A local community hall is marking its 50th year with a series of events and fundraising activities aimed at bringing the building back to the centre of village life.
The volunteer committee behind Shaw Village Hall is planning a series of fundraising events this year as part of a push to boost use of the space.
The committee is currently raising money towards new audio-visual (AV) equipment to enable the hall to host music and film events for children, families and older residents. It has secured a place in the Waitrose token scheme to raise the remaining money needed for the AV equipment and is also raising funds for a car park expansion.
While most of the fundraising events are still in the planning stages, the first will be a free-to-enter Makers’ Market on 6th September from 1pm to 4pm.
Around 12 independent makers and small producers from Shaw, Melksham and the surrounding villages will fill the hall with everything from crochet goods and dried bouquets to art.
Chairman of Shaw Village Hall Michael Booth said, “It has been years since we last ran an event on this scale and it felt like the right moment to change that. This hall has served the village for half a century and we want the next 50 to be just as busy. A Makers’ Market felt like the perfect way to begin; it brings people through the door, it puts money into the pockets of local craftspeople, and it gives locals a reason to spend an afternoon together.”
Alongside the stalls, there will be a children’s activity area, with the village play park located just across the green. Hot and cold refreshments, including cakes, brownies and other home-baked treats, will be available to buy for a small charge throughout the afternoon.
All profits from refreshments will be reinvested directly into the hall, funding improvements and further community events throughout the year.
Michael said, “Village halls only survive if people use them. Every cup of tea and every slice of cake goes straight back into the building. Come along, support your local makers and help us get the community buzzing again.”
Entry is free and there is no need to book. Parking is available in the hall car park and on surrounding streets.
Pictured: Joan Boarer, Pete Jonik, Anni Beveridge, Michael Booth, Kieran Powell and Rebecca Coles
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