There was standing room only in the village hall at East Woodlands for a public meeting held to discuss buying the hall as a community asset.
Over 80 people crowded into the Grade II listed building to hear plans from WHAT (Woodlands Hall Action Team) to raise sufficient funds to purchase the hall from its present owners, the Thynne Educational Foundation (TEF).
Fundraising chairman David Millard explained WHAT’s proposals to an enthusiastic crowd who immediately backed the idea.
He said, “It was a fantastic response. There is obviously a huge amount of support for our proposals and we had several serious pledges of support on the night.”
One supporter came from as far away as Gillingham.
Rebecca Mason said, “It is a wonderful venue. My family come from Frome and we have a long association with Woodlands. I had my wedding reception here and have such great memories of the place. It’s terrific to see this level of support for the hall. I will do what I can to keep it for the community.”
Christine Carpenter, chairman of the hall management charity which is aiming to buy the hall said, “We now have a green light from the community. Our next step is to follow up on the pledges of support we received today and make sure we have a sustainable funding package.
“This purchase will enable the TEF to fulfil its charitable aims of giving educational grants and let us focus on running our marvellous hall.”
