Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentleman, on behalf of the Chairman and Management Committee of the Coal Aston Village Hall, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here tonight.
This gathering is to recognise and celebrate the life of the Coal Aston Village Hall in all its incarnations.
It was way back in the early 1930's, when Coal Aston was caught up in the national 'depression', that the idea was mooted that the village needed a meeting place, somewhere to go, to meet together and talk, perhaps to learn to do things to pass the time.
As usual, a few dedicated people were fired with a dream - money would be needed - and a committee was formed, a Village Hall Fund was started and numerous events were held.
Then came the war years and energies were turned to winning the war and the peace. The end of the war saw the beginning of a huge effort to develop a Village Hall. Ground was purchased and, after still greater efforts, it was with enormous pride that in September 1958 a foundation stone was laid, and a year later the Hall was officially opened with a membership of 200. The dream had become a reality.
Over the decades, the Hall filled a greater need than just somewhere to go and pass the time. It became used for a variety of purposes, for art, culture, caring for the very young and old, indoor sports, and entertainment of all kinds.
Time passed and eventually the Village Hall (or Community Centre, as it became widely known) became very run-down and it was obvious that a little TLC was needed. Again, dedicated people girded their loins and set forth on a journey that took months of research and mountains of application forms. After much effort and sweat, money was allocated from various funding agents. So, we come to the present day and we find ourselves in this magnificent building that is used on a daily basis by social services, a busy IT unit and many regular clubs and associations.
Over the years, many people, too numerous to mention, have given their time and enthusiasm to maintaining the welfare of this building, but it would be inappropriate not to mention just one or two whose efforts have been above and beyond the call of duty.
Helen Askew, who cared for the Hall as if it were her own and had everyone shaking in their shoes when she crossed the car park. Joan Unwin, another brick, who was the longest-serving committee member and last President. David Eccles, Treasurer for over twenty years, who held the finances in a safe and tight fist, as well as being Santa Claus at Christmas events and announcer at the Village Galas. David Stevenson, who became our first Caretaker, manfully aided him on numerous occasions. Sadly, none of these friends is here to enjoy this celebration, well certainly not in the flesh, but who knows?
In amongst those dedicated souls we must not forget Ron Hubbard, our current Chairman and Treasurer, and retired committee member Derek Andrews, ably supported by our Secretary Philip Bradburn, without whose diligent efforts with all those meetings and application forms for funding, tonight would not be a celebration.
Finally, many, many thanks must go to all of you here this evening, who have given time and effort over the years to make the Coal Aston Village Hall what it is today - a place to be proud of.
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