The Village Hall Committee has decided to reopen the Hall on a limited basis with effect from 1st August.
We want to resume providing this much valued village facility, while helping to keep people safe and reducing the risk of transmission of the Covid-19 virus. In making our risk assessment and drafting supplementary conditions of hire we have followed guidance set out by ACRE, the national body coordinating rural community buildings, which works in consultation with the Government.
Only low risk events for local residents, where social distancing can be applied, will be allowed at this stage – this includes Yoga, Pilates, Stretch and Tone, the art classes, the Parish Council, and meetings where participants do not move around the room. So for the moment no social events or performances will be permitted. Only one event will take place at any one time, and all events will be in the Deben Hall with a one-way system in place. For the time being the Kennedy Room, kitchen, and office will not be available and the medical room reserved strictly for medical use.. The Hall will have additional cleans under contract and hirers will be required to clean touched surfaces before and after events.
The full set of supplementary conditions is posted on the Village Hall section of the village website. These conditions will be revised from time to time in the light of experience and of changing government regulations and guidance. There will be remaining risks and hirers and individuals will have to make their own decisions about whether to organise or attend events.
In the meantime and as allowed under emergency regulations the Trustees have postponed the Village Hall AGM until September.
The Hall is a much valued local facility and we look forward to it again playing a full role in community life in due course. Unfortunately it looks as though our big End-of-Covid Village Party is going to be some time in coming.
Colin Reid on behalf of the Trustees of Waldringfield Village Hall