Annex 2
ASCR Committee Report 2013-14
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Catering: Sodexo took over the UCL catering contract during January 2014 and achieved a
relatively smooth transition in the Housman Room including some helpful improvements.
Their contract manager attended the ASCR committee meeting in February. And, as a step
towards our long-term aim of improved kitchen facilities and serving area, Sodexo have
prepared a new design for that part of the Housman Room. The ASCR committee have
been consulted on the scheme and the drawings are with UCL Estates for consideration.
During the year the pump-clip on our regular beer changed from “Tribute” to “Housman Ale”:
our thanks to St Austell Brewery for allowing this change.
We have ongoing discussions with Sodexo on our request for a regular vegan hot meal
option, and for the purchase of new mugs.

Furniture: Another year has passed and the wicker-style chairs in the dining area have still
not been replaced. It now seems sensible to buy the new chairs when the changes to the
bar, kitchen and serving area are complete, hopefully in 2015. If that project is delayed we
will buy new cushions for the old chairs as a stop-gap measure.
It was pointed out during the year that the wooden arms of the leather dining chairs have
been damaging the octagonal tables with engraving around the edge. These table tops
have now been raised to prevent further damage. Another item on the agenda addresses
the future of the dining chairs themselves.
During the year a mega-recycling bin was located in the Housman Room. This has now
been replaced with less intrusive and equally effective bins.

Redecoration: The Housman Room was last decorated in the summer of 2009 and the
paintwork was starting to look grubby. We are grateful to Helen for arranging with UCL
Estates staff to have the worst areas repainted over a weekend at the end of October. It
was a great relief to have this done without the need for closure or relocation. However, we
should be preparing for another full redecoration, probably in the summer of 2018 or 2019.

Social Events: The ASCR organise Coffee Mornings with tasty pastries once each term.
The Wine Tasting in March was another great success, as was the Pimms, Strawberries
and Cream event in the summer. Earlier in the year, we organised informal evening recitals
of piano music: it is intended to resume this series in the New Year.

Membership: ASCR has approximately 2000 members. Use of the Housman Room is near
capacity, particularly at lunchtimes when we ask members to refrain from occupying tables
with laptop computers or for formal meetings. The room is also used extensively throughout
the day for meetings, social gatherings and relaxation. There have been membership
checks run by volunteers in the morning, at lunchtime, afternoon, and early evening. These
can cause some hold-ups to members, which is why introduction of a card access system is
being considered.

Once again members of the committee would like to record their thanks to Helen Skundric
for the friendly and efficient way she continues to manage the facilities and activities of the
ASCR.