><li><h2>6. <a href="#appendices">Appendices</a></h2></li><li><h4>6.1. <a href="#remit">Appendix A: Remit from Area Meeting</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.2. <a href="#quests">Appendix B: Questionnaires for different user groups</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.3. <a href="#open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4></li><li><h4>6.4. <a href="#other"><span style="color: red">Appendix ?: What else?</span></a></h4></li><li><h4>6.5. <a href="#refs">Other sources</a></h4></li></ul></div><div id="intro">
47 <h2>1. <a name="intro">Background and introduction: The remit of the working group</a></h2> 48 <h2>1. <a name="intro">Background and introduction: The remit of the working group</a></h2>
48 <p>In August and October of 2008, South East Scotland Area Meeting 49 <p>In August and October of 2008, South East Scotland Area Meeting
49 "considered the history and prospects for the Quaker Meeting House at 7 50 "considered the history and prospects for the Quaker Meeting House at 7
50 Victoria Terrace". The end result was the creation of a "short-life working 51 Victoria Terrace". The end result was the creation of a "short-life working
51 group", requested to report back to Area Meeting in June 2009. The group 52 group", requested to report back to Area Meeting in June 2009. The group
80 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria 81 attempt to find somewhere which provides essentially the same facilities as 7 Victoria
81 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to 82 Terrace, or somewhere more modest, or more than one place? Do we look for somewhere to
82 share, or somewhere of our own? If we stay, do we reduce our use, and with it our costs, or 83 share, or somewhere of our own? If we stay, do we reduce our use, and with it our costs, or
83 do we continue more-or-less as at present, or do we try to do more? How do each of these 84 do we continue more-or-less as at present, or do we try to do more? How do each of these
84 choices align with our vision for Quaker presence and witness in Edinburgh?</p> 85 choices align with our vision for Quaker presence and witness in Edinburgh?</p>
85 <p>[more, or leave it at that?]</p> 86 <p><span style="color: red">[more, or leave it at that?]</span></p>
86 </div><div id="history"> 87 </div><div id="history">
87 <h2>3. <a name="history">The past</a></h2> 88 <h2>3. <a name="history">The past</a></h2>
88 <div> 89 <div>
89 <h4>Origins</h4> 90 <h4>Origins</h4>
90 91
163 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting. 164 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting.
164 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. 165 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.
165 </p> 166 </p>
166 <div class="figure"> 167 <div class="figure">
167 <div class="caption">Figure 1. 168 <div class="caption">Figure 1.
168 [Insert room plans from publicity leaflet -- argh, where are these coming from?!] 169 <span style="color: red">[Insert room plans from publicity leaflet -- argh, where are these coming from?!]</span>
169 </div> 170 </div>
170 </div> 171 </div>
171 <p>There follows a description of each room, working down from the top.</p> 172 <p>There follows a description of each room, working down from the top.</p>
172 <ul> 173 <ul>
173 <li> 174 <li>
330 <h4>Recent developments</h4> 331 <h4>Recent developments</h4>
331 332
332 <p>Pat and Phil Lucas retired in April 2007 and Sue and Anthony Buxton succeeded them as Meeting House managers, also sharing one full-time job. The changes that have taken place during the past two years reflect in part their priorities for the development of the building and developments in health and safety and particularly food hygiene regulations and the way in which these have been interpreted.</p> 333 <p>Pat and Phil Lucas retired in April 2007 and Sue and Anthony Buxton succeeded them as Meeting House managers, also sharing one full-time job. The changes that have taken place during the past two years reflect in part their priorities for the development of the building and developments in health and safety and particularly food hygiene regulations and the way in which these have been interpreted.</p>
333 <p>An early bird meeting for worship has been initiated at 334 <p>An early bird meeting for worship has been initiated at
334 8 am 335 8 am
335 each weekday for 30 minutes. Use of the Meeting House kitchen has been tightened up and restricted with home-made food not permitted to be brought in or served. The ambience of the hall and library have been improved through redecoration and new table storage. Food and drinks (other than water) are no longer served in the Meeting Room or its lobby. Groups using the second floor during the day and requiring refreshment come down to the Library for that purpose, usually taking the Library out of use as a place for separate meetings at those times. The lettings calendar is considerably less busy than it was four or five years ago; this may be due in part to the difficulty of access during the building work on the terrace and in part to the current recession. 336 each weekday for 30 minutes. Use of the Meeting House kitchen has been tightened up and restricted with home-made food not permitted to be brought in or served. The ambiance of the hall and library have been improved through redecoration and new table storage. Food and drinks (other than water) are no longer served in the Meeting Room or its lobby. Groups using the second floor during the day and requiring refreshment come down to the Library for that purpose, usually taking the Library out of use as a place for separate meetings at those times. The lettings calendar is considerably less busy than it was four or five years ago; this may be due in part to the difficulty of access during the building work on the terrace and in part to the current recession.
