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some intro
author ht
date Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:11:17 -0400
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40 Laurie Naumann, 40 Laurie Naumann,
41 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div> 41 Eileen Schott, Henry S. Thompson</div>
42 <div class="byline">1 June 2009</div> 42 <div class="byline">1 June 2009</div>
43 43
44 </div> 44 </div>
45 45 <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></ul></div><div id="intro">
46 <div> 46 <h2>1. <a name="intro">Background and introduction: The remit of the working group</a></h2>
47 <h2>1. Background and Introduction: The remit of the Working Group</h2> 47 <p>In August and October of 2008, South East Scotland Area Meeting
48 </div> 48 "considered the history and prospects for the Quaker Meeting House at 7
49 <div> 49 Victoria Terrace". The end result was the creation of a "short-life working
50 <h2>2. Executive summary of work and conclusions</h2> 50 group", requested to report back to Area Meeting in June 2009. The group
51 </div> 51 consists of the Friends named above, convened by Henry S. Thompson. Further
52 <div> 52 details on the history and remit of the group can be found in Appendix A to this report.</p>
53 <h2>3. The past</h2> 53 <p>The group has taken as its fundamental goal to gather as much information
54 as possible to assist Area Meeting in clarifying its vision for the future
55 Quaker presence and witness in Central Edinburgh, the part 7 Victoria Terrace
56 might play in that future, and the costs and benefits of alternative ways
57 forward in this regard.</p>
58 <p>This report has three main sections, organised chronologically, covering
59 the history of the Quaker ownership of 7 Victoria Terrace, its current
60 situation, and a range of possibilities for the future. These are preceded by
61 a brief 'executive summary' of our work and its conclusions, and followed by a
62 collection of background material.</p>
63 <p>Although in the end it is our judgement that some options make more sense
64 going forward than others, we have <i>not</i> felt that it was our place
65 to make any overall recommendations. We feel strongly that it is for Area
66 Meeting, gathered in Meeting for Worship for Business, to discern the right way
67 forward.</p>
68 </div><div id="exec">
69 <h2>2. <a name="exec">Executive summary of work and conclusions</a></h2>
70 <p>The working group met a total of twelve times throughout the first five
71 months of 2009. We invited a number of people to join us to share their particular
72 perspectives on the matter, solicited information from a number of different
73 constituencies via questionnaires and held two open meetings for Friends and
74 attenders to share with us their answers to the question "What is your vision for the Quaker presence and witness in
75 Central Edinburgh for the <i>next</i> 20 years."</p>
76 </div><div id="history">
77 <h2>3. <a name="history">The past</a></h2>
54 <div> 78 <div>
55 <h4>3.1. Origins</h4> 79 <h4>Origins</h4>
56 <p><i>Why did we come to Victoria Terrace?</i></p> 80 <p><i>Why did we come to Victoria Terrace?</i></p>
57 81
58 <p>We moved to 7, Victoria Terrace from 82 <p>We moved to 7, Victoria Terrace from
59 premises at 28 Stafford Street 83 premises at 28 Stafford Street
60 some 20 years ago. The Meeting was growing and we needed more space.</p> 84 some 20 years ago. The Meeting was growing and we needed more space.</p>
114 the Scottish wild life garden in Johnston Terrace. This is very welcome for all 138 the Scottish wild life garden in Johnston Terrace. This is very welcome for all
115 but particularly for the children---a garden opens up lots of possibilities for 139 but particularly for the children---a garden opens up lots of possibilities for
116 fun and learning.</p> 140 fun and learning.</p>
117 </div> 141 </div>
118 <div> 142 <div>
119 <h4>3.2. Building structure</h4> 143 <h4>Building structure</h4>
120 <p> 144 <p>
121 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting. Apart from the internal re-fitting described in 3.1 above, 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. 145 The building was in quite a poor state when it was purchased by the Monthly Meeting. Apart from the internal re-fitting described in 3.1 above, 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.
