Template:Courier-OCT-25-22
FLOOR REPAIRS BRING NEW SHINE TO VILLAGE HALL
The number of activities and entertainments taking place at Claygate Village Hall continues to grow and widen, while this priceless venue is constantly upgrading its facilities. It provides space for activities for children, Including Montessori pre-school, pre-school football, music, gymnastics classes, dance and performing arts classes-and, for adults, exercise classes, (Pilates, yoga and dance fitness), bi-weekly tea dances and meetings of local societies including UBA, Claygate Gardening Society and Claygate Village WI.
In addition, Claygate Dramatic Society continues to rehearse and perform shows twice a year, Its panto takes place in November (see Page 31). And Claygate Parish Council holds the majority of its meetings at the hall.
One innovation comes from Tenuto Opera, a local society, performing shortened versions of Madame Butterfly and Die Fledermaus from October 17-19 (see Page 29). And on Friday October 24, renowned rock guitarist Jim Cregan will play, while on the following night Hoaxwind, a rock band playing the music of Hawkwind, will perform.
Local musician Yasmine Giles will once again perform on November 7, Claygate Dramatic Society's panto is staged from November 20-22. and Laughing Chill Comedy Club will be back at the Hall on November 29. More entertainment follows on December 13 when the Ember Big Band plays.
The Village Hall was Claygate's big project of the 1950s, with local societies and organisations together raising funds to purchase the land and construct the building. Today, the Claygate Village Hall Association is self-funding with the lettings income paying for running costs.
Improvements are also funded from the hall's own funds and grants and, over the past five years, work has included refurbishment of the toilets, new curtains and chairs (with a contribution from Claygate Parish Council community infrastructure funds), and upgrades to the audio-visual system. This summer, a major upgrade was made to the floors: the floor in the small hall had reached the end of its life and needed replacing, while the floor in the main hall was repaired, sanded and sealed.
Day-to-day running of the hall is carried out by a management committee consisting of three officers (Lettings Manager, Hall Manager and Treasurer) and at least two trustees, overseen by a Trustee Board consisting of representatives of local member societies based at the hall and local residents. The Treasurer is looking to stand down at the end of 2025-anyone interested in being involved should email enquiries@claygatevillagehall.co.uk. The Treasurer receives a monthly honorarium, it is a volunteer post vital to the Hall's running.
Claygate Village Hall is available for hire for parties, meetings and other events. Information, including contact details for the hall, regular hirers, and information about upcoming shows and events can be found on its website www.claygatevillagehall.co.uk
