One of many aspects that has been missing from our lives for the best part of the last sixteen months is the buzz of the community centres and village halls. To some within our community the offerings of these community assets are vital to one’s social life and wellbeing, assets such as St Michaels Village Hall in Tenterden.
That is why CommunityAd were delighted to learn that St Michaels Village Hall had received a sizeable £10,000 grant from the Brissenden Trust, so we checked in with Ken Mulholland to see how this money will benefit our community.
So, Ken, tell us about this £10,000 you’ve been awarded and how it is being spent to benefit the community?
We were delighted to be awarded this generous donation from the Brissenden Trust. The aim of the Trust is to provide financial help for the residents of Tenterden and St Michaels in the form of grants and one-off donations. Despite lockdown, we’ve been continuing to invest in the infrastructure of the premises in the form of a new and extended commercial kitchen, replacing our chairs with new and our ageing curtains with contemporary blinds. Clearly, the various lockdowns seriously hampered physical fundraising so this donation has proved very much “a shot in the arm”.
After such a tough year for all it must be lovely to know that the St Michaels Village Hall will be bettered and improved ready to welcome back the community?
Within Government guidelines, the COVID secure hall is cautiously coming back to life and bookings are increasing daily. We’re eternally grateful to all our loyal regular groups who haven’t deserted us as well as new participants we’ve been fortunate to attract. Notably, for the first time in many years we accommodated a wedding reception a few weeks ago and the Hall looked amazing with the new fully functional kitchen proving to be extremely timely.
What would you like to say to the people at the Brissenden Trust?
The Trust can be confident that their philanthropic gesture will benefit all the hirers and users of the hall for many, many years ahead. The money is being spent wisely in the spirit of Brissenden’s own objectives and we have a policy of only dealing with LOCAL businesses and trades people where possible. The hall is truly one of the biggest most practical community assets in the heart of St Michaels and is heavily used.
Are there any dates for the diaries that our readers should be making note of?
Yes indeed. We have Bingo on 4th December. These events always prove very entertaining with great prizes and raffles. Most importantly on 12th September, 2:30pm – 4pm we’re hosting an open day to showcase not only the kitchen, but all the other various improvements to the facilities. The new kitchen will be jointly unveiled by both the Mayor of Ashford and Town Mayor of Tenterden. Afternoon refreshments will be provided by the local branch of the W.I.
Finally, it’s just lovely to see Tenterden reopen and spring back into life, isn’t it, after such a dormant start to 2021?
I’m pleased to say the Town is “buzzing” again and we’re so fortunate to live in such a picturesque environment. Now that hopefully we’ve “broken the back” of this horrible pandemic, it’s important that we continue to support our local shops and businesses who have survived such a difficult time and served the community well. Additionally, protection of our heritage, green spaces and biodiversity is absolutely vital to the wellbeing of the community.
Anything else you’d like to add at all?
If the COVID experience has taught us anything it’s the importance of appreciating everyday freedoms and activities that we normally take for granted in community and village halls plus the efforts of the volunteers necessary to manage these organisations. If you’re interested in becoming a Trustee of St Michaels Village Hall, please do contact me on [email protected]. You’ll be given a very warm welcome!