Volunteers appeal for cash to bring hall up to date (From The Northern Echo)

Volunteers appeal for cash to bring hall up to date

3:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Barnard Castle News

PEOPLE who run a community-owned village hall have launched an appeal for £150,000 to modernise it.

The Scarth Memorial Hall, in Staindrop, was handed over to the residents of the parish more than 100 years ago and is overseen by a voluntary management committee, of which Lord Barnard is the president.

A recent survey carried out on the building by Heritage North indicated that it needs anew roof, toilet block, heating system and kitchen.

About 1,000 people use the facility every month for a number of activities, group meetings and events.

Morris Race, chairman of the management committee, said: "A lot of people may think the hall is owned by Raby Estates or Durham County Council but it is actually a registered charity.

"The hall belongs to the community and the committee, as trustees, are running it on behalf of the villagers.

Many people won't realise that they own a little chunk of the building.

"We want to bring it into the 21st Century but we just can't afford to do it ourselves.

"We have applied for grants inthe past and have maintained the hall as well as we can. It is a lovely looking building and is well used.

There has been some modifications done to it over the years but it has come to the stage where it needs modernising."

Several events are planned over the next year, including an art and photography exhibition, a real ale and music festival over the August bank holiday, and an auction of unwanted gifts.

There will also be an envelope drop around all 600 houses in the village and a stall at the Raby Castle car show.

Volunteers are needed to help run the fundraising events.

To help or to donate, speak to any member of the committee, call Mr Race on 01833660171 or email morrisrace@btinternet.com