Retiring Village Hall Association Chair Paul Dodsworth presented his final Annual Report at the Associations Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 17th March 2021.

The meeting had an attendance of only a dozen members of the community and representatives of user groups, the smallest turn out for some while.

In presenting the report Paul acknowledged the significant improvements that had been undertaken in the hall even during lockdown including:

• relaid floor
• new windows
• extended CCTV
• compete toilet refurbishment
• new fire alarm
• repairs to roof and upstairs ceiling, and
• new lighting to the front and rear

Paul gave thanks to the companies undertaking the works including McKenzies and Durham Building services. He expressed great thanks to those who had contributed sums of money to help fund the improvements and sustain the village hall including the Parish Council, previous County Councillors, the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership, The Ladies Group, Tea Dance and the Coxhoe Branch of the Sunderland Supporters Group.

Paul outlined the contribution the Village Hall had provided to the community during lockdown including Bags of Cheer and the setting up of the Coxhoe and Area Community Pantry. He introduced some new activities which will be established in the Hall soon thanks to grant aid from the Area Action Partnership and Awards for All.

The outgoing Chair advised that this years accounts had been approved by the Auditor and had been forwarded to the Charities Commission.

Paul expressed gratitude to the excellent work of the Village Hall staff including Karen Williams, Derek Orton and the retiring Shirling Armstrong. He thanked the User Groups for their continued support as well as volunteers and ‘Friends of the Village Hall’.

In highlighting the changes in the village hall since he became Chair in 2013, Paul announced that he, the Secretary Nicola Dodsworth and Committee Members Trish and Gary Robinson would not be standing for re-election this year.

The rest of the meeting was devoted to the election of a completely new committee. More details of the outcome will be shared shortly.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded from the following link:

Coxhoe Village Hall Association Chair’s Report August 2021