New blood needed to keep hall going

An appeal is being made to residents in the Orchard Vale area of Midsomer Norton to rally again and secure the future of their community hall.

Although the hall is used by a variety of groups, including dog clubs, karate, keep fit and bingo, and is available for parties, the committee that runs it is getting older and needs new blood to keep going.

Community Association secretary Ann Robbins said committee members were now getting older, with the caretaker approaching 80, and a new injection of committee members was needed.

Following the annual meeting in February committee chairman Colin Robbins resigned and there were no volunteers to replace him.

Mrs Robbins said: "The small and aging committee are in desperate need of new members to help keep the hall maintained and functional."

"This hall has been in use for many years and unless people come forward to help run it, sadly, we shall have no option but to close."

The association has already leafleted around Orchard Vale and Orchard Avenue hoping to get support but no one turned up at the annual meeting.

"What we are looking for is people with enthusiasm and energy. The hall is well used but no-one wants to take responsibility for it.

"We are looking for people who will have enthusiasm and perhaps set up a youth club which is much needed in this area.

"If no-one comes forward then we will have no option but to close the hall and offer it back to the council."

Orchard Recreational Hall was rebuilt in 2005 following support from the community after a large tree fell on top of the Orchard Recreational Community hall during a storm in 2002.

It ripped the roof of the building apart, shattering the ceiling, letting in rainwater and flooding the hall making it unusable.

A huge community effort resulted in the hall being renovated and improved, with chairman Colin Robbins being involved with most of the work.

Now the hall could be handed to Bath and North East Somerset Council unless volunteers come forward to join the committee.

Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact Mrs Robbins on 01761 415976.