As I write this, the team at the Hall are preparing for the 7th anniversary celebrations. This anniversary is a time for reflection. We have a wonderful, fully accessible, community hall, available at discount prices to local people and charity groups. The Hall is open all week for a variety of interesting activities. These  currently include family celebrations,   sequence dancing, yoga, slimming support, lectures, workshops, Spanish classes, young peoples’ “gigs”, art classes, cancer support, Church4u, blood collections and many charity and other local events.   Amongst those holding regular meetings at the Hall are the Town Council, Wilf Ward family trust, NYMR and 20/20. 

          The Hall also has regular tenants  offering invaluable local services. Pickering Town Council, Ryedale Festival, Ryedale Talking Magazine, The local Alzheimer’s society, Ryedale Child and Youth Projects and Yorkshire regional community council all have offices in the building. The Hall’s own office is staffed 9am-12noon five days per week and there is an   excellent cleaning and caretaking service from which all users benefit. 

          The Hall belongs to the people of Pickering and is administered on their behalf by the Trustees. This means that although it is owned by Pickering rate-payers, there is no charge to the local community for the maintenance, administrative and running costs, as these tasks are undertaken by a very small team of hardworking volunteers.

          Seven years’ successful running of a complex enterprise is indeed a cause for celebration, however there is also some cause for concern. Much of the original equipment now needs replacing. The carpets have been cleaned on several  occasions but they are now looking tired, as is some of the upholstery on the chairs.  The CCTV system is worn out and must be replaced with a digital system costing around £1,000. We also need to update our communications, our lighting and sound systems and to have a general look at replacing all shabby or lost equipment. 

          Additionally the main kitchen is not user friendly, particularly for older or less able people, who find the oven, the sinks and indeed the whole layout extremely difficult.  However, because of the soaring costs of utilities, insurance, day to day running and the increasing demands made by Health and Safety, we are not in a position to fund major refurbishment projects. 

          We are very proud of our Hall and we do want to keep it running well and in good condition. If we are to do this we need your help, not only from those who support our fund raising events, but also from those who would be willing to take part in the day to day running of the Hall. New active trustees and volunteers are desperately needed. If you would like to volunteer or would like information about any activities that are taking place this spring, please contact the Hall any weekday morning between 9am and noon, (telephone 01751 477522) or ring 01751 477913 and speak with our secretary,

Mal Danks.