THE PEOPLE of Wanborough are stepping in to rescue their village hall after a committee chairperson warned it could close.

Several positions on the village hall committee were vacated with no replacements in waiting, but after a plea for support on the Wanborough Community Facebook page a dozen volunteers from the area have come forward. They will discuss their plans for keeping the hall open at the annual general meeting on June 11.

Tessa Lanstein, chair of the village hall committee, said: “We really needed the community because without the treasurer’s post we couldn’t function. We were desperately hoping that wouldn’t have to happen, but luckily we now have a number of people coming, so we’re delighted.”

“Wanborough and its neighbouring villages are a great place to live. It’s full of community-spirited individuals and families. I’m always amazed at people’s ability to find the time to support local events help with the upkeep of facilities.”

The village hall is owned by Diocese of Bristol which is leasing it to the Wanborough Parish Council. However, the council leaves day-to-day management responsibilities to an independent hall management committee made up of village interest groups.

Residents use the hall for scouts groups, parish meetings and the organisation of the scarecrow trail among other activities.

“It’s the most used asset in the village,” Tessa added. “It’s booked every week day for four to six hours and for a party or two every weekend, so I was confident people would step up. Without it they’d have to find other local or not so local venues which wouldn’t be easy, but that’s not looking likely now.”

Sarah Ingram, who supervises a playgroup at the hall, said: “It serves all ages and it’s a vital part of the village. I don’t think there’s anywhere else that could host the playgroup.

“People stepped up and came forward which was wonderful, that’s part of Wanborough. That’s what people do.”

Local saviour Mike Webster was one of the first to respond to Tessa’s online request. Despite it coinciding with his 35th wedding anniversary, Mike will attend the general meeting to learn about how he can support the hall. He told the Adver: “I thought, ‘go on then, if no one else will, I will.’ I’m not going to be doing a great deal on the anniversary now, other than this and going to the pub.”

“I hope it doesn’t lead to a divorce,” he joked. “The hall is a focal point in the village and I use it for all sorts of things, so my wife is very understanding. She’s coming with me because she thinks it’s a good cause as well. I don’t think things like this should shut.

“I was shocked when I heard about it – these days I don’t think people are as community-minded.”

Roger Whitfield, vice chair of the Wanborough Parish Council, said: “It’s important to the community and we use it constantly. The committee have done a sterling job with it over the years.”