Harthill Village Hall fit for purpose

Village Hall Harthill & District is a registered charity dedicated to managing and maintaining the village hall for local groups and residents. The organisation promotes community welfare and provides an accessible venue for residents of all ages, hosting approximately 100-120 users per week through diverse activities including weight and wellness support groups, mindful movement sessions, and a popular lunch club for older residents. The hall serves as an affordable community space for meetings, celebrations, and family events across Harthill, Eastfield, Greenrigg, and surrounding areas.

The village hall's toilet facilities had remained largely unchanged since the building's construction in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The trustees identified a critical need to modernise these facilities after receiving negative feedback from users and club members. Working closely with contractors over a four-week period, the project transformed outdated facilities into modern, practical, and hygienic spaces. The refurbishment included installing hand dryers for improved hygiene, creating smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, improving accessibility features, enhancing floor safety with non-slip materials, and upgrading fixtures including easier-to-use flush mechanisms. This comprehensive upgrade aligns with the HEG Community Fund's objectives, which include enhancing opportunities for increased participation in community activity.

Benefits to Residents and Impact

The transformation has generated remarkable benefits for the community, with many local people and groups benefiting from the improved facilities. The safer, non-slip flooring and user-friendly fixtures have particularly benefited older users who had found the facilities challenging to navigate. The modernised toilets have encouraged increased hall bookings, ensuring the venue's continued viability as a community hub. Beyond the physical improvements, the project has had a social impact, with isolated individuals finding renewed opportunities to connect with friends, old and new. 

The enhanced facilities support a diverse demographic, from families with newborns to people in their nineties, accommodating regular groups, bi-weekly bingo sessions, and various private functions including funerals, anniversaries, and birthday celebrations. Visitors returning to the hall have expressed delight at the transformation, with overwhelmingly positive feedback contributing to increased usage of this important community resource.

The Role of Community Volunteers

The project's success owes much to the dedication of volunteer trustees who guided it from conception to completion. These community volunteers worked closely with contractors throughout the four-week construction period, ensuring the project met community needs while managing resources effectively. Their commitment extends beyond the project's completion, with trustees maintaining rigorous cleaning and maintenance standards to preserve the facilities in excellent condition for years to come. This volunteer-driven approach demonstrates how community leadership can successfully deliver projects that enhance local amenities and strengthen community bonds. The trustees' ongoing stewardship ensures that every person walking through the village hall doors will continue to benefit from safe, accessible, and welcoming facilities that reflect the community's pride in this essential local venue.

Read more about the Harthill, Eastfield and Greenrigg (HEG) Community Fund