CAN you help put a roof back on Wheldrake Village Hall?

Residents from Wheldrake, near York, are fighting hard to save the future of their village hall following the loss of its roof during the storm last week. As previously reported in The Press, the community had been working tirelessly to raise enough money to have the hall’s roof repaired when it was torn from the building during severe weather, resulting in extensive damage.

The hall now needs urgent attention to ensure the building is watertight and residents are asking for help to raise additional funds.

Adrianne Harker, treasurer of Wheldrake Recreation Association (WRA), said: “We were distraught to discover our hall in this state and feel overwhelmed at the task ahead of us. We can’t even determine the extent of damage as the building is unsafe to enter.

“We do know that the ceiling has crashed in, hitting the walls and doors and we just hope the structure of those walls hasn’t also been affected. The electrics have been ripped out, along with the fire alarm and fibreglass is blowing everywhere.”

Wheldrake Village Hall provides a much-used hub for community life. When the roof deteriorated in March a decision was made to shut the venue whilst funds were raised to replace it.

The WRA, a charitable trust which manages the hall and outdoor sports facilities had already started fundraising, said then that the cost of the roof repairs is estimated to be in excess of £60,000, and villagers raised £45,000 through donations, but the storm damage set them back as some of those funds will now be used to ensure the building is watertight ahead of repair work taking place.

Ms Harker said: "Wheldrake residents and community groups are feeling the loss of their village hall, which usually is busy with childcare facilities such as a breakfast club and playgroup and also Brownies, Guides and Cubs.

"It also provides a social meeting place for residents to enjoy sessions in keeping fit, gardening and even Bollywood dancing. This loss is felt greatly in the lead up to Christmas, with several groups unable to hold their usual fundraising events in the village, such as craft fairs and jumble sales.

"Community buildings and village halls play a crucial role in rural life, particularly during the darker months and in areas such as Wheldrake which don’t have a frequent bus service in an evening. Wheldrake needs to get the roof back on their village hall; it cannot be used again until this happens."

Donations to the hall appeal can be made online at https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/wheldrakerecreationassociation