Community can help to create a new start for Civic Hall

IF you are not already aware, Calderdale Council has closed the Civic Hall in the centre of Brighouse.

This is a huge blow for the regular users of the venue.

Brighouse Theatre Productions has performed musicals and pantomimes there for many years; the Cornerstones Church has worshipped there each week; the Curly Wurly dancers have made it their home in Brighouse, as have the organisers of the Forties Weekends, the Foot of the Barrel Theatre group and many others.

Brighouse Theatre Productions has instigated a plan for the formation of a community group/trust which could take over the running of the building and unleash its true potential. Calderdale Council has been consulted and is happy to consider the proposals.

At some point, post-pandemic, there are plans to hold a public meeting for Brighouse residents in order to fully explain the situation. Our initial intention is to keep the Civic Hall open during a transition phase and to create a business plan for the management of the hall.

But we need help from the local community for the success of this venture.

A new organisation will need trustees and volunteers.

If you, or anyone you know, feel you can help in any way, please email us at admin@Brighousetheatre.co.uk – even if it’s just a response to say you are in favour of the venture.

Given the amount of new housing which is under development in the Brighouse area, we feel that the facilities available at the Civic Hall will be invaluable for a community hub.

Along with a large hall with seating for about 300 people, there is a stage, a comfortable bar area, several meeting rooms, a fitted kitchen, disabled access and a lift to the main area.

Thank you in anticipation of your help and support.

From: Terry Muander, Leeds.

THIS week I’ve seen numerous images on news programmes of people outside pubs; no masks, hugging, touching, no social distancing.

These rules are still in place and there they are breaking them. Idiots following idiots (let’s face it, Tory MPs have not been good role models).

Now wait for the surge in cases and deaths in June or July and once again those of us who are sensible will have our lives ruined by the necessity of another lockdown.

Money is all that matters, not people.