The Co-op Group’s Local Community Fund has helped kit out a village hall in Buckinghamshire with much needed-equipment.
Lavendon Village Hall, in Milton Keynes, applied to the fund to buy better audiovisual equipment. “This was to benefit our whole community, but in particular, those who are hard of hearing or feel socially isolated,” said the secretary of the hall, Nigel Stickells.
“We were so excited to find out that we’d been chosen as one of the causes. Thanks to the new equipment, we’ll be able to host more events to help bring our local community together. It’s already being used for talks and presentations, with film nights and live streaming of sports planned in.
“The fund will also help us better support local amateur dramatics groups who use our hall regularly, as we plan to invest in new stage lighting.”
Lavendon Village Hall was built in 1953 after years of fundraising by local residents – and it continues to be a focal point for all ages of the community, particularly the over 60s wanting to socialise without travelling too far.
It hosts a range of activities that bring people together – from dance and drama to keep fit classes, quiz nights, afternoon teas and bingo. “This new equipment will enrich these and allow us to offer even more activities, right in the heart of Lavendon,” said Mr Stickells.
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“The safe and effective running of the village hall is dependent on strong support and self-help from within the local community, especially in terms of fundraising. The Co-op’s Local Community Fund is a great example of how local people, shopping locally, can make a big difference to their communities.
“Thanks to the fund we’ll be able to support more of our local community for many more years to come by offering a wider range of activity for local residents to enjoy.”