336 </p> 337 </p>
337 </div> 338 </div>
338 </div> 339 </div>
339 <div> 340 <div>
340 <h4>Outline financial history</h4> 341 <h4>Outline financial history</h4>
482 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> 483 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>
483 </div> 484 </div>
484 <div> 485 <div>
485 <h4>Lettings</h4> 486 <h4>Lettings</h4>
486 <p>Since 2000 income from lettings has increased gradually until 2008 when there was a small decline.</p> 487 <p>Since 2000 income from lettings has increased gradually until 2008 when there was a small decline.</p>
487 <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 ambience. (People frequently say they do not like the formal service they get from hotels). We are not in the market for corporate events.</p> 488 <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>
488 <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> 489 <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>
489 <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> 490 <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>
490 <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> 491 <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>
491 <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> 492 <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>
492 <p>To give an idea of the pattern of non–Quaker lettings we have taken a recent six-week 493 <p>To give an idea of the pattern of non–Quaker lettings we have taken a recent six-week
537 </tbody> 538 </tbody>
538 </table> 539 </table>
539 <div class="caption">Figure 3. Non-Quaker groups using the Meeting House: number of people, the rooms used and the rent charged</div> 540 <div class="caption">Figure 3. Non-Quaker groups using the Meeting House: number of people, the rooms used and the rent charged</div>
540 </div> 541 </div>
541 <div class="figure"> 542 <div class="figure">
542 <p>??? didn't get anything for this from Madeleine ???</p> 543 <table>
543 <div class="caption">Figure 4. How long the lets were for and the number each week</div> 544 <thead>
545 <tr><th/>
546 <th>Week of
547 6th-12th April</th><th>Week of
548 13th-19th April</th><th>Week of
549 20th-26th April</th><th>Week of
550 27th April-3rd May</th><th>Week of
551 4th-10th May</th><th>Week of
552 11th-17th May</th>
553 </tr>
554 </thead>
555 <tbody>
556 <tr>
557 <td>All-day bookings</td><td class="h">
558 3</td><td class="h">
559 2</td><td class="h">
560 4</td><td class="h">
561 4</td><td class="h">
562 4</td><td class="h">
563 7</td>
564 </tr>
565 <tr>
566 <td>2-3 hour bookings</td><td class="h">
567 15</td><td class="h">
568 13</td><td class="h">
569 20</td><td class="h">
570 21</td><td class="h">
571 24</td><td class="h">
572 19</td>
573 </tr>
574 </tbody>
575 </table>
576 <div class="caption">Figure 4. Number and duration of lets, by week,
577 spring 2009</div>
544 </div> 578 </div>
545 <p>In all there were 132 lets over this 6-week period. 579 <p>In all there were <span style="color: red">136 [??]</span> lets over this 6-week period.
