APPEAL FOR VILLAGE HALL RE-OPENING

Downham Village Hall has launched an appeal for funds to help towards its post-covid future. The news that the popular arts, entertainment and local events venue needs a major refurbishment before it can re-open came as a shock to the small rural communities of Downham and Twiston in the Ribble Valley. The Hall needs to be completely rewired, most of the roof replaced and a number of other health and safety, fire and disabled access issues addressed, at an estimated cost of nearly £80,000.

Says the Village Hall’s new Committee Chairman, Neil Wallace: “Last Summer, we met in small, distanced groups with experts to assess what was needed for the hopeful Autumn re- opening of the Hall. The investigations threw up serious, and unexpected problems that we’ve since been trying to address. Covid has complicated site visits and obtaining quotes for work from contractors - all necessary – and a very challenging financial picture has emerged.

“The Committee has also explored opportunities for a number of improvements to the Hall, particularly for better sustainable energy, disabled access, toilet facilities and putting in more environmentally-friendly external aspects. The future flexibility of use is included in the plans, which we’ve been working on with Stage 2 Downham and other regular user groups,” he explained.

Funds for the project will be raised through just giving on the downhamvillage.org.uk website. Six applications to charitable institutions, local council funds and grant making bodies have also been made and decisions are awaited. The appeal has got off to a good start with news that the Duchy of Lancaster has offered a £5,000 grant. There will be other fundraising events in the year when normality returns.

A set of eight Greetings Cards featuring a beautiful image of Downham Village Hall at its heart is available for people who love Downham to buy at £5.00 (+ p&p) to help with the fundraising effort. They have been produced by Caroline Assheton, a professional artist who lives in the village. More than 30 letters of support from organisations, groups and individuals have been received for the project which, as well as the structural and safety issues addressed, will make the Hall more environmentally friendly and economically viable in the future.