People from Ruswarp have rallied together to try and secure the future of the village hall.
It is currently being managed by four trustees, some of whom are nearing their 80s, don’t live in the village and say they want to pass the baton on.
There were fears expressed previously, that the village hall would have to close if new people couldn’t be drafted in to take over the management.
However, a strong attendance at a public meeting last week has left locals feeling more positive about the future of the venue.
Andrea Smith-Price said the turnout was fantastic and it was great to see so many people keen to support the hall.
Around 12 people added their names to a list to express interest in forming a new committee and a follow-up meeting is planned for August.
According to the Charity Commission, Ruswarp Village Hall made £8,269 for the year end to March 2025.
It has two function rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, music licence until 11pm, upstairs storage area, outdoor space with separate access, toilets and wheelchair access.
Chair of trustees, Judith Atherton, told the meeting last week: “It is time Ruswarp people took over the running of the hall. It is your hall, your community and we wanted to have a public meeting to see would you want to do this?
“I am amazed how many people have come, it is great you want to make something of it.
“If nobody comes forward, we think it should be sold, but don’t want to do that, we want it to be used as a village hall.”
Currently, there are a few classes which meet regularly at the hall such as cookery, keep-fit and sound healing, with occasional use as a polling station and to host meetings like the Woodsmith Mine community updates.
The meeting heard how in previous years there had been toddler groups, which could be re-introduced.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday August 13 at 6pm.
Andrea added: “Our village hall is a valuable community asset, but it can only continue to thrive if we all support it. If we don’t use it, volunteer, hire it for events, and help promote it, we risk losing it. Let’s all do our bit to keep this wonderful place alive for future generations.”
