Breathing new life into Fulford Social Hall

by Juliet Koprowska in York, United Kingdom

Help make a difference and volunteer for this project

To transform the Social Hall in Fulford into a welcoming, bright, sustainable and better-used community asset.

by Juliet Koprowska in York, United Kingdom

Fulford Social Hall has played an important and changing role in the community for nearly 200 years, and we'd like it to last another 200! It is owned by Fulford Parish Council (part of local government rather than the church), and we are looking for people to help us write some big grant applications to modernise the Hall, making it a comfortable, sustainable building with a low carbon footprint, so that it can be better used by the community.

Built as a school in the mid-19th century, it served as an ambulance station and first aid centre during World War Two. Then it was acquired by Fulford Parish Council and became  a community hall and library - the latter now housed nearby.  Although various classes for adults and children take place during the week, along with private parties and occasional community events such as the one pictured, it is under-resourced and under-utilised. 

The Hall is showing its age, with leaks, an unreliable and costly gas heating system, a complete lack of insulation, and flaking decor that all detract from the character and charm of the interior, which could be far more comfortable and inviting. The exterior is also shabby and unwelcoming.

The Parish Councillors are few in number and we would benefit hugely from people with expertise in gathering complex information into lucid report-writing, business planning, number crunching and the ability to help us meet deadlines. We are applying for funds to bring the building up to modern standards of comfort and sustainability. The first application is to the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, which must be in by 2.00pm precisely on June 26th 2024. There will be other applications, but this first one is the most complex.

We will also be looking for other kinds of fundraising, so watch this space!