The financial situation at Brigg's loss-making Angel Suite looks a good deal better, with increased bookings reducing the deficit considerably.
Town Clerk Jeanette Woollard told councillors an inquiry had even been received for a wedding function in two years' time.
Increased bookings have followed considerable marketing work carried out by Karen Deeley, the Angel Suite manager, in recent months, with positive comments received from hirers of the facility.
It's a pity that the enclosed, sunny conservartory of The Angel is not used as simple biscuit and coffee lounge.
ReplyDeleteIt's right at the heart of Brigg TC offices and North L,incs Coun Council...and then perhaps folks will perceive the Angel Suite more. Indeed, the Angel Suite suffers from its own isolation...and I suggest that a high proportion of Brigg's residents doesn't know of its location.
AND for what purpose is the old Brigg TC chamber, atop the Tourist Info now used?
A fine idea in principle Ken ... but one which the business community was not willing to take up when the Angel was renovated all those years ago, and resulted in the rooms which are now offices remaining empty for many years whilst they were marketed as a potential coffee shop/wine bar.
ReplyDeleteAs for the room above the Buttercross - it is owned by North Lincolnshire Council not the Town Council. Brigg T.C. used the old Glanford B.C. chamber at Hewson House prior to its move to the Angel Suite in 1996, not the Buttercross. The room is used for some'in house meetings' by North Lincolnshire Council but it can't be marketed for public hire due to the lack of disabled access, the cost of which is too prohibitive in comparison to the potential income that would be generated; and with the Angel Suite just across the way, why waste public money.
The Angel Suite does not (as you suggest) 'suffer from its own isolation'. Lack of use is not the problem at all - a typical week in the diary includes, indoor short mat bowls on Monday afternoon(open to all - just turn up and play) Breast Cancer Group Meeting / Flower Club demosntration / salsa and modern jive classes (every wednesday evening)no need to book just turn up and join in. Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness / early starters toddler group / church worship / Town Council Committee Meetings / North Lincolnshire Council meetings / NHS meetings / private functions and more..
However, with ever increasing utility bills, maintenenace and running costs, the challenge for the Town Council was to generate increased income without significantly increasing the fees for hire for residents and local community/ charitable organisation organisations. Hence the Town Council's decision to make additional services available, market the premises to more corporate hirers, and to offer a full service for family celebrations instead of simply hiring out the the room.
As reported by Nigel, the Town Council is fortunate that Mrs. Deeley's talents in this regard are beginning to bear fruit, and whilst it is now able to offer these additional services, it continues to be what was always intended, a community facility for the residents and organisation in Brigg.