Details
In 1948 a plot of land was made available for a Village Hall with Playing Fields for the benefit of Coal Aston and its immediate vicinity, to be held in Trust and managed by the Committee. The Organisation was named Coal Aston Village Hall and Playing Fields and registered as Charity No 520438 in 1948. The Capital for the building was raised by public donation and the Hall was built in 1958 and opened on 12th September 1959. In 1962 the local council purchased the Playing Fields and in 1972 acquired another parcel of land for use as a car park.
Coal Aston Village Hall has operated very successfully for many years, with a varied programme of uses and events, such as Drama Groups, Dancing Classes, Folk Groups, Keep Fit, Short Mat Bowls, Art and Craft Fairs, W.I., Discos, and an Annual Gala: in fact, all the events a Village Hall is expected to provide.
Over the years, the fabric of the Hall has deteriorated and the requirements of the community have changed with respect to the standards and facilities expected. Apart from the problems associated with the fabric of the existing building, limitations arise because access to any room is difficult without causing disturbance to users of other rooms. The heating is gas-fired and is delivered via warm-air vents in the suspended ceiling. Unfortunately, this is a costly and inefficient scheme, because much of the heat is lost through the metal roof, which is not insulated. Other drawbacks include a lack of sound-proofing, limited storage space and an absence of properly designed access facilities for disabled persons.
With this situation in mind, the Committee, with input from various user representatives, explored the feasibility of extending or altering the current building. Many suggested schemes were investigated, but it was soon clear that to achieve any real improvement, major capital expenditure would be necessary.
Dronfield Town Council, who were looking to upgrade their sports facility in Coal Aston, became aware of this dilemma and put forward a proposal whereby our Organisation would work with them in a joint venture. Both the current and potential users of the Hall were asked to put forward ideas and suggestions, from which a discussion plan was produced. In order to establish the need for such a development, an Open Forum was organised via a letter box appeal throughout the area. Over a period of two days, local residents and all other interested parties were given the opportunity to consider the suggested scheme and pass judgement. The overall feeling of those who attended the Forum was one of great enthusiasm and this provided the encouragement for the Committee to pursue the project further.
The Committee meets on the first Monday of every month in the Village Hall at 7-30pm.
An Annual General Meeting is held each year.
The Village Hall is available for functions and events throughout the year, at a very reasonable cost. Enquiries should be made to Dronfield Town Council (Tel: 01246-418573)
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