‘It’s nice that it’ll be of use for the next forty years’
A VILLAGE hall has re-opened after undergoing major refurbishment work
The project at Waterfall Parochial Hall was started four years ago, following a committee meeting which highlighted the urgent need for the hall to be redecorated.
Concerns were raised about the amount of damp and condensation in the hall but it was during some routine gable end maintenance that it became clear much more extensive work was needed.
Chairman of the hall Dickie Ward said: “The committee could clearly see the surface issues, but we were aware that the underlying cause of the damp needed to be resolved and it was agreed that we arranged for a full survey which clearly outlined the problems and the work we needed to do.
“Our first concern was the cost of the restoration, and although we did have some funds, the total project cost was well beyond the financial reaches of the village hall finances.
“Further funding would be needed if we were to continue to have a village hall that was fit for purpose.
“Once quotes for the work were sourced, from local suppliers where possible, the committee applied for grant advice to Support Staffordshire and submitted applications to SW Peak Community Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund.
“We also looked to local business and applied to Lafarge Cement for match funding, and closer to home to the Village Hall Trustee Fund.
“What was an additional and most welcome development was the support from other local groups who use the hall or simply wanted to support its restoration.
“Donations were received from Waterhouses Charity Dominoes (in memory of Alan Carr), Waterfall and Winkhill Association, Waterfall WI. and The Red Lion Murder Mystery Team all gave towards the project. A total of £13,320 was raised overall to meet the cost of the work.”
The stripping out of the premises to enable work to start was completed by a committee working party and local man Stan Harvey donated the use of a storage container for the items.
Once emptied all the doors into the back rooms and toilets had to be sealed to prevent spread of lime dust.
The work involved new electrics, removing all the old lime and plaster, re-plastering, plumbing and reinstalling all the new wooden cladding along with new decoration.
Other unexpected updates were a new remote control projector screen.
Mr Ward said: “The restoration that has been carried out has given the Parochial Hall a new lease of life, the use of the hall has already increased since it reopened and thanks must go to the funding bodies and the local people
“We can all look forward to enjoying using this greatly valued and vital community facility for years to come.
“The hall has been a key part of our community life for over 40 years. Thanks to local support, committee time and effort, funding support and local donations it is nice to think that it will now be of use for the next 40.”