Is church hall in danger of closing?
IF a rumour heard on the grapevine is true, the future of St Thomas church hall in Stanhope is
under threat.
The well-used facility, owned by the Church of England, is host to many clubs, organisations and
children’s groups. The popular Root and Branch Café, the much-needed Food Bank and Toddlers
group. The sporting clubs too as well as a central point for meetings and events.
Originally the Rectory, the building was converted to provide two houses, 2 flats and and the
Church Hall with one large Hall and a Small Hall with a kitchen. One of the flats now contains an
extra meeting room and an office.
The halls are used constantly by many groups including the Food Bank, Mums and Toddlers,
Scouts, Mothers Union, Women’s Institute, Monthly Farmers Market, Monthly Craft Market,
coffee mornings, the Community Choir and Yoga classes. Indeed, the halls are so popular that it
can sometimes be difficult to book for a group or event.
It is said that the suggestion to close the building is because of much needed and expensive
repairs needed and that the final decision will be taken at the annual general meeting of the
Parochial Church Council in April.
If the rumours are untrue, we will stand corrected and publish the facts. If they are correct, the
community of Stanhope needs to stand up and make their feelings known before it is too late.
The town has lost so much in recent years, it can’t afford to lose anything else.
The Gazette is reliably informed that the Annual Parochial Church Council meeting, which may
be discussing this matter is to be held on Sunday March 16 th at 11am, presumably in the church
hall itself. It is a public meeting and therefore anyone can attend.
(The Gazette has contacted the Diocese Press Office and the church hall committee but has not
received any replies as we went to press. In the meantime, there is not a minute to lose if indeed
the rumour is true and if the good people of Stanhope want to keep their church hall.)
