Silchester's new hall management committee

Parishioners elect new management committee for Silchester Village Hall

SILCHESTER Village Hall has a new managing committee and governing document, including a new ruling for any future sale of land for development next to the hall.

At a reconvened annual meeting of the hall's management committee on November 24, 68 parishioners voted unanimously for approval of a new governing document.

A clause in this states that any disposal of trust property has to be agreed by Silchester villagers.

Previously, trustees had the power to dispose of any part of the land or buildings, providing the money raised was used for the benefit of village hall users.

Recently there has been concern among villagers about proposals to sell land next to the hall to raise money for refurbishment at the village hall.

At a meeting in July, villagers were told that the proposed sale of one plot of land next to the hall, along with planning permission to build a four-bedroom house and the sale of a second plot of land, was likely to bring in £200,000.

A further £100,000 would be raised from grants and more from donations.

However, after the more recent meeting, the newly-elected chairman Jonathan Murdock said that no decision had been made about the proposals.

“Time will tell as to the way we take it forward, whether we revisit the development plans, or if there are other options available,” he said.

Twelve managing trustees were elected, or re-elected at the recent meeting including: Jonathan Murdock (chairman), Richard Lerner (treasurer), Andrew Chandler, John Durrant, Valerie Hyde, Theresa Philpott, Terry Price, Stuart Sinclair, Neil Smithers, Ashley Watson, Shellie Dunham, and Kathryn McCrohan.

A secretary has yet to be appointed, and Anthony Headland was re-elected as the charity's independent examiner.