TMB/58
Minutes
STRODE COLLEGE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
THEATRE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
MINUTES of the 58th meeting of the Theatre Board of Management held on Tuesday 9 October 2012
MEMBERS
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Sarah Acreman
Peter Andrews
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Dennis Barwell
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Tim Blake
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Richard Clark
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Anna Clarke
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Becky Edwards
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Hywel Jenkins
Matt Holmes
IN ATTENDANCE
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James Staniforth
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David Mozley
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Sue Snell
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Wendy Cavill
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Delyth Wride
(* those present)
535
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Liz Leyshon
Mike Linham
Val Lukins (until 6.30pm)
Garry Marsh
Mark Moran (Chair)
Terry Napper
Brendan Sadler
Ray Wright
Principal
Governor
Clerk to the Governors
Minutes Secretary
Theatre Audiences
Apologies for Absence and Welcome
Action
Apologies were received from Matt Holmes and Terry Napper
536
Confirmation of the Minutes
The Minutes of the 57th meeting, held on 1 May 2012, were confirmed as a correct
record and signed by Mark Moran.
The annual Committee Self-Assessment for 2011/2012 was confirmed as a correct
record and signed by Mark Moran.
537
Matters Arising from the Minutes
537.1 Theatre water costs (Minute 529.1, bullet point 4) It was noted that
following a review costs had slightly reduced.
537.2 Additional bar sales (Minute 529.1, bullet point 6): Following discussion at
a meeting of the Friends of Strode Theatre and refresher training for
volunteer ushers there had been unanimous agreement that bar sales
should be kept in the bar. Liz Leyshon reported that only a few patrons
raise objections to being unable to take refreshments into the Theatre. It
was noted that bar income is particularly strong.
537.3 Current membership and terms of reference (Minute 532) The Board noted
the change to the terms of reference. David Mozley will be attending the
Theatre Board.
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538
Income and Expenditure
538.1 Income and Expenditure Accounts: outturn 2011/2012 & Proposed Budget
2012/13 (document previously circulated)
Becky Edwards spoke to the report.
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539
The Board noted the very positive variance against budget against the
notional contribution from the College which was reduced last year and a
reduction that will be maintained in 2012/13.
The introduction of Alternative Content and a one off grant from British Film
Institute had contributed significantly to the positive outturn.
The Board formally recorded their thanks to Liz Leyshon and the Theatre
Team for their continuing hard work to make the Theatre such a success.
The Board noted the final proposed budget for 2012/13 and projected net
programme surplus.
Additional fund raising events will be put in place to raise revenue in
2012/13.
It was noted that Strode Theatre is very grateful to have the continued
support of Street Parish Council.
Theatre Programming and Fundraising Priorities 2012/2014 (oral update)
Mark Moran reported that following College’s change of circumstances last year a
three-year planning cycle was underway for both the College and the Theatre. The
purpose of the Theatre plan was to stimulate ideas and consider how things may
change going forward.
539.1 It was noted there had to be a move towards a more sustainable
programme (live theatre, both professional and amateur, film and
alternative content). The process is due to be complete in 6-8 months as
part of the new Three Year Plan. In the new funding environment, it will
no longer be possible to accommodate every request for Theatre hiring.
539.2 Event planning: the addition of alternative content has necessitated a
change to planning the event timetable which has had a knock on effect on
the film programme as well as other users and when their bookings can be
confirmed.
539.3 There were continuing difficulties with National Theatre Live in terms of
when they release their programmes.
539.4 Ticket prices may be reviewed in the future particularly for alternative
content.
540
Theatre Manager’s Report (document previously circulated)
The Board noted the Theatre Manager’s report.
It was noted that:
 The show by show is split into five areas to identify areas of contribution.
Film contributes 53% of theatre audiences.
 Sunday bookings have increased, both for rehearsals and for alternative
content/films.
 It was noted that Mary Bridges will be retiring in December 2012 after 30
years’ service. Details of her leaving party will be issued in due course.
 The process for appointing an Assistant Manager will commence in due
course.
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Val Lukins left at this point 6.30pm
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541
It was noted that audiences are polarising and marked shifts between
programme preferences have been noted.
Any Other Business
541.1 Next October is the 50th anniversary of the opening of Strode Theatre.
Ideas for ways of celebrating the event will be sought from all groups of
Theatre users. The Theatre Board members were asked to submit their
ideas to the next Board in February 2013.
542
Date of next meeting
Tuesday 5 February 2013 at 5.30 pm
The meeting closed at 6.50 pm
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