We have all heard about how many organisations and charities have been hit wit the lack of funds, and sadly our Village hall here in Shutlanger is no different.

This much loved Victorian community asset and village focal point has been used by generations. Perhaps your child has attended nursery here, you've enjoyed a local quiz, a folk music night, summer fete, Christmas Party or hosted an 18th birthday here - whatever your association with this building we hope that you agree that we need to do everything we can to make sure it remains viable. As we approach winter, with rising costs and further lockdowns the situation is now critical.

The Village Hall Committee are currently seeking grants but unfortunately the building was not eligible for the recent government funding. However we are currently pursuing another avenue, but these things do take time and will only cover much needed remedial works as money for running costs must be sourced locally.

So we are asking - possibly for the first time - if you would consider helping? Would you be able to make a donation? Our village life without a hall seems hard to consider, so we are trying every route to create funds. Running fund raising events are clearly difficult right now so we are asking if you would simply consider contributing to the Village Hall Emergency fund.

A few factors to ponder: our running costs are typically £2700 per year without any maintenance expenditure and in a normal year we generate around £3500 from hall hirings to cover this. Clearly our income this year has been hugely reduced and we we're looking at a significant shortfall.

Small or large, if you can make a donation, it will make a huge difference to get us over this period whilst we continue to pursue all our grant options. In addition to just covering costs, there is a good deal of maintenance and repair needed, so funds are urgently required.

The Parish Council have kindly been offered to match any monies collected to the value of £5000 with a one off donation. This is a great incentive to give!