A CAMPAIGN is underway to raise cash to build new catering facilities at a bustling village hall.
Events have become so popular at Stainton and Streatlam Village Hall that its small kitchen can no longer cope. Now the hall’s committee want to raise £9,000 to give it a complete makeover.
Amanda Pettitt, from the committee, said: “It has been a long time since the kitchen had any work and now that we are holding more social events we want to increase its size and modernise to enable better catering. It is smaller than most home kitchens.”
Monthly events such as Italian and medieval nights attract between 60 and 80 people. An annual charity fun run organised by the hall sees the kitchen preparing breakfasts for as many as 150 athletes.
The plan is to break through to incorporate the existing serving and bar space off the side of the main hall. This would make more room for the kitchen. Committee member Sean Williams added that the work will also include a new ramp at the front of the hall to allow for better access for elderly and disabled people.
Currently, disabled people enter at the back of the hall through the kitchen, compounding the difficulties when preparing meals.
Mr Williams said: “We had a rethink with that because we know it is putting people off coming.”
The ramp is to be in keeping to the hall’s stone exterior.
Changes at the hall have seen it growing in popularity as a venue for private events, such as weddings, engagement parties and wakes, making the need for better facilities all the more pressing.
Even regular small events like the carpet bowls are growing.
Mr Williams said: “What started out as a few people is now quite an active social evening and the bowls is becoming secondary.”
A new committee ambition is to promote the hall as a music venue and a recent performance by Teesdale artist Andy Yeadon was packed out.
Next in the line up for the music nights is renowned acoustic guitarist Adrian Nation who takes to the Stainton stage on Saturday, September 28, followed by blues and rock duo When Waters Meet on October 12.
Fundraising for the kitchen revamp, including new equipment, has already begun with a pamphlet and envelope drop around the village. It will be followed this weekend by an official campaign launch at the hall on Saturday, September 7, between 10am and 1pm.
This will give people the opportunity to inspect the plans and make their comments while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and cakes.
For more information, or to view the plans, contact Mr Williams on 07952 925542.
