VILLAGE HALL

The refurbishment of the Village Hall is progressing well.

In the first phase (aided by grants from Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council) the bay window and roof was replaced.
 
The second phase (aided by a grant from the Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN) a not-for-profit business set up to benefit the lives of people who live close to landfill sites by award), the interior has been modernised, new lighting installed, the kitchen refitted, the floor sanded and revarnished, and the walls repainted.  The conifer hedge has also been replaced by a lower wooden fence with a hedge made up of native blackthorn and hawthorn trees which will provide glorious white blossom.

Now a further grant should permit completing the outside walls and installing the finishing touches of a new set of French doors opening on to the playing fields – making the Hall a perfect for summer parties and barbecues as well as birthday parties and celebrations.  This third phase will require keeping the Hall closed until the beginning of August.

The Village Hall AGM was held on Monday 7 June – several villagers attended and heard a very positive report on the year’s successes.  David Brown’s chairman’s report (copy available via link below) highlighted a great first half of the year which saw thousands of pounds raised from the dance at the Greatford Hall barn and the excellent village fete in September.  And a combination of active fund raising – providing matched funding for grants – and skilful grant applications the village hall has been refurbished to a state that will probably last for at least another 25 years.

A new constitution was adopted (copy available via link below) to bring the administration up to date from the original that was first drafted in the 1950s. This was a condition of several of the grant bodies and has added a new rule that allows committee members to stand down after three years, or to continue on. The constitution is also available on the website.

David Brown was re-elected as the chairman, and Richard Anderson agreed to act as treasurer again. The rest of the existing committee will renew on reaching their three year anniversary.

Future date for your diary: We will be repeating the very popular Greatford Garden Fete followed by Party in the Park on Saturday 18 September.  We’re planning a bigger and better event this year with lots of fun for children and adults so please make a note of the date now.  More details to follow.

Booking the Hall
When the Hall re-opens we will have new arrangements for how to make a booking.  In the meantime if you want to reserve a special date or a regular booking from August onwards please email greatfordvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk to discuss it. 
Each hall booking is secured by a deposit (cheque or cash), and you will be required to sign a bookings contract and the evacuation procedure in the event of an emergency.

Village Hall facilities
The refurbished Hall will be lighter and brighter, with new lights that can be adjusted from bright to softer effects.  The bay window has been completely replaced, and provides a great refuge to sit and watch the action in the main hall.
The Hall uses electric heaters, has disabled toilets and access to the building is via a ramp.
The kitchen has two sinks and drainers, storage cupboards, a cooker, kettle, fridge and some crockery available on request.  There are 12 6ft x 3ft trestle tables and approx 70 seats for hire.
On road parking is available outside the Hall, but there is no specific provision of disabled parking.  If you have a party that finishes late at night please be considerate of local residents when leaving.

Village Hall committee members
Committee members serve for three years.  All of our committee members are volunteers, and either live in Greatford or maintain a close association with the village.  We are all committed to keeping the Village Hall in good condition so that it is at the heart of village life.  We think it is particularly important to keep the Hall open as a public place for villagers to gather to celebrate, meet and party together.  If you are interested in helping on a one off basis or are able to join the committee please contact any of the people listed below, or email us at greatfordvillagehall@hotmail.co.uk