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2009 was a very mixed one for us at the Hall. Finances were looking up and our team was working well together. This culminated in a wonderful autumn when, thanks to extremely hard work by our small group of staff and volunteers, almost £4,000 was raised for Hall funds. We are now in a healthy financial position and ready to start serious planning for the much needed kitchen refurbishment. In February consultations with Hall users are taking place and by the end of March we hope to have plans drawn up which will include new sinks, a new oven and much increased storage space. Unfortunately our delight at the success of fund-raising and increased Hall usage was tempered by sadness. Our much respected vice-chairman, Norval Jackson died suddenly this autumn, leaving a gap that cannot be filled. Norval will be very sadly missed by all who knew him, especially in Pickering by those connected with the Hall and the Jazz Society. Also our long standing chairman, Ivon Baker is currently out of action and undergoing treatment for a critical health problem and our mainstay volunteer Sheila Otterburn has been diagnosed with a serious illness and will need to take a long period of “time out” in order to make a complete recovery. Sheila’s illness has meant that Geoff Otterburn, who has provided excellent customer service to the Hall for several years, has had to scale down his workload. The impact of these sad events, plus the effect of the prolonged winter weather on the Hall’s business gave rise to some concern, particularly in January. However our superb remaining staff team of three, Joy, Michele and Judy valiantly took on extra duties during this difficult period and kept the show on the road so that we are now going forward with a degree of real optimism. We have some really interesting events coming up with something for everyone. Our regular events are still attracting a wide base of clients. These include varied WEA lectures, several yoga groups, Ryedale Friendship Group, monthly Night Owl Dances, coffee mornings of various kinds, blood donors, the Sunday teatime group, Pickering art group, Slimmers’ World, Busy Brushes, salsa classes and the extremely popular “Dance-Tastic” for all age groups. In addition there are some exciting highlights not to be missed during the early spring. In March there is to be a musical evening with a pie and pea supper, a Richard Durant concert and an intriguing “Give or Take” day on 20th March when unwanted items can be taken to the Hall free and swapped for any items that have already been brought in. In April there is the Pickwick Painters exhibition, the Yorkshire craft fair and another clairvoyance evening. If you would like details of any of the above events or if you would like to book an event of your own, please contact the Hall on any weekday morning between 9am and noon, telephone 01751 477522 or Email: enquiries@pickering-memorial-hall.co.uk If you would like to join our happy but dwindling band of volunteers or feel that you can support your local community hall in any way please contact the Hall or ring 01751 477913 secretary, Mal Danks. |
