It was time to celebrate last Sunday afternoon as Hollym’s Village Hall was officially “reopened” after an extensive refurbishment over the past few months.
Villagers, contractors, representatives from various funding groups and members of the parish council were invited to see Adrian Boasman, chairman of Hollym Parish Council, cut the ribbon to declare the hall well and truly reopened.
Guests were then invited into the hall to enjoy refreshments and to see for themselves the transformation the hall has undergone to bring it totally up to date, with energy-saving innovations and a fresh appearance, both inside and out of the building, formerly an Army hut bought for the village in the 1960s.
Original plans called for the demolition of the hall, to be replaced by a modern structure, but costs proved to be too much for the village and so a programme of renovations took place, overseen by an enthusiastic management committee and several willing volunteers.
The total cost of the refurbishment has been £53,000 with generous funding being obtained from various sources, including the Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund, the Orsted East Coast Development fund, a notable contribution from Hollym Parish Council and a donation from Withernsea and District Lions Club. The balance needed came from the village hall’s own funds.
The refurbishment has seen new external cladding, 100mm of cavity insulation, completely redesigned toilets with the addition of an accessible toilet, extra storage space, a new suspended ceiling incorporating 200mm of insulation which not only helps to retain heat but has vastly improved the acoustics of the building.
The ceiling also incorporates new cost-saving LED lighting. A new air source heating system combined with the improved insulation helps to make the hall warmer in winter and provides air conditioning in the summer, if needed. The hall also boasts its own WiFi server.
Guests were welcomed by Village Hall Committee chairman Harold Jobling, who thanked all of those involved in the refurbishment, including contractors and volunteers who undertook a lot of the minor jobs needed. He also explained the various jobs undertaken.
In a surprise presentation he awarded the Order of the Golden Paintbrush to volunteers Joe Speck, Kath Speck, Bernard Jull and Stuart Morrison to thank them for all their decorating assistance.
The tables were then turned on Mr Jobling as he was invited to cut the celebration cake featuring a photo of the village hall.
The hall is regularly in use for many activities including indoor carpet bowls, table tennis, the Women’s Institute, Hollym Parish Council, youth organisations and will soon host Zumba classes.
Sunday, December 3, will see the annual Christmas craft fair take place from 10am to 2pm and children of the village will enjoy their Christmas party on December 17.
If you are interested in hiring the village hall for a function or other activity please contact the bookings clerk, Maggie Boasman, on 01964 612473.
