News \/ Press Release<\/b><\/p>\n
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Hungerford\u2019s The Croft Hall launches appeal to deliver major improvements to the town\u2019s premier arts, entertainment and events venue<\/b><\/p>\n
The 120 year old Croft Hall is an architecturally attractive building constructed to the highest Victorian\u00a0 quality standards in Hungerford\u2019s picturesque Croft area. In the intervening years it has been well-maintained and has received some additions so that it now provides the town\u2019s community with a unique range of events, entertainments and meeting spaces each hirable individually or in various combinations.<\/span><\/p>\n The Trustees of The Croft Hall registered charity, have resolved that the building and facilities requires a major refurbishment and modernisation in order to maintain and widen the appeal of the facilities for today\u2019s users and\u00a0 secure the building\u2019s environmental and financial sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n The hall’s facilities are used by a wide range of organisation and individuals as :-<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0– A <\/span>Performance Space<\/b> – for Arts for Hungerford films, live music and talks, author literature talks, religious services,<\/span> other performance events, and Comedy Club<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0– A <\/span>Social\/Party Space<\/b> – including Individual events averaging one to two a week, birthday and family parties, wakes, card and board game groups<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0– A <\/span>Venue for Classes and Groups<\/b> – such as Rainbows, Yoga, Pilates, Thai Chi, Rock Choir, Kick Boxing and Arts Workshops<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0– A <\/span>Family an<\/b>d <\/span>Children’s Centre<\/b> – Supporting our local community.<\/span><\/p>\n In launching the appeal, Chair of the Croft Hall Charity Tony Drewer-Trump said \u201cThe people of Hungerford and its environs are privileged to be the current custodians of this magnificent community asset and to be able to enjoy the use of the spaces it provides. We all now have the responsibility to ensure The Croft Hall can continue its important social and community role for ourselves and future generations. We are confident\u00a0 that with a broad local effort plus grants from various public and private philanthropic bodies we can make our plans a reality for Hungerford.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The Croft Hall is fundamental to the success of my Bookshop as live events are a core part of it said Emma Milne- White. I really appreciate having access to a venue that has a stage, and good lighting and sound right on my doorstep. Customers love being able to walk there from town and frequently speakers comment on the great atmosphere there. It\u2019s my favourite place to use.<\/p>\n Funding of \u00a3138,000 needs to be raised urgently to enable the first phase of the project which includes structural repairs. A\u00a0 further \u00a3300,000 will be needed for the envisaged improvements. Improvement and modernisation required are extensive but include: Changing the small hall from its historic use as a playgroup space to one suited for the Childrens Centre, Arts Workshops, Pilates, meetings and talks. Transforming the main hall to a modern performance space, replacing obsolete curtains and lighting, and restoring the uncluttered beauty of the original hall design.\u00a0 Installing sound proofing doors between spaces to allow us to use rooms more freely. Remodelling the areas outside the hall including the garden to allow for their use by community groups in conjunction with the hall. The Croft Hall is a registered charity and generates sufficient income to cover running costs but needs donations and grant funding for the major outlays which will be needed.<\/span><\/p>\n For more Information<\/strong> Croft Hall Grant Master Plan20240904<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n