Dalton & Gayles Village Hall has been chosen as the 7th Community Hub in a project across North Yorkshire. The scheme pioneered by York-based Rural Action Yorkshire (RAY) & North Yorkshire County Council, aims to provide activities for all, including vital support to the elderly and vulnerable. The Village Hall is the only designated hub in Richmondshire.

The Village Hall Management Committee undertook a “Hall Users Survey” in 2012 and responding to the needs identified have run a film night, held a series of craft classes, arranged a series of local history talks and are now setting up a Luncheon Club. These new initiatives are an example of the Big Society working to the benefit of people in a practical & meaningful way and have led to the recognition & funding through RAY. The County Council has allocated almost £50,000 to RAY, which has its headquarters at Askham Bryan near York, to set up the 7 hubs spread across North Yorkshire.

Each hub will offer different activities such as luncheon clubs, gardening clubs, film groups, cafes and good neighbour schemes depending on each community’s identified needs. Leah Swain, Chief Officer of RAY said “In recent years we have seen big changes in the management of community buildings. There are some really forward thinking people out there who have been able to come up with great ideas which will make a big difference to people in rural areas.”

The Chair of Dalton & Gayles Village Hall Management Committee Tim Mawer said “We have spent a lot of money renovating our village hall and we are keen to see it used much more to the advantage of all our residents. Dalton & Gayles Village Hall also serves Kirby Hill & Whaston and is pleased to welcome residents from other nearby villages. The Committee have not only worked hard to raise funds but have recently received grants to install modern efficient heating & insulation and update our kitchen facilities. We now have a warm & welcoming modern, well equipped village hall & we are pleased to receive the recognition & help from RAY to build on this success and boost the quality of life for residents of all ages .”   

More information and booking enquires through the hall's website at www.daltongaylesvillagehall.co.uk or email to daltongaylesvillagehall@gmail.com