Audlem Public Hall

The Public Hall (comprising Town Hall and Annexe) provide a fantastic combination of facilities which are available for the benefit of all of the communities of Audlem, Buerton and Hankelow.

Over time, the number and variety of groups and activities making use of the rooms has changed and evolved. For example, from the Burial Board, ADCA, the Theatre Group, Bridge Clubs, Audlem Saints football club to bingo, badminton, dinner dances, touring performances and private functions – the facilities are adaptable to many uses.

The older part of the building (i.e. the Town Hall) is over 100 years old – dating back to the early 1900's. The Town Hall has a sprung dancefloor. The floor finish requires ongoing care and a major refurbishment is now required. The Town Hall is also the part of the complex which is most in demand for private functions. Maintenance of the decorative condition of the Hall is crucial to its ongoing use.

The Public Hall is run as a charity under the stewardship of Trustees and a Management Committee. It is not financially supported other than by regular room hire income, gym membership fees, fund-raising and any external grants that from time to time become available, so inevitably, a balance has to be kept between making the facilities available as widely as possible on the one hand and minimising the natural wear and tear of the building on the other hand.

Whenever a request is made for the use of any part of the Hall, it is carefully considered to make sure that it fits with the objectives of the Hall; that it doesn't conflict with existing uses; that health and safety and legal obligations are covered; and that it does not represent any unacceptable risk of damage to the fabric or decoration of the building.

Over recent months, some new activities, such as fitness classes and Mini Ballerz (3-5 year old football training) have been trialled and monitored in the Town Hall. The Public Hall Management Committee is open to discuss all requests for the use of the Town Hall and Annexe facilities and, with an eye to the obligation to maintain the facilities in good structural and decorative condition as well as continuing to make the Town Hall and Annexe available to the community as a whole.

In the specific case of walking football, the committee considered a request in November to hold this in the Town Hall. The view of the committee was that this specific activity brought increased risk of damage to some of the vulnerable parts in the Town Hall, such as the cluster lights and radiators – either from impact of balls or (in the case of radiators) people. We do appreciate it is 'walking football' but expect that it also gets the 'competitive juices' flowing, so is not entirely sedate. That said, we do recognise the benefits this activity brings to the people of our community – we are not completely closed on this matter and will give the request further consideration.

Stuart Furber (Chairman), on behalf of thge Audlem Public Hall Management Committee,