Appeal launched to renovate village hall in time for centenary celebrations
The race is on to raise thousands of pounds for essential renovations for a village hall to ensure it can stay open for locals to celebrate its upcoming centenary.
Committee members at Wymondham Village Hall have launched their first ever crowdfunding campaign for a building which is seen as the beating heart of the community.
The target is to raise £15k, partly to replace what is thought to be the original floor from when the hall opened back in 1928 with a sustainable, insulated solid structure with wooden floorboards.
The money will also be used to modernise the bar, kitchen and toilets, upgrade light fittings and install Wi-Fi for users.
Villagers of all ages have used the hall for a wide variety of activities, such as parties, discos, wakes, sports club sessions and meetings, quizzes, produce shows, WI, charity events, bingo, exercise classes, film nights and stage shows, including the renowned annual Wymondham Players’ pantomime.
Treasurer, Nick Cooper, told the Melton Times: “We had some dry rot in part of the floor which we have had to do a temporary repair job – we would probably have had to close the hall if we hadn’t done it.
"It’s coming up to the 100th anniversary so we will really want to carry out all these renovations so we can celebrate it in 2028.
Committee member, Jackie Cooper, added: “There are things organised in the hall most days.
"It’s a really important building for a large number of people in this community.”
Wymondham ward’s Melton borough councillor, David Chubb, commented: “It is important that we preserve this vital asset for the village, which brings the community together and helps to alleviate social isolation among young and old, alike.
"I wholeheartedly support the village hall management committee’s multi-pronged fundraising initiative.”
Go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpwymondhamvillagehall if you would like to pledge money to the appeal or initiate your own fundraiser in support of the hall refurbishment.
The village hall is also organising a range of fundraising events this year to generate funds, including bingo, music evenings, quizzes, a produce show and a Christmas fair, at the same time as seeking financial support from the online page.