Background

The Parish Hall, built in 1971, has never had central heating, relying instead on a mix of standalone gas heaters and plug-in electric radiators. The large gas heaters in the main hall have been in place for decades and are becoming increasingly unreliable. Also, replacement parts are no longer available. Since appointing a part-time caretaker, hall usage has grown significantly and now operates every day of the week, serving both parish and community groups.

Regular Users Include:

• Community groups: Classical Dance, DP Dance Class, Lindy Jazz, Swingfit, Durham Coronary Support Group, NHS Planning Group, Pilates, Hearing Dogs Training, Dog Training, Tinarts, Kickboxing, Karate, Slimming World, and an Asian Christian Prayer Group. Occasional users also host birthday parties and other one-off events.

• Parish groups: The Mothers’ Union, The Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade, post-service refreshments, Aidan’s Kitchen, and social events such as the Christmas Fair.

Aidan’s Kitchen also supports community outreach initiatives, including Flu and COVID vaccination clinics in partnership with the local pharmacist.

Current Situation (End of 2025)

After completing major energy improvements in 2023, attention was due to turn to upgrading the hall’s heating system. However, urgent heating failures at both parish churches required significant investment:

• St Aidan’s Church: New boiler installed in 2024 (£7,000)

• St Cuthbert’s Church: Full heating system replacement in 2025 (£40,000)

These unforeseen projects diverted resources from the Parish Hall improvements.

As a result, heating has now become the top priority for the hall.

Reasons for Reprioritisation:

• Existing gas heaters are increasingly unreliable.

• Replacement parts aro no longer available.

• The hall is used daily, mostly by community groups, requiring dependable and efficient heating.

• Risk to income – if the heating fails users of the hall would need to find alternative accommodation and may not return

• Need for a planned installation of central heating during the summer months to ensure the minimum closure of the hall

• Many users are older members of the community, for whom comfort and warmth are essential.

• Hall income supports parish mission and worship; unreliable heating risks losing bookings and revenue.

Next Steps

We are now looking to raise £45k to install gas central heating during the summer of 2026