Cooking up a refurbishment for village hall kitchen in North Middleton

For decades, this venue has been the pulsing heart of local life, hosting everything from weekly drama classes and line dancing sessions to rugby match screenings and wedding celebrations. Now, thanks to the dedication of the Middleton Hall Village Association (MHVA) and with support from the community, the hall has entered into a new chapter with an exciting kitchen refurbishment project.

The MHVA, a not-for-profit volunteer group, has been the guardian of this community treasure. When the new Village Hall was built in 2007, the association seamlessly transitioned to manage the new premises, continuing its mission to run the hall for the benefit of all residents. With a management committee of nine dedicated members, the MHVA has been the driving force behind the hall's success, overseeing bookings, promotion, maintenance, and general upkeep.

The Challenge  

At the heart of any home (or in this case, community centre), is the kitchen. The commercial kitchen space, installed in 2007, has been a key attraction for hall hirers and has served countless community events and private functions over the years.  

The catalyst for change came in early 2024, when the steam oven's door shattered, rendering it unusable and it could not be repaired due to obsolete parts. 

This incident sparked a broader reflection on the kitchen's overall functionality and efficiency. After consulting with user groups, it became clear that the current setup was neither user-friendly nor environmentally sustainable.

"The gas equipment requires electric fans to be used as well," explains a committee member. "These fans are expensive to run, noisy, and they suck all the hot air from the hall, increasing our heating costs. It can cost £30 in electricity to run the hall and kitchen for a single day's booking."

These issues, compounded by the broken oven, have led to a significant reduction in hall hire, a trend the MHVA was determined to reverse. 

Thus, the kitchen refurbishment project was born, aiming not just to replace old equipment but to reimagine the entire space for improved functionality, energy efficiency, and user experience.

The Project

The project's scope was ambitious yet practical. The plan involved removing the grill, deep fat fryer, and gas appliances, replacing them with more cupboards, expanded work surfaces, an electric oven, and a new, more environmentally friendly steam oven. This reconfiguration has not only increased hall hire and revenue but also substantially reduce energy bills.

The group applied to the Greencoat UK Wind Carcant (Moorfoot) Fund to request a contribution towards the total project costs associated with upgrading the kitchen.  The Panel appreciated the importance of the project and were supportive in awarding the full amount applied for - £1,500.

What makes this project truly special is the community's involvement. The MHVA rallied local professional volunteers, including a builder, an electrician, and a handyman, who worked together to remove the old equipment and install the new. This collaborative approach not only saved on costs associated with hiring contractors, but also allowed for a faster completion time which was a crucial factor as the team raced to finish the refurbishment before a wedding scheduled for mid-July 2024.

Community Benefit

The importance of this project to Middleton cannot be overstated. As the only community space in the village, Middleton Village Hall plays a vital role in connecting residents and fostering a sense of belonging. It's estimated that approximately 1,000 people per year, with about 80% from the local area, directly benefiting from the improved facilities. Another Committee Member said:

Our Village Hall is more than just a building. It's where friendships are formed, skills are learned, and memories are made. This refurbishment will ensure that we can continue to provide a welcoming space for everyone in our community.

The community's support for this project has been overwhelming. In addition to the professional volunteers offering their services, one of the regular user groups has stepped forward with a donation. The MHVA is also contributing its own funds, demonstrating its commitment to the project's success.

Looking ahead, the impact of this project promises to be transformative. The functioning, modern kitchen will attract new user groups and events, boosting the hall's revenue stream. Existing groups will find their activities easier and more enjoyable with user-friendly equipment. Most importantly, the residents of Middelton and North Middleton, along with visitors from surrounding areas, will have a revitalised space to come together, celebrate, learn, and grow as a community.

The Fund

The project aligns perfectly with key community development themes: enhancing the quality of life for local residents, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable community, and promoting community spirit and activity. It's a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.

Impact & Outcome

In a world where community spaces are increasingly under threat, the story of Middleton's Village Hall demonstrates the power of local action, the importance of sustainable thinking, and the enduring value of having a place where a community can come together.

With the support of its dedicated volunteers, the generosity of its community, and a clear vision for the future, the Middleton Hall Village Association is writing a new chapter in the story of North Middleton. As the kitchen's transformation unfolds, it promises to cook up not just meals, but a whole new set of possibilities for this close-knit community.