Tideswell Community Hall officially opened its doors on Sunday 16th July 2023, 8 years after the fire which destroyed the previous building on the site. The Hall is a modern new building available to all to hire for regular classes or ‘one off’ events.
A representative of the 1st Tideswell Scout Group cut the ribbon to declare the Hall and the event open. The chair gave an opening speech revealing the journey and the many challenges faced to get to this point. All the organisation who gave grants and donations were mentioned and in particular the National Lottery Community Fund, Garfield Weston Anniversary Fund and Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund for the significant grants awarded to the project, a plaque in the main hall acknowledges their contributions. In addition a virtual brick wall was unveiled with the many names of individuals who had brought a brick at the Tideswell Food Festivals and supported through the cubs and scouts crowd funding appeal – everyone is welcome to come and have a look.
Elaine Kearney, who sadly passed away in November 2022, had been a committee member since the start of the re-build project and Akela to the Cubs for 35 years. The Main Hall is named in her memory – many of her friends and family were there to share in the dedication and this was a very special moment.
The committee were thanked for all their hard work and dedication to ensure the building was completed. Deborah Willoughby the chair and Gary Hancock were given gifts to acknowledge their outstanding contribution to the project and long association for over 30 years as committee members. Katharine Longden was also recognized for doing an excellent job as treasurer.
There was a great turn out for the opening with a good mixture of benefactors, supporters, committee members, users of the Hall and local residents which resulted in a great atmosphere, a sense of celebration and a buzz of good will. Teas, coffee and cakes were available so a big thanks to all who made and donated cakes for the occasion. There was also a raffle and a huge thank you goes to all the local establishments who generously donated some fabulous prizes, the money raised will go towards the maintenance of the hall.
The Hall is open for bookings via the web site – https://tides wellcommunityhall. org.uk