Grant kick starts Stinchcombe Village Hall improvements

The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust has awarded a grant of nearly £10,000 to improve facilities for the residents of Stinchcombe.

The windfall of £9,825 will improve facilities at Stinchcombe Village Hall and will include redecorating the main hall and helping to fund a new stage floor. The funds will also go towards new signage and a portable ramp for wheelchairs. Improvements to ventilation and insulation will keep the hall's users warm and cut running costs by helping with energy efficiency.

Ann Selby, who chairs the Village Hall Management Committee, said: "Our village is without a school, shop or a pub, so the village hall is very important for the community. It's now over 60 years old, so despite recent improvements, there's still work to be done.

"We are delighted to receive this grant from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust in order to secure the future of this important asset for the village and the surrounding area.

"The hall is well-used with regular activities such as a play group, keep-fit, yoga, pilates, table tennis and also used by local societies or people wanting a good venue for a party. Our refurbishment programme will help us to offer even more activities for people in the village and local area."

The work will begin in March and is scheduled to finish by the autumn.

The village of Stinchcombe is close to Cam and Dursley and has about 460 residents. Most of the parish is situated within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).