History

The village hall has always been at the heart of the community and in the picturesque village of East Cowton the story is no different. Scroll through the timeline below to find out more about the hall, the committee and the story so far.

1932
1996
2003-2005
2007
2012
2013 onward
2017
December 2017

1932

The hall constructed with help from the Diocese of Ripon. It is maintained and run by a village committee affiliated to the local Parochial Parish Council and known as the Parish Hall.

1996

The East Cowton New Village Hall Association (ECNVHA) formed with its objective to raise funds to build a new hall.

2003-2005

The ECNVHA completed negotiations with the Diocese of Ripon and purchased the Parish Hall and its site. The Parish Hall became known as the Village Hall and the ECNVHA achieved charitable status. The former hall management committee gradually merged & evolved with the ECNVHA executive committee and continued towards its main objective, the building of a new village hall – but alongside it maintained the present hall.

2007

An application was made to the Big Lottery Fund for grant funding for the new hall. This application was unsuccessful.

2012

To help future grant applications, a planning application was made to the local Planning Authority. This application was successful.

2013 onward

Lots of work carried out in obtaining estimates of building costs for building a new hall, seeking grant opportunities and making contact with local organisations connected to community co-operation e.g. Northallerton & District Voluntary Services Associations; Community First Yorkshire.

2017

A modified Planning Application was made and was successful.

December 2017

The East Cowton Community Shop was added alongside the hall. It adds further to the community co-operation feel and also alongside is a children’s play area and so there is a spread of age groups using these facilities.

The committee

The ECVHA committee has as its main objective the provision of a new hall but keeps the present hall ‘ticking over’ – which is largely self supporting through income coming from charges made for hiring the hall. However, those involved involved in its upkeep are aware of the increasing need for major work to be done and so are making every effort to push forward with the current new build plan. As always, the committee is looking for further grant opportunities – especially the ‘big one’ to get that new hall. Use has been made of smaller grants to buy equipment that must be transferable to a new hall e.g. air-to-air heaters & solar panels.

The ECVHA committee puts most of its energy into constantly fund raising towards that new build. Regular fund-raisers include: A 100 Club monthly lottery; an annual Big Xmas Raffle Draw; the EC Xmas Card. Since December 2107 a volunteer once per week afternoon Pop-Up Cafe has been immensely popular & a good fund raiser; it runs throughout the year with holiday breaks several times a year. Other ‘one off’ events raise money from time-to-time . e.g. musical/stage presentations, social events.

Fund-raising events like the Pop Up Cafe also enhance the Community spirit and co-operation as, coincidentally, does a pop Up Post Office which comes to the hall on the same afternoon as the cafe. Also, the Cowton Arts & theatre Society (‘CATS), run by local residents, produces the EC Panto and other community stage events and adds to this spirit AND they have provided new lighting equipment (for use by all) – which would be transferable to a new hall.

East Cowton Village Hall

Mission Statement

Our mission is to support the Village of East Cowton by providing a building that will be the base for social, leisure and community services for local residents and those of neighbouring communities.

Aims

We aim to deliver by, providing an environmentally friendly multi-purpose facility.
Working with the Village Community to ensure the maximum use of the Village Hall.
Promoting a positive community spirit.

Values

Integrity and honesty
Creation of community spirit
Development of cultural and leisure activities

Members of the committee

  • Stuart Barker

    Chair

    07855 250107

    stuartbarker44@btinternet.com

  • John Tucker

    Treasurer

    07967 173674

    tuckerjb@hotmail.com

  • Barbara Hibbert

    Acting Secretary

    07841  646899

    h1bbx@outlook.com

  • Jim Crabbe

    Booking secretary

    07710 457741

    crabbez@aol.com