122 </p> 146 </p>
123 <p> 147 <p>
124 <i> 148 <i>
201 </p> 225 </p>
202 </li> 226 </li>
203 </ul> 227 </ul>
204 </div> 228 </div>
205 <div> 229 <div>
206 <h4>3.3. Outline history of building use</h4> 230 <h4>Outline history of building use</h4>
207 <p>QVS, (not) GMfS, Venue 40, AM and GM groups, Commercial/charitable 231 <p>QVS, (not) GMfS, Venue 40, AM and GM groups, Commercial/charitable
208 letting; Wardens and Managers timeline</p> 232 letting; Wardens and Managers timeline</p>
209 <p> 233 <p>
210 The principal reasons which led to the decision to purchase the Victoria Terrace building were: 234 The principal reasons which led to the decision to purchase the Victoria Terrace building were:
211 </p> 235 </p>
216 </ol> 240 </ol>
217 <p> 241 <p>
218 To service this building it was decided to appoint wardening staff who would be in sympathy with these aims and who would develop the use of the building along these lines. The first warden appointed was Lise Bech, who moved in with her partner, Ian. 242 To service this building it was decided to appoint wardening staff who would be in sympathy with these aims and who would develop the use of the building along these lines. The first warden appointed was Lise Bech, who moved in with her partner, Ian.
219 </p> 243 </p>
220 <div> 244 <div>
221 <h4>3.3.1. Early developments in Meeting House use</h4> 245 <h4>Early developments in Meeting House use</h4>
222 <p>Quaker use of the building developed well in the early years, as did community use. A group, which included Lise saw from the beginning the opportunity offered by the August Festival Fringe to develop the use and profile of the building. Lise was an able vegetarian/vegan cook. She and others had ‘green' concerns and it was decided to run the Library as the ‘Rainforest Cafe' for two weeks during the Fringe, raising money for rainforest charities. The Hall and Meeting Room were offered for exhibition and concert use concurrent with this. 246 <p>Quaker use of the building developed well in the early years, as did community use. A group, which included Lise saw from the beginning the opportunity offered by the August Festival Fringe to develop the use and profile of the building. Lise was an able vegetarian/vegan cook. She and others had ‘green' concerns and it was decided to run the Library as the ‘Rainforest Cafe' for two weeks during the Fringe, raising money for rainforest charities. The Hall and Meeting Room were offered for exhibition and concert use concurrent with this.
223 </p> 247 </p>
224 <p>There were some tensions between the wardens and the Meeting in these early years. Mark and Anna, a young couple who were still students, were appointed to work with Lise. They moved into the top flat and Lise into the smaller third floor flat, but this team did not work well together and eventually Lise moved out, to be replaced temporarily by a young Australian woman, Sam Graham. A support group of Friends, which included Archie Campbell and Jennie Nielson was now in place, which had the specific purpose of ensuring a Quaker profile for the building. By 1994, they were running a rota to staff the building on Wednesdays to greet visitors, advise any who had problems and explain Quakerism. For a few months, after Mark and Anna left, the building was staffed by these Friends with the aid of Sam and three or four other students (including Andy May). 248 <p>There were some tensions between the wardens and the Meeting in these early years. Mark and Anna, a young couple who were still students, were appointed to work with Lise. They moved into the top flat and Lise into the smaller third floor flat, but this team did not work well together and eventually Lise moved out, to be replaced temporarily by a young Australian woman, Sam Graham. A support group of Friends, which included Archie Campbell and Jennie Nielson was now in place, which had the specific purpose of ensuring a Quaker profile for the building. By 1994, they were running a rota to staff the building on Wednesdays to greet visitors, advise any who had problems and explain Quakerism. For a few months, after Mark and Anna left, the building was staffed by these Friends with the aid of Sam and three or four other students (including Andy May).
225 </p> 249 </p>
226 <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. 250 <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.
227 </p> 251 </p>
228 </div> 252 </div>
229 <div> 253 <div>
230 <h4>3.3.2. Use of the Meeting House and income from lettings develop</h4> 254 <h4>Use of the Meeting House and income from lettings develop</h4>
231 <p>Income from lettings in 1994 was about £14k. 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 – the evening so reserved seldom suited the committee that wanted it – so committees and groups which were unable to plan sufficiently in advance became accustomed to meeting in homes. 255 <p>Income from lettings in 1994 was about £14k. 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 – the evening so reserved seldom suited the committee that wanted it – so committees and groups which were unable to plan sufficiently in advance became accustomed to meeting in homes.
