One week on

It is one week since the first open day. The electrician has been in, but this has moved to a slower burn activity for him.

A Ridgeway Bell article has been submitted for the next issue:

The first of two 'open afternoons' took place on Sunday 9th August. About 100 villagers took a tour of the part refurbished General Calley Memorial Hall. During the afternoon, 50 cream teas were consumed with many more refreshments served. We would like to thank those of you who took the time to visit the hall and thank you for your supportive and positive words about the work we have done to date. Our next open afternoon will take place on Sunday 6th September 09.

The open afternoon event is believed to be the first public event held in the hall for over a decade. Visitors saw a newly decorated hall, with new stage curtains hung and main hall lights illuminating a cabaret style layout that would have been perfect for a private party or dinner dance.

The hall is slowly coming alive and we already have a number of provisional private bookings, plus regular bookings for later in the year. The hall is available for individuals and groups to book. Scouts are reducing the number of evenings we use, to allow others to have the option to book Friday evenings.

We want to thank everyone who attended the open afternoons and who has helped with the refurbishment so far for all their help and support.

This week has seen a number of bookings confirmed, bringing regular income to a respectable 50% of plan.

Many villagers have said that they couldnt make the first open day, so lets see how many pitch up on 6th Sept.

On the down side, we have painting (touch up) from where the electrician has removed old fittings. An upsetting development saw the cigarette bin (given to us by the club) 'removed' from the front of the hall. This was my fault, I didnt think anyone would steal something so yucky...

In the next three weeks we need to have kit moved from the 'community building' and into the Memorial Hall.

We meet with the trustees on Wednesday, so maybe the cold war is about to end... In any case, we have a potentially thriving venue that will give the village a place to meet and hold functions.