Another Teesdale village hall issues 'use it or lose it' warning

OFFICIALS at another of the dale’s village halls have issued a “use it or lose it” warning.
The committee at Stainton Village Hall say they are facing problems similar to those at Woodland, where a lack of use and dearth to volunteers have threatened its future.
Jane Teasdale, chairwoman of Stainton Village Hall committee, said: “We read about Woodland and we feel as through we are heading that way if we don’t get people to come and support us.”
She added: “We know we are not unique – every village hall is suffering the same thing right across the dale.”
Since the withdrawal of funding from Durham County Council, the Stainton committee must raise about £2,500 each year to cover the hall’s running costs.
Mrs Teasdale said the fabric of the building was in good condition with a new roof and windows, gas-fired central heating system and improved toilets.
The hall, which can accommodate up to about 60 people, has been at the centre of village life since it was converted from the former school in the mid-1960s.
It hosts monthly WI and tea and dominoes sessions and fortnightly carpet bowls, while the U3A garden group uses the hall during the winter. One of the biggest issues facing the village hall is finding someone to run the annual village show after long serving committee member Cath Brown stepped down.
Mrs Teasdale said she hoped next week’s hall committee annual general meeting would help point the way forward.
“We could do with more people on the committee, just to help us with different ideas for events that we could put on,” she said.
“A good few members have been on the committee for donkey’s years. Someone might come in with some new ideas we could do to get people in.
“When people come into the hall, they like it.
“The bigger problem is getting people to use it.”
Mrs Teasdale said it was likely that with no-one stepping forward to replace Mrs Brown, this year’s village show would not take place.
She added: “By now, we should have judges and the like sorted.
“We want to keep it going and we would love it to go ahead.
“We can’t because there is no-one willing to take it on.
“It’s been suggested we revamp the show in some way but we need somebody or some people to come forward and take it on.”
The annual meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 9, starting at 7pm in the village hall.
“We want the hall to be used by our community, but we understand people have busy lives,” added Mrs Teasdale.
“Everyone is welcome along to the AGM.
“We need people to come and give their ideas and if we are doing something wrong, let’s put it right.”