Board Chair, Graham Bell gives a preview of the challenges, and ‘looking to the future’ ideas, that will be shared at the upcoming Open Day on March 22. His starting point is the historical context that emphasises that the Hall is old – very old at 132 years! Herein lies the challenge.
Formally taken over into our community ownership in 2001, successive volunteer Boards have worked hard, to keep the building operational, and make a continuing series of steady improvements. For example, in 2019 the urgent focus was the conservation of the main front façade with deteriorating and leaking stonework. The success of this project required: a comprehensive plan prepared with the specialist assistance of a qualified and experienced heritage architect; extensive fundraising efforts; and hands on project management.
Completion coincided with Covid disruption, and its impact on Hall’s finances. Following a period of recovery, planning for the next phases of building improvements commenced in 2024. In 2025 a major upgrade of fire and building safety arrangements began - now nearing completion. In parallel, our heritage architect was commissioned to prepare a Feasibility Study of what improvements should be made to ensure the Hall can keep operating, into the future, for the benefit of the community.
The challenge is where to focus our limited resources? Our architect advised that major external works will be required – but these are not critically urgent. An internal survey showed that there was significant woodworm under the existing old wooden stage, that impacts on existing storage space – both are also affected by fire safety improvements. More detail will be revealed at our Open Day.
