The Village Hall has been closed since last year’s lockdown began. During that time it has been maintained and checked for its security in line with the insurers requirements. It is now open but subject to the government’s Covid-19 regulations which severely inhibit the usual activities until at least June 21st when the government’s road map will hopefully allow things to return to something like pre – Covid-19.

The first use of the Hall since re-opening will be as a polling station for the election of Leicestershire & Rutland Police Commissioner on May 6th. Followed by the Annual Parish Meeting and Parish Council Meeting both on May 19th.

If anyone should be interested in hiring the Village Hall, please visit the government website and read exactly what you are able to do inside & outside Village/Community Halls.

At present social distancing (which limits the numbers allowed in the Hall ) rule of 6, mask wearing, having to have the door and windows open for ventilation, the need to sanitise apply, amongst other things. Then if you wish to hire the Hall please contact me.

The Village Hall Committee report for 2020 and Accounts will be posted on  the website, in early May together with a hard copy displayed on the notice board in the Village Hall porch. Both items will also be presented to the Parish Annual Meeting on May 19th.

Regarding the Village Hall’s finances no fundraising has been possible during lockdown but the Hall has, in line with other village  halls and community centres been given grants under the government’s ‘Retail, Leisure and Hospitality’ scheme as the Hall, although exempt from payment of rates, is rated as a business and is also a registered charity.

We are extremely fortunate in that the amount of money we have received more than compensates for loss of income from fundraising events and hire fees, and more than meets our fixed costs expenditure of insurance, utilities etc which despite lockdown still have to be met.

As for any future Village Hall Committee organised events such as coffee mornings, Quiz or a suggested Pub Night this year, we will have to wait and see what is possible. We are keen to get the Hall used again but only if what we can do is enjoyable and people feel happy and safe to attend.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dave Roome – Chairman
Ridlington Village Hall Committee

Email – davr333@btinternet.com
Telephone – 01572 821416