St Cuthbert's Hall

I recently visited St Cuthbert's Hall in Castle, which has been taken on by a volunteer group set up with the purpose of securing it as a community facility after it was made available for rent. The hall is located on the one-way gyratory around St Cuthbert's Church at the junction of Newnham Street/St Cuthbert's Street/Mill Street. Castle Community Society beat off commercial competition to obtain the lease after a remarkable fundraising effort, which took place against the clock. Rob Price and John Lucas, who showed me round the hall, are local residents who formed the society and drummed up a vast amount of support in a matter of days. As they showed me round they discussed their vision for the hall and the potential they see in it as a sustainable, ongoing community facility run by local people. They recognise the huge challenge they face, but the impressive start to life of the Castle Community Society and the local support which has rallied round are certainly very hopeful beginnings. They are looking for bookings for the hall, of course, so if you are involved with, or know of, any groups which might want to use the hall please do get in touch with them. Their website can be found here: http://www.castlecommunitysociety.org.uk/

In the photo I am pictured with Rob Price, Chair of Castle Community Society, and Castle Ward Councillor Caroline Fensome.