NEWBIGGIN Village Hall is at risk of shutting for good if more people do not use it.
The upper dale venue has in the past been host to countless domino drives, children’s birthday parties, craft fairs and a flower and produce show, but groups are slow to come back after successive Covid-19 lockdowns.
It is even a struggle to find officers to run the hall.
Former head gamekeeper for Raby Estate Lindsay Waddell joined the hall’s committee during the annual meeting on Monday, March 28, and was promptly elected chairman.
He said: “There were enough attendees, seven in person, and one offer in writing, to fill the offices required to run the hall.
“Someone has to do it, otherwise it would have ceased to function last night [during the meeting].
“The standing cost is in excess of £2,000 a year for heating, lights and water.
“The reserves will only keep it going for a few years.
“It is only going due to the generosity of Durham [County Council through Covid funding], otherwise it would have been gone already.
“One of our biggest expenses is insurance. It is more than a house because you have to have public liability.”
Internationally renowned installation artist Steve Messam, who produces many of his artworks at the venue, also joined the committee after he was told it was in danger of closing when he made a booking for his latest project.
He was elected vice-chairman on the same day he joined.
An inflatable logo for County Durham’s 2025 City of Culture bid, was built and tested by Mr Messam at Newbiggin Village Hall earlier this year, before it made its appearance at historic sites such as Durham Cathedral and Raby Castle.
He said: “There are loads of people who would use the hall if they knew about it. It is a cracking hall.”
Currently the only regular group hiring the hall, apart from Mr Messam, is the WI.
Mr Waddell said: “What we get out of it now is a pittance, and about 50 per cent of that goes to the heating.”
Anyone interested in hiring the facility can ring 01833 640146.
