In recent years the Bale Village Hall Committee has been giving thought to the condition and future use of the Hall. A survey of villagers revealed a consensus view that the Hall needed to be renovated to encourage its greater use. This would produce an enhanced income stream which, in turn, would underwrite the costs of on-going repairs to and maintenance of the ageing building. The Gunthorpe and Bale Parish Plan adopted in 2012 reflects these views.

THE PROPOSALS

The proposals can most conveniently be described by reference to three discrete phases of work. An extension to house new toilets is the first and arguably the most important phase, for this enables, as the second phase, the existing toilets to be re-modelled as a kitchen/bar, and the existing kitchen to be used as a storeroom. The storm porch is the third and final phase. The external works (new fencing and hard surfacing) would be undertaken, probably, as part of the first phase.

The existing kitchen units will be moved from their existing location and be re-used in the new kitchen. The existing kitchen will then be cleared to form a new store room where tables and chairs can be stacked, along with other materials and equipment.

The Storm Porch comes last and will be constructed as funds become available, although the foundations may, to save cost, be constructed in phase 1, well in advance of the above ground structure. The form (pitched roof) of the porch and its central window are in line with Chris Young’s suggestions. It is hoped that the funds will enable us to re-clad the entire front of the Hall and replace the rotten barge boards.