An update on the Village Hall from the Chairman, Neal Courtney.
Well I am delighted to say that the Community Coffee Stop, on preliminary review of the trial, has had great reviews from both customers, who rated the coffee, cakes and friendly service, and the volunteers involved. Financially, the trial itself was a success, so the question we now have to answer is….. could it be sustainable during the winter months, and to answer this we are considering a further trial just after Christmas. If that produces results in line with this first trial, and subject to continued support from the fantastic volunteer team which we now need to expand further, then the prospect of a permanent facility at the hall could be realised.
The photo competition winners have been notified (see below) and we now have a large collection of beautiful photographs for our next project of displaying them in the hall, which by the time you read this should be well underway. This is one part of developing the aesthetics of the hall so that they have a broader appeal with the objective of securing more weekend hires for parties, wedding receptions and larger celebratory events. This year the hall walls have been painted and some of the external features softened to hopefully appear less “municipal”. Unfortunately, we have not had sufficient donations to tackle the hall ceiling yet but we are still applying for new grants which should enable this to be completed in 2027. Our thanks however go to all the donors, no matter how large or small, who have invested in our Vision 2050 ideas, works and trials so far – it is really appreciated.
Lastly, my wife Beccy sold two of her paintings that were on display throughout the ten weeks, and we delivered them to the buyers who told us that they will be taking them to brighten the walls in their home in France. A donation was made to the Coffee Stop and I’m sure that Beccy will be busy painting ready to brighten up the walls for the next trial!
In other news, Mei’s Chinese Cooking Classes were a sell-out success so there should be a few interesting dinner parties over the winter months in Chieveley! Mei hopes to return this month - look out for details on her website: www.meishomemade.co.uk
Lastly, are you someone who would like to support the training of hearing dogs for the deaf? If you are, Olivia Busby, who was nominated dog handler of the year 2024, is looking to fill two roles “puppy trainer” and “dog trainer”. Both roles involve working closely with Olivia’s expert dog training team to help a young dog develop the skills they need to thrive as a future hearing dog for the deaf. If you want to find out more then contact Olivia on: 01844 348 100 or come along to the hall between 9am and 1pm on a Wednesday and see the trainers in action.
As always keep an eye out for details of all the new and regular activities and events at your village hall on: our notice board outside the shop; on the banners and flyers around the village; and of course as always at the hall itself and on our website: www.chieveleyvillagehall.org and, if you have any questions, then please get in touch with Rosalind - our Bookings Manager
Yours sincerely,
Neal Courtney
Chairman Chieveley Recreation Centre