232 </p> 256 </p>
233 <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 charges 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 257 <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 charges 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
234 9 am 258 9 am
235 until 259 until
240 </p> 264 </p>
241 <p>Increase in the use of the building necessitated an increase in staff and it was particularly important to ensure continuity of standards of service during the managers' absence on holidays and days off. There has been a deputy warden/manager appointed for the past 12 years or so and this has usually been a residential post, with the appointee occupying the smaller flat. Deputy managers have included Andy May, Doug Kline, Finn Pollard, Philip Davies, Mary Woodward and Tom Nisbet. Additional staffing, all paid, has been provided by members of the Meeting and by students, also usually attenders or members. The role title of the wardens was changed to managers some 7 or 8 years ago, this job title more accurately reflecting the managerial responsibility the post now carries. 265 <p>Increase in the use of the building necessitated an increase in staff and it was particularly important to ensure continuity of standards of service during the managers' absence on holidays and days off. There has been a deputy warden/manager appointed for the past 12 years or so and this has usually been a residential post, with the appointee occupying the smaller flat. Deputy managers have included Andy May, Doug Kline, Finn Pollard, Philip Davies, Mary Woodward and Tom Nisbet. Additional staffing, all paid, has been provided by members of the Meeting and by students, also usually attenders or members. The role title of the wardens was changed to managers some 7 or 8 years ago, this job title more accurately reflecting the managerial responsibility the post now carries.
242 </p> 266 </p>
243 </div> 267 </div>
244 <div> 268 <div>
245 <h4>3.3.3. Quaker Link Scotland</h4> 269 <h4>Quaker Link Scotland</h4>
246 <p>At the time that Phil and Pat Lucas were appointed, Marion Morton was clerk of General Meeting for 270 <p>At the time that Phil and Pat Lucas were appointed, Marion Morton was clerk of General Meeting for
247 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. 271 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.
248 </p> 272 </p>
249 <p>A GM group was now looking at developing the Quaker base and presence in 273 <p>A GM group was now looking at developing the Quaker base and presence in
250 Scotland, including the appointment of an administrative assistant to support the GM Clerk. It was thought by some that this should be 274 Scotland, including the appointment of an administrative assistant to support the GM Clerk. It was thought by some that this should be
260 Scotland 284 Scotland
261 thus disappeared. 285 thus disappeared.
262 </p> 286 </p>
263 </div> 287 </div>
264 <div> 288 <div>
265 <h4>3.3.4. Venue 40 – the Festival Fringe</h4> 289 <h4>Venue 40 – the Festival Fringe</h4>
266 290
267 <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 cafe 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 291 <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 cafe 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
268 Britain 292 Britain
269 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. 293 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.
270 </p> 294 </p>
271 </div> 295 </div>
272 <div> 296 <div>
273 <h4>3.3.5. Recent developments </h4> 297 <h4>Recent developments </h4>
274 298
275 <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. 299 <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.
276 </p> 300 </p>
277 <p>An early bird meeting for worship has been initiated at 301 <p>An early bird meeting for worship has been initiated at
278 8 am 302 8 am
279 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. 303 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.
