Playden Women’s Institute hall could be sold within the next year unless the facility becomes financially viable, the WI reveals.
The hall in Houghton Green Lane — dating from 1921 — has long hosted the WI (one of the oldest in the country having been set up in 1918), Playden Parish Council and several other local groups including art, education and health classes for both children and adults, but now faces an uncertain future as money is urgently needed for routine maintenance and essential upgrades.
The financial problem has been exacerbated by fewer people hiring out the hall — with numbers pushed down by the Covid pandemic and by venue competition from the new Hub on Rye Hill. The current fee for hiring the hall is £12 an hour, compared to the Hub’s £18 an hour for its boardroom.
A spokesperson for Playden WI said there was only sufficient money to cover electrical and emergency lighting upgrades at the hall, as a result of a £2,000 grant from Little Cheyne Wind Farm and a £600 donation from Playden Parish Council. The WI is investigating access to other grants and shortly intends to send a letter to all residents of Playden and Rye Foreign asking for support whether it be through financial gifts, helping with the maintenance of the hall or booking classes or one-off events, to boost income.
Additional funds are needed to upgrade the fire alarm system and the kitchen is in need of modernisation. The hall will require an annual income of £8,000 in future.
It’s understood the situation will deteriorate “unless we can find some financial backing as well as people to help us keep on top of the situation,” the spokesperson revealed. Playden WI currently has about 20 members but hopes support will also come from younger people willing to join and help with administration and / or fundraising.
However, if a local benefactor is not found to support the hall — and grants prove insufficient — the village’s WI hall could soon be consigned to history.
If you are interested to help in any way or to hire the hall email playdenwihall@gmail.com or call Ros Tumber, assistant treasurer on 07719 405123.
Image Credits: David Worwood .