We have been rather quiet at the village hall over the last months due to lockdown and social distancing restrictions.  We have, however, not been idle and have been using the time to make some plans for renovations at the village hall.  Our existing kitchen and toilets are in considerable need of improvement and we have been discussing how we can best achieve this.

With the kind help of Josh Thomas, from Josh Thomas Design House, we have now agreed plans to build onto the front of the hall, towards the hedge, to provide a new entrance hall, toilets, accessible toilet and shower.  We are also planning to have a new, larger kitchen to the side of this area.  The existing kitchen will be demolished and the existing toilets and entrance area re-developed to provide more much-needed storage space.  To make the most of our wonderful views from the rear of the hall, we will have opening doors from the main hall onto a decked area here to provide an outdoor space.  There will also be work to do in the main hall, to bring it up to the same standard as the new build.  We would normally be holding a meeting with residents and supporters but, as we are unable to do so at present, we will be posting copies of the plans, once they are finalised, on our website – www.pauntley.org.uk– and on the notice boards in the parish.

This is a very exciting time for us, although we are a long way off from seeing this all happen!  Currently, our plans are being finalised for submission to the district council for planning permission, before we can seek tenders for the work and source grants.  It is not an easy time to be looking for grants for major work, so we expect this all to take some time before we can begin work.  Fortunately, we will continue to be able to use the hall whilst majority of the new build is in progress, before it is knocked through to the main hall.

If anyone has any experience that might help us with this project, we would be very pleased to hear from you. We would also welcome involvement in this project from anyone in the community – just get in touch and let us know if you are interested and think you could help, in whatever capacity.

We are looking forward to welcoming people back to the hall once lockdown is lifted.  We are unlikely to be able to host any events until mid-June, but have lots of plans for summer events and hope that we will see some of you there.  If you would like to be added to our emailing list for news of these events and for updates on our plans, please email pauntleyvillagehall@gmail.com.