The question keeps coming up "why do we need a new hall?". I suspect most people don't realise how much work goes into trying to schedule all the different activities that go on in the hall but despite that we still have to turn people away. Just in the last week we've been contacted by someone wanting to run a Pilates class on a Friday night. I think there would be a good demand for that but its the night the Scouts are in so we can't have both. We're trying to find another slot but without success so far. Friday night is in any case a difficult night as its popular for one off events such as the Quiz night, the forthcoming auction and many other things. Having a second room would near double our capacity and give us much more flexibility to meet many more needs.
I was also struck the other week by the sight of the Beavers having a camp out, or rather a camp in. Having no outdoor space they have to pitch their tents inside the hall. A few were trying to have BBQs on the veranda. I'm sure they had a good time but it was a somewhat pitiful sight. Having some safe outdoor space would enable them to have a much more rewarding experience.
At the recent open day I was also struck by the comments of as couple of people with mobility problems who often cannot attend hall events without getting a lift as it is so difficult to park within their limited walking distance and then to negotiate the ramp. We've talked in the past about having some dedicated disabled parking spaces but its not really practical with so few spaces available and the likelihood of being blocked in.
There are of course lots of other reasons for needing a new hall but these are a few topical ones.
Simon