Crafts centre's rent doubles

The Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre will pay Gosford Council twice as much for use of its buildings in Kitchener Park.

The increase in rental fees comes with a new licence agreement with Gosford Council.

The new agreement will come into force from the beginning of the 2016-17 financial year. "Under this new agreement our annual rental fees will be doubled and our public liability insurance has to be increased from $10 million to $20 million to comply with Council regulations," the centre's February newsletter reported.

Meanwhile, the centre's committee is waiting for Gosford Council's planning department to respond to an information request to get a proposal under way to make improvements at the centre prior to the new agreement coming into force.

"Other improvements we wish to get under way are to install a covered walkway between the two centre buildings, and to install weather proof roofing to the pergola at the front of the centre," said Ms Penny Howard.

"We do need council permission and we are currently waiting for a response from the planning department to find out how we can get this proposal under way."

Pottery classes at the centre have already benefited from the addition of new sinks and cupboards in the kitchen area.

The fixtures and their installation were all the work of volunteers.

The centre has also been invited to have an exhibition at the showground from April 30 to May 1 and quilters and potters from the centre will be manning the display over the two days.

The centre's annual meeting will be held on March 14 at 1pm.

Newsletter, 14 Feb 2016

Penny Howard, Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre