Village Hall

The newly extended and refurbished Village Hall was officially opened on 5^th September 2009 as planned.  The project cost approximately £250,000 and was completed on time and within budget and must be seen as an achievement for all involved.  After the official opening hundreds of villagers visited the hall and the overwhelming opinion seemed to be that it was a great success and had brought the hall well and truly into the 21^st century!

The immediate impact was the newly enlarged entrance hall which now allows visitors room to congregate before making their way to the meeting or event they are planning to attend.  The overall colour scheme was complimented upon and the floor tiles greatly admired.

The new lift was used several times on the day by young and old and was deemed a success in opening up the whole hall to everyone who visited.   

The new home for the Community Archive on the first floor was opened by the Local History Group and from the number of people making enquiries it appears the group may be growing in its new home! 

The 30ft by 5ft Mural on display in the upstairs meeting room was a great attraction with everyone admiring the drawings of local buildings and trying to recognise local individuals.  I've stood and looked at it several times and there is always something new to be seen. 

The Main Hall was visited by everyone and all appeared to appreciate the overall design, colour scheme, new curtains and new integral lighting and heating system.  

Youth workers from City of York Council Youth Service were encouraged by the response to the new Youth Club to be held each Wednesday evening in the upstairs meeting room and hopefully this will become a success and welcome addition to village activities.

Overall, the day was a great success and the following was written by someone in a comments book provided on the day:-

"Amazing! Lucky Bishopthorpe to have such a lovely hall and bunch of hard working people who made it happen.  A real testimony to the Community Spirit of the village"

I don't know who wrote it but Thank You - it makes all the effort well worth while!

Stewart Harrison

Chairman - Bishopthorpe Parish Council