It doesn’t seem long since our last AGM which had been moved into Jan 2021,after a lockdown from March 2020.
That last 12 months seemed endless, isolating and empty. Our main advantage was that the refurbishment of the hall was completed and with added generosity of the National Lottery we were awarded a further £16,000 to complete new fire doors, ramps and handrails on the right hand side of the hall, new automatic roller shutter in the kitchen, cupboard doors, toilet furniture, installation of Wi-Fi and furnishings.
We have had a very helpful and constant rapport with the National Lottery and at last been able to welcome them to see the final refurbishment and offer our thanks and replica copy of of the stages of building in photograph form provided by Paul Kemp.
Although we weren’t officially open for use until July 2021 we were determined to do our best with reaching out to the community and friends outside! We held coffee mornings outdoors serving in a totally safe covid way, few rambles took place using the walks in the new walk book from St Michaels and Mums and Tots outdoors as well as many group meeting on zoom.
Amazing how soon we started up with as many regular hirers as could manage as we, as committee led events which were fantastic. We began these with a most successful and happy Open Garden weekend in early June. The weather was generous and so were the visitors who visited and supported this event. Most faces present said it all- we were so glad to be back together and enjoying a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you to you all for such enthusiasm.
Following this event with a change of date due to the covid bump was the Beatlefest in august. This was a first but again enjoyable and an eclectic mix of locals and semi professionals. There were some great tributes.
On 17th July 2021 on the hottest day of the year! We finally opened the refurbished village hall. Aptly ribbon cut and opened by our Mayor, Mr. Eric Hudson and the Teme valley band played away in the heat. It was joyful and happy afternoon with a delightful tea served to a room of young and old, happy once more in the hub of the village.
In September we held probably one of the best Quiz nights we have had— the room filled with tables, the Quiz master, Ian Grafton, locally known as the curator of local National trust houses. At a later event in October we attempted yet another variety night with 8 performers singing, dancing, playing instruments and telling jokes. A thoroughly good night. We did however miss the presence of the college students who used to attend and perform with us as do Tenbury town. There is definitely an absence of smiling laughing students around town and the college site now for a good year on!
We have held 9 committee meetings since last AGM latterly in person in the new hall which was such an improvement to zoom call meetings. There are village affairs meetings attached to the hall and of course we have held numerous site meetings during the building work.
We were indebted to information and help from community firsts Worcestershire source, to which we decided to pay a subscription as support is instant and saves us a lot of time researching ‘acres’ lengthy jargon. They have advised throughout with covid instruction and advice on health and safety matters, issues and environment. We have just received 10 first class RSPB bird boxes for the community.
Apart from monthly events, that the committee present, we now have a good mix of regular hirers, as well as those who hire the hall for a party, wake, council and elections, exhibition and presentations. The committee have worked hard on preparing health and safety matters and hiring agreements .We can now provide excellent fire safety doors and exits and updated disabled facilities in doors, exits and toilets.
Our hirers include Jiggy wrigglers, Mums and Tots, Healthy fitness, Zumba, Pilates, Personal Fitness, W.I., Floral Arts, Gardening club, St. Michaels Singers, social dancing, Scottish dancing and an art class starting in the new year.
We also hold a monthly coffee morning, strollers group and a pub night.
Of course not only are you welcome to join or try any of these activities but maybe wish to suggest something new or maybe take the lead on an activity. Flexibility and new ideas are always welcome.
It is especially important to be able to include others not necessarily on the committee, Paul Kemp for his continued photography of the building project and events. Paul has helped fill local newspapers with records of our events. Peter, Eddie, Vernon, Gary and Brian Addis have helped often with staging, chairs, tables and acoustics. Ann Wallis has kept us going with posters at the drop of a hat and Julie has been a great help with advertising in the sword and the weekly blog.
With great heart I wish to say a huge thank you to a great team of individuals who help to make the hall run! I am delighted that all the committee wish to remain for a further year— it is because each and everyone takes part and time at meetings and are prepared to roll their sleeves up at an event or working party and jolly well work as a team! Pat, Geoff, Cherry, Robin, Jane, Mark, Angela, Simon, Ros and Di, Thank you, your support and teamwork is quite unique!!
The village hall is there for us all, please use it when you can. There’s still room for improvement and there are plans a foot to utilise the outside space, improve on kitchen facilities and provide updated performance items.
Thank you for listening, stay close, we need you very much.