The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A project to refurbish The Vista Hall in Spalding has taken steps forward.
And the hall is enjoying better fortunes, with an upturn in use contributing to it making a small profit last year.
St Mary and St Nicolas Parochial Church Council has agreed to develop a plan to refurbish the hall, working with Focus Consultants.
The Rev John Bennett has been talking to the firm to look at funding possibilities.
A needs analysis is also planned which would identify not only the benefit of improving the hall for existing users, but also ask local residents about ways of extending the facilities to meet needs that are not currently catered for.
The Rev John Bennett
Mr Bennett said: “We are looking to employ on a part-time basis some people with the necessary language skills to reach a wider cross-section within the community.
“We aim to have the needs analysis completed by the end of this year and to draw up revised plans for the refurbishment at the start of next year.
“At this point we will be able to cost the scheme and will then launch an appeal.
“I believe that members of St Mary and St Nicolas church will give this strong support as part of our commitment to serving the local community.”
With the hall now being well used both during the day and in the evenings, the aim would be to carry out the refurbishment with the minimum of disruption.
Bizarrely, publicity about a string of vandalism at the hall might have been a factor in leading to its recent increased income, but Mr Bennett said valuable contributions from other people were key.
“I think it is a combination of the good management team, chaired by Peter Hall, that has been running the hall for the last few years, and some generous grants from the Spalding Rectory Feoffees, who have paid for new furniture, and for kitchen and safety equipment,” he said.
“I think that there may even have been a silver lining from all the vandalism that was suffered a couple of years ago that the publicity reminded people about the Vista Hall and they discovered, when they asked about hiring it, that it is good value for money.”
To find out more about facilities visit www.thevistahall.co.uk or contact the parish office (phone 01775 722772 or email parish.office@stmaryandstnicolas.org.uk
