Funds plea to help save battered village hall

Wheldrake villagers had been close to securing the money needed to repair the hall’s already dilapidated roof, with the building having been closed since March, but recent severe weather and the resulting damage has left them needing to raise an extra £10,000.

Adrianne Harker, treasurer of Wheldrake Recreation Association, has appealed for help.

“We were distraught to discover our hall in this state and feel overwhelmed at the task ahead of us,” she said. “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.”

The hall’s ongoing closure is keenly felt by villagers, she said, as it usually provides much-needed childcare facilities and hosts Brownies, Guides and Cubs groups, as well as acting as a hub for other activities such as keep fit classes, gardening and Bollywood dancing.

Ms Harker added: “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.”

Donations can be made online. Visit www.btplc.com/mydonate and search for Wheldrake Recreation Association.