280 </p> 304 </p>
281 </div> 305 </div>
282 </div> 306 </div>
283 <div> 307 <div>
284 <h4>3.4. Outline financial history</h4> 308 <h4>Outline financial history</h4>
285 <p>The Monthly Meeting sold the previous Meeting House premises in Stafford 309 <p>The Monthly Meeting sold the previous Meeting House premises in Stafford
286 Street in 1987 and bought Victoria Terrace, a listed building, and one adjacent 310 Street in 1987 and bought Victoria Terrace, a listed building, and one adjacent
287 flat in West Bow, for £138,000 with the sale proceeds. (An further flat 311 flat in West Bow, for £138,000 with the sale proceeds. (An further flat
288 in West Bow was purchased in 1995 for £25,000). A fund raising appeal and 312 in West Bow was purchased in 1995 for £25,000). A fund raising appeal and
289 a contribution (for stonework) from Historic Scotland covered a further 313 a contribution (for stonework) from Historic Scotland covered a further
398 took place in the premises. The above calculation is based on the 2008 422 took place in the premises. The above calculation is based on the 2008
399 charitable rate that would have been charged in Victoria Terrace for the 423 charitable rate that would have been charged in Victoria Terrace for the
400 appropriate room. This sum represents just over half of the deficit met by 424 appropriate room. This sum represents just over half of the deficit met by
401 the Area Meeting in 2007 and 2008, and exceeds the deficit in previous years.</p> 425 the Area Meeting in 2007 and 2008, and exceeds the deficit in previous years.</p>
402 </div> 426 </div>
403 </div> 427 </div><div id="present">
404 <div> 428 <h2>4. <a name="present">The present</a></h2>
405 <h2>4. The present</h2>
406 <div> 429 <div>
407 <h4>4.1. Building use</h4> 430 <h4>Building use</h4>
408 <p>MfW, QGroups, lettings: rough breakdown by hours and days of week</p> 431 <p>MfW, QGroups, lettings: rough breakdown by hours and days of week</p>
409 <p>Including information from questionnaires</p> 432 <p>Including information from questionnaires</p>
410 <div> 433 <div>
411 <h4>4.1.1. Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting 434 <h4>Summary of input from Quaker Groups which use the Meeting
412 House</h4> 435 House</h4>
413 <p>See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</p> 436 <p>See Questionnaire ?? in Appendix ??</p>
414 <p>People felt they were not entirely 437 <p>People felt they were not entirely
415 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible, 438 dependant on Victoria Terrace but for meetings it was felt to be accessible,
416 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p> 439 convenient and the "right" place to meet. Good access by public transport.</p>
446 469
447 <p>Ideally placed for outreach</p> 470 <p>Ideally placed for outreach</p>
448 </div> 471 </div>
449 </div> 472 </div>
450 <div> 473 <div>
451 <h4>4.2. Building staff and management</h4> 474 <h4>Building staff and management</h4>
452 <p>AM, Trustees, Fabric &amp; Maintenance, [Managers' support group?]</p> 475 <p>AM, Trustees, Fabric &amp; Maintenance, [Managers' support group?]</p>
453 <p>Managers, Ass't Mgr, as-required staff</p> 476 <p>Managers, Ass't Mgr, as-required staff</p>
454 </div> 477 </div>
455 <div> 478 <div>
456 <h4>4.3. Building finances</h4> 479 <h4>Building finances</h4>
457 <p> 480 <p>
458 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"> 481 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">
459 <table> 482 <table>
460 <thead> 483 <thead>
461 <tr> 484 <tr>
522 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of 545 improvements to the kitchen likely to cost in the region of
523 £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. 546 £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.
524 </p> 547 </p>
525 548
526 </div> 549 </div>
527 </div> 550 </div><div id="future">
528 <div> 551 <h2>5. <a name="future">The future</a></h2>
529 <h2>5. The future</h2>
530 <div> 552 <div>
531 <h4>5.1. Practicalities</h4> 553 <h4>Practicalities</h4>
532 <div> 554 <div>
533 <h4>5.1.1. Stay in Victoria Terrace</h4> 555 <h4>Stay in Victoria Terrace</h4>
534 <div> 556 <div>
535 <h4>5.1.1.1. Do Less</h4> 557 <h4>Do Less</h4>
536 <p> 558 <p>
537 One option would be to do less than at present. That could mean reducing the hours that the building is open 559 One option would be to do less than at present. That could mean reducing the hours that the building is open
538 </p> 560 </p>
539 <ul> 561 <ul>
540 <li> 562 <li>
594 <p> 616 <p>
595 It is clear from our initial consultations that radical changes would change the nature of the Meeting and affect the users of the building. 617 It is clear from our initial consultations that radical changes would change the nature of the Meeting and affect the users of the building.
596 </p> 618 </p>
597 </div> 619 </div>
598 <div> 620 <div>
599 <h4>5.1.1.2. Steady On</h4> 621 <h4>Steady On</h4>
600 <p> 622 <p>
601 The meeting could continue to be open for Quaker and non-Quaker activities but we could look for savings and raise money to meet the cost of essential maintenance and upgrading of facilities. 623 The meeting could continue to be open for Quaker and non-Quaker activities but we could look for savings and raise money to meet the cost of essential maintenance and upgrading of facilities.