546 Costs will depend on size of group, length of time they needed space and which room(s) they rent. There is also a cost for refreshments, including tea, coffee and/or lunch.</p> 580 Costs will depend on size of group, length of time they needed space and which room(s) they rent. There is also a cost for refreshments, including tea, coffee and/or lunch.</p>
547 <p>It was not possible to know from the non-Quaker groups how they rated the premises. However there were over thirty groups using the building which feels very positive.</p> 581 <p>It was not possible to know from the non-Quaker groups how they rated the premises. However there were over thirty groups using the building which feels very positive.</p>
548 <p>It is unclear if we should or could increase income by raising the letting rates. Trustees are aware the lettings levels have fallen, especially daytime use. A possible reason for this could be greater competition in the area for the level of provision we offer. Our letting charges are comparable with other churches/halls in the area.</p> 582 <p>It is unclear if we should or could increase income by raising the letting rates. Trustees are aware the lettings levels have fallen, especially daytime use. A possible reason for this could be greater competition in the area for the level of provision we offer. Our letting charges are comparable with other churches/halls in the area.</p>
549 <p>On the plus side it is an advantage having managers on site and we 583 <p>On the plus side it is an advantage having managers on site and we
550 have a good informative website.</p> 584 have a good informative website.</p>
551 <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> 585 <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>
552 </div> 586 </div>
553 <div> 587 <div>
554 <h4>Festival Fringe</h4> 588 <h4>Festival Fringe</h4>
555 <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> 589 <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>
556 <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> 590 <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>
557 </div> 591 </div>
558 <div> 592 <div>
559 <h4>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting 593 <h4>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting
560 House</h4> 594 House</h4>
561 <p>See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</p> 595 <p><span style="color: red">See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</span></p>
562 <p>People felt they were not entirely 596 <p>People felt they were not entirely
563 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible, 597 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible,
564 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p> 598 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p>
565 599
566 <p>Disabled access is difficult at present but 600 <p>Disabled access is difficult at present but
595 <p>Ideally placed for outreach</p> 629 <p>Ideally placed for outreach</p>
596 </div> 630 </div>
597 </div> 631 </div>
598 <div> 632 <div>
599 <h4>Building staff and management</h4> 633 <h4>Building staff and management</h4>
600 <p>AM, Trustees, Fabric &amp; Maintenance, [Managers' support group?]</p> 634 <p><span style="color: red">AM, Trustees, Fabric &amp; Maintenance, [Managers' support group?]</span></p>
601 <p>Managers, Ass't Mgr, as-required staff</p> 635 <p><span style="color: red">Managers, Ass't Mgr, as-required staff</span></p>
602 </div> 636 </div>
603 <div> 637 <div>
604 <h4>Building finances</h4> 638 <h4>Building finances</h4>
605 <p> 639 <p>
606 The table below summarises the 2008 income and expenditure and demonstrates the dependency on lettings and members and attenders' contributions for income. As far as expenditure was concerned, 2008 was what could be considered a fairly unusual year with elements of one-off capital expenditure on the stonework and the fees for the architect's quinquennial technical review of the property that we have to have to plan for its future maintenance.</p><div class="figure"> 640 The table below summarises the 2008 income and expenditure and demonstrates the dependency on lettings and members and attenders' contributions for income. As far as expenditure was concerned, 2008 was what could be considered a fairly unusual year with elements of one-off capital expenditure on the stonework and the fees for the architect's quinquennial technical review of the property that we have to have to plan for its future maintenance.</p><div class="figure">
653 </div> 687 </div>
654 <p>Of the total 2008 shortfall, roughly £9,000 is owed to one-off expenditures, 688 <p>Of the total 2008 shortfall, roughly £9,000 is owed to one-off expenditures,
655 leaving only £27,000 owed to ongoing operations, that is, roughly the same as 689 leaving only £27,000 owed to ongoing operations, that is, roughly the same as
656 that for 2007.</p> 690 that for 2007.</p>
657 <p> 691 <p>
658 [<i>Need for a 2009 budget summary to be added and commented upon.</i>] 692 <span style="color: red">[Need for a 2009 budget summary to be added and commented upon.]</span>
659 </p> 693 </p>
660 <p> 694 <p>
661 In order to meet the requirements of the 21st century, in terms of 695 In order to meet the requirements of the 21st century, in terms of
662 premises that can be let out, a number of further improvements would 696 premises that can be let out, a number of further improvements would
663 have to be undertaken. Health and safety requirements have stipulated 697 have to be undertaken. Health and safety requirements have stipulated
664 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of 698 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of
665 £30,000 if cooking is to be undertaken and offered for sale, for example in conjunction with the <i>Rainforest Café</i> at the time of the Festival Fringe. Extending and improving the toilets is estimated would come to about £50,000 and opening the crèche to the library about another £5k. No figures are available [<i>as far as I can remember</i>] for the re-hanging and further insulation of the windows to the south west of the building or for improving the heating. 699 £30,000 if cooking is to be undertaken and offered for sale, for
700 example in conjunction with the <i>Rainforest Café</i> at
701 the time of the Festival Fringe. Extending and improving the toilets
702 is estimated would come to about £50,000 and opening the
703 crèche to the library about another £5k. No figures are
704 available [<span style="color: red">as far as I can remember</span>] for the re-hanging and further insulation of the windows to the south west of the building or for improving the heating.
