Our December Members’ Meeting was be held on Tuesday 2nd December at The Merse (the old Church Hall on Lochancroft Lane) from 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
Draft Minutes
1. Newest Member of the Management Committee
A warm welcome was extended to Meg MacPherson who has agreed to be co-opted on to the management committee. Meg will bring a direct link to the volunteers and so improve communications between us. The Chair explained the rules regarding how co-opting to the Management Committee work
2. Feedback from Volunteer meeting on 17th November and future meetings
An update was provided for the volunteer and management committee meeting on the 17/11/25. Improved liaison sharing feedback and fears as we move forward with food and rooms. It was suggested that we hold these meetings every 3 months. There is an appetite to open the lounge on a Thursday, however this would need to be supported by more volunteers. This will be looked into in early 2026.
3. Moving to quarterly Member meetings and a monthly newsletter
The Chair proposed that the Members Meetings be moved to a quarterly and supported by a newsletter.
4. Christmas Events
Lounge events will be added to the Wigtown Ploughman website. The Benefits Society website will be updated. Wigtown Events provides information about opening times for local establishments and events locally. We will promote the Wigtown Ploughman’s new wine list a cheese and wine tasting on the 16th with two sessions 7-8 and 8-9 £5 for concessions (us wonderful people who despite all that life has thrown at us have made it to retirement) £8 others (who are still suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune).
5. Fundraising
This is continuing to be explored for projects that require it. An upgrade of the toilets and purchase of the land to the rear of the pub, plus a few other smaller projects. The recent SOSE visit was favourable to fund other projects which meet their criteria of £20K or more. Other sources may be available and are being investigated.
Currently approximately £7K of funds are still available, but it is to be kept as a cushion against low expected takings in January and February. To the end of November takings have been covering the wage bill.
6. Accommodation update
The accommodation progresses The Carinsmore flat is available for rental from a Friday minimum of three days. Booking via the Wigtown Ploughman website cheapest or Booking.com. The hotel rooms it is hoped will be furnished and available in late February depending on available funds. This development will need a breakfast service and building manager to support the expanded operation. At this point when the pub becomes fully open and is supported by employees, the management committee hope to work on guiding, improving and supporting the pub and becoming less hands on.
7. AOB
Q Is the painting of the front of the building planned?
A Yes, But various options are available, returning to the brick/stone work, repair repaint to an agreed scheme we need to obtain quotes. This is not a winter activity and funds will need to be identified.
Q How are sales going?
A. The sales are going well and covering costs, up to November no loss has been incurred. Ideas to increase sales are always welcome. Gift vouchers and Ploughman glasses are still available.
The pub will be closed on Christmas Day. A Hogmanay Party is planned and all are invited.
The Christmas Quiz price fund is £400 and will be won on the night.
The date for the next Members Meeting is planned in March, time, date, and venue TBD
Page updated on 1/4/2026