602 </p> 624 </p>
603 <ul> 625 <ul>
604 <li> 626 <li>
611 <p> 633 <p>
612 The group looked at selling the building, renting premises and relocating to the outskirts of the city and these are not viable options. 634 The group looked at selling the building, renting premises and relocating to the outskirts of the city and these are not viable options.
613 </p> 635 </p>
614 </div> 636 </div>
615 <div> 637 <div>
616 <h4>5.1.1.3. Do More</h4> 638 <h4>Do More</h4>
617 <p> 639 <p>
618 The Quakers and non-Quakers who responded to our questionnaire and Worship Sharing sessions said they value the building, its central location and what is available in the Meeting House. Successive Meeting House Managers have continually improved the appearance of the Meeting House. Doing more in the Meeting House and with the Meeting House could include 640 The Quakers and non-Quakers who responded to our questionnaire and Worship Sharing sessions said they value the building, its central location and what is available in the Meeting House. Successive Meeting House Managers have continually improved the appearance of the Meeting House. Doing more in the Meeting House and with the Meeting House could include
619 </p> 641 </p>
620 <ul> 642 <ul>
621 <li> 643 <li>
640 There are probably many more visions for the Meeting House and a strategy for fund raising on a larger scale would need to be put into operation. 662 There are probably many more visions for the Meeting House and a strategy for fund raising on a larger scale would need to be put into operation.
641 </p> 663 </p>
642 </div> 664 </div>
643 </div> 665 </div>
644 <div> 666 <div>
645 <h4>5.1.2. Leave Victoria Terrace</h4> 667 <h4>Leave Victoria Terrace</h4>
646 <ul> 668 <ul>
647 <li>Own premises (build/refit/share)</li> 669 <li>Own premises (build/refit/share)</li>
648 <li>Hire premises (Sole tenant/share)</li> 670 <li>Hire premises (Sole tenant/share)</li>
649 </ul> 671 </ul>
650 <p>One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though central it was not 'visible' to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no display windows and no involvement in the Festival. These would therefore be looked for in any alternative</p> 672 <p>One of the prime motivations for leaving Stafford Street was that though central it was not 'visible' to the public; it had no lettings of rooms, no display windows and no involvement in the Festival. These would therefore be looked for in any alternative</p>
688 café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls other 710 café, but might offer light refreshments and have an exhibition on walls other
689 those of the Meeting Room.</p> 711 those of the Meeting Room.</p>
690 </div> 712 </div>
691 </div> 713 </div>
692 <div> 714 <div>
693 <h4>5.2. The Vision</h4> 715 <h4>The Vision</h4>
694 <p>What do we want: summary of options, from our discussions and open meetings</p> 716 <p>What do we want: summary of options, from our discussions and open meetings</p>
695 <p>From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it would seem that the 717 <p>From the returned questionnaires and the discussions we have had it would seem that the
696 majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is 718 majority of users of the premises would prefer to remain in Victoria Terrace if this is
697 financially possible. </p> 719 financially possible. </p>
698 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the 720 <p>It is felt that we should be in the centre of Edinburgh for a number of reasons, such as the
708 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace 730 <p>Overall, we feel that most people have been positive about staying in Victoria Terrace
709 because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and 731 because it is central and visible, available and open. The doubts are about finance and
710 the Festival.</p> 732 the Festival.</p>
711 </div> 733 </div>
712 <div> 734 <div>
713 <h4>5.3. Conclusions</h4> 735 <h4>Conclusions</h4>
714 <p>How the practicalities and the vision fit (or don't). What does AM do 736 <p>How the practicalities and the vision fit (or don't). What does AM do
715 next. . .</p> 737 next. . .</p>
716 </div> 738 </div>
717 </div> 739 </div><div id="appendices">
718 <div> 740 <h2>6. <a name="appendices">Appendices</a></h2>
719 <h2>6. Appendices</h2>
720 <p>Material we've gathered (what do we keep back?)</p> 741 <p>Material we've gathered (what do we keep back?)</p>
742 <div id="remit">
743 <h4>6.1. <a name="remit">Appendix A: Remit from Area Meeting</a></h4>
744 </div>
721 </div> 745 </div>
722
723 </body></html> 746 </body></html>