ARELEY KINGS Village Hall in Stourport-on-Seven has been able to scale-up its sound system, thanks to a £1,000 funding boost, writes Erica Murphy-Hogg.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes, which have developments in the town, donated the cash to benefit the community.
John Thomas, Chairman at Areley Kings Village Hall Trustees, said: “The hall now has access to a four-channel mixer and four microphones, thanks to the local homebuilders donation.”
The hall was originally built to replace ‘The Parish Room’ in 2004 and is now home to around 20 different groups which regularly enjoy its facilities.
Picture by Alex Hannam Photography. s
They range from book clubs, yoga classes and a film club which puts on a selection of movies throughout the calendar year.
The hall also accommodates private events such as parties and business conferences and hosted BBC Radio 4’s prestigious politics discussion programme ‘Any Questions’ last month.
Mr Thomas said the investment into the sound system had broadened the hall’s hosting capabilities in terms of increasing ‘audience participation’ and aligned with the trust’s further endeavours to keep the village hall a lively ‘community hub’.
He added: “In October 2002, we learned that we’d been awarded £300,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund – the highest amount for any organisation in the West Midlands.
“We were overjoyed but still had a way to go to get everything sorted.”
He reminded readers and local people of the sustained fundraising and effort required to develop the hall.
Helen Lewis, David Wilson Homes Mercia’s managing director, said: “There is always something happening at the village hall with many groups making it their home.
“We recommend local residents see what they can get involved with and support their neighbours where possible.’
Picture by Alex Hannam Photography. s
Adrian Evans, Barratt Homes West Midlands’ managing director, added the firm was glad to support the Areley Kings Village Hall and hoped it would remain a focal point of the Stourport community for years to come.
Upcoming events include the annual pantomime in February and the AKVH Film Club’s monthly screenings – visit: arleykingsvillagehall.org.uk for more about these and other activities.
