STAINDROP’s Scarth Memorial Hall will become one of the first of the dale’s major venues to reopen its doors after the Covid lockdown when it hosts a live screening of a performance by Hot Club du Nord this weekend.
A variety of classes, such as arts and crafts, are also due to return to the historic building in the coming weeks.
Hall member Ed Chicken said preparations for the opening included completing maintenance and deep cleaning, particularly all the seating.
He said: “We think we are as Covid secure as we can be. We have put in a one-way system and sanitising dispensers have been installed. The hall has a capacity for more than 100 but we think we can take 35 at most.”
The hall has not been able to generate income since it was closed in March and although small audiences may not bring in much cash, Mr Chicken said: “The first hurdle was to open up and get processes in place.”
People are urged to bring their own nibbles to the Hot Club du Nord performance at 7.30pm, on Sunday, August 9, and while the bar will be open, it will be restricted to table service only.
People need to book their £5 ticket in advance so that organisers can work out seating arrangements with the correct social-distancing.
Only the main hall is being reopened at the minute and regular groups are welcome to start returning.
Mr Chicken said: “We want to encourage them, but only if it is safe to do so. We have done as much as we can and we have done a detailed risk assessment. Now it is over to them to do their own assessment.
“A lot of it is quite basic, for example keeping a register of who attends for track and trace. It is quite simple if you break it down into its components.”
People’s yearning for the return of live entertainment was made clear to organisers when within a day of the reopening being announced ten tickets had already been sold for Sunday’s performance.
People interested in booking a ticket can ring 07881 248478.
