logo25 April 2025 - Mission Hall news

Dear friends,

We very much hope you are enjoying the refurbished Mission Hall after the work done in January and February. We would like to thank all the contractors for the excellent work they did in completing the work to a high standard and on time. In particular, Mike Fuller project managed the work for us as well as doing all the general building work, and Dave Kerr has decorated the hall, inside and out, to a very high standard. There is a photographic record of the work, assembled by Sue Cottam, at https://suttonpoyntz.org.uk/index.php/gallery/mission-hall/building-works-2025.

We also want to thank the various sponsors without whom we would have been able to do much less in terms of improvements to the Hall. In particular

  • The Lottery Community Fund contributed about two-thirds of the cost of the double-glazed windows as well as money towards roof repairs and insulation;
  • The Darlington and Valentine Trusts contributed over 80% towards a variety of works including the floor repair, WC improvements, skirting board, and improved Store Room shelving;
  • A donation from the Britford Bridge Trust paid for the new furniture in the Hall;
  • The bequest received a few years ago from the Rev William Kelly covered about 80% of the cost of the improved heating;
  • Donations from the Sutton Poyntz Society and the Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre allowed us to go ahead with the improved lighting in the Hall. We also want to thank the Society for the very attractive new table cloths that they have contributed;
  • Finally, some kind donations in memory of Barbara Harrison went towards the cost of the attractive new sign outside the Hall.

Other work, funded as a result of fund-raising events over a number of years, include removal of the chimney on the north side (to remove a recurring damp problem), better ventilation and damp-proofing of the void under the floor, repairs to the porch timber, and the cost of the redecoration. Altogether the works cost just over £60,000, of which nearly 40% came from our own accumulated funds.

This has all left our funds in a state where we shall need to be very frugal for a time, and will need to fund-raise quite energetically.

In that context, here are a few dates for your diaries.

  • Firstly, a reminder of our next COFFEE MORNING, on Friday 2nd May.
  • Next, our AGM will be on Monday 9th June, starting at 7.30 p.m. We will present our report on what has been a very busy year (not just getting the building work done but running events, getting the rather tedious paperwork in a better state, and working with the St Andrew's PCC towards a Lease Extension). We will also provide the financial accounts for the year. Despite the state of our funds we will be recommending no change to the Hall rental rate, at £10 per hour - this will run our Rental and Building Funds at a deficit but we are conscious that life is tight for everyone. Finally, we will be very happy if there is anyone who would like to come onto the Mission Hall Committee and help to run this valued village facility.
  • On Sunday 29th June, we will run a SUMMER PICNIC in the orchard, with a French theme, so dig out vos bicyclettes, berets, et fils d'oignons, (or whatever other tired cultural stereotype you might choose), and be ready to apportez votre propre alcool (i.e. BYOB), while we provide les aliments (food) and, we hope, beaucoup de soleil (sunshine).
  • On Sunday 13th July, Gayle and helpers are running a JUMBLE TRAIL, mainly in aid of Mission Hall funds. So if you, like me, have loads of stuff in your garage that you're always meaning to do something about, THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!!!
  • On Saturday 11th October, we are planning a SPANISH EVENING, restarting the very popular and enjoyable themed meal evenings that the Mission Hall used to run (remember the Gnomes!) when fund-raising for the kitchen extension.

More details on all of these in due time, but please put them in your diaries. We look forward to seeing lots of you then.

One final point - There are several times in the week when the Mission Hall has regular vacancies, so if there is anyone with aspirations to start a new village group or activity, do please come and discuss. The more the Hall is used, the greater the chance we can retain the current rental charge for the foreseeable future.

Best wishes,
Bill Egerton - on behalf of the Mission Hall Committee