666 </p> 705 </p>
667 706
668 </div> 707 </div>
669 </div><div id="future"> 708 </div><div id="future">
670 <h2>5. <a name="future">The future</a></h2> 709 <h2>5. <a name="future">The future</a></h2>
846 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the 885 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the
847 presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and 886 presence of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish offices of financial, church and
848 corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker 887 corporate bodies, such as Christian Aid. This would enable us to present our Quaker
849 witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists 888 witness to these bodies and to the general public, including the large numbers of tourists
850 and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith 889 and visitors to the city. However, it cannot be assumed that Friends in Scotland outwith
851 Edinburgh would be happy to recognize us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there 890 Edinburgh would be happy to recognise us as a Scottish Quaker Centre. Indeed, there
852 are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of 'ownership' of 7 891 are Friends in the Area Meeting who do not have any feeling of 'ownership' of 7
853 Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not 892 Victoria Terrace nor any sense of involvement in its activities. It is also the case that not
854 all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from 893 all members of Edinburgh Central welcome the disruption and disturbance arising from
855 our Festival activities.</p> 894 our Festival activities.</p>
856 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace 895 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace
857 because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and 896 because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and
858 the Festival.</p> 897 the Festival.</p>
898 <p><span style="color: red">Is this enough?</span></p>
859 </div> 899 </div>
860 <div> 900 <div>
861 <h4>Conclusions</h4> 901 <h4>Conclusions</h4>
862 <p>How the practicalities and the vision fit (or don't). What does AM do 902 <p><span style="color: red">How the practicalities and the vision fit (or don't). What does AM do
863 next. . .</p> 903 next. . .</span></p>
864 </div> 904 </div>
865 </div><div id="appendices"> 905 </div><div id="appendices">
866 <h2>6. <a name="appendices">Appendices</a></h2> 906 <h2>6. <a name="appendices">Appendices</a></h2>
867 <p>Material we've gathered (what do we keep back?)</p> 907 <p>Material we've gathered (what do we keep back?)</p>
868 <div id="remit"> 908 <div id="remit">
873 </div> 913 </div>
874 <div id="open"> 914 <div id="open">
875 <h4>6.3. <a name="open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4> 915 <h4>6.3. <a name="open">Appendix C: Summary of contributions from open meetings</a></h4>
876 </div> 916 </div>
877 <div id="other"> 917 <div id="other">
878 <h4>6.4. <a name="other">Appendix ?: What else?</a></h4> 918 <h4>6.4. <a name="other"><span style="color: red">Appendix ?: What else?</span></a></h4>
919 </div>
920 <div id="refs">
921 <h4>6.5. <a name="refs">Other sources</a></h4>
922 <p>The following documents, while not part of this report, have been
923 submitted to Area Meeting as they provided input to our work:</p>
924 <ul>
925 <li>Summary budget figures from John Phillips</li>
926 <li>Report to Trustees by Kath Russell of Woodbrooke</li>
927 <li>Meeting House Managers' input(s) ???</li>
928 <li>Results of questionnaire to Central Edinburgh members and attenders
929 <span style="color: red">or maybe not ???</span></li>
930 <li><span style="color: red">What else?</span></li>
931 </ul>
879 </div> 932 </div>
880 </div> 933 </div>
881 </body></html> 934 </body></html>