Village hall near Flitwick under threat of closure unless new volunteers are found

In a post on Flitton and Greenfield Village Hall's Facebook page, residents were told that unless new volunteers are found – the hall is at “huge risk of closing in the new year”.

It needs new trustees, committee members, event volunteers and anyone with practical suggestions.

One of the charity’s volunteers – Carl Lowe – said: “We have an ageing committee and are in need of a few more youngster's with fresh ideas and a willingness to keep the hall going and forward.

“We, like many, face increasing costs. Part of the pressures of running the hall is the need to run our own events to keep the money flowing. In a cost-of-living crisis we have noticed that everyone is feeling the pinch.”

He went on to say: “We have and continue to run many many events, such as Village Vibes last year, the Football World Cup, 6 Nations. We plan to continue that with the same events but also the Rugby World Cup – we just need people from the wider community to help run these events and also support us.”

The hall – in Greenfield Road, Flitton – opened in 1969 and was a real product of people power. After the Second World War, residents raised money to get the community facility off the ground through sponsored walks, bazaars and barbecues with the local authority throwing in the other half.

And it’s not as if the village hall isn’t popular – Carl says there isn't a free spot day or night during the week thanks to many local groups. However at weekends it is reliant on occasional hires such as weddings and parties.

If you want to keep the doors open and are interested in helping in any capacity, the meeting is being held this Friday at 7.30pm at the village hall.