The Rifle Hall Trust is a registered charity looking for additional trustees to help guide the management and development of the hall.
Originally built as a theatre in 1792, the hall has had many uses over the centuries – including a period in ownership of The Suffolk Regiment. It was used as a drill hall by the volunteer battalion, giving rise to its name and it was also a theatre run by David Fisher. It is a grade II listed building, noted for architectural and historical interest.
Since 1930 the hall has been in use as the public hall for Halesworth, hosting a range of community groups and events as well as private hirers.
However, the hall has suffered from many years of under-investment and lack of use. The Trustees are working hard to improve the experience for current users, but a major renovation of the hall is also needed to bring it up to standard for a 21st century public hall. Over the last year funding has been raised to enable new toilets to be built and the old kitchen to have a new roof, allowing it to now be used as a storage room for chairs, tables etc.
The Rifle Hall is run entirely by unpaid volunteer trustees who meet monthly, often by Zoom and sometimes in the lovely new Community room in the Co op, who provide free drinks and biscuits.
We are always seeking new trustees who can bring energy and enthusiasm to the cause of a vibrant and up-to-date public hall in Halesworth. We would particularly welcome people who bring experience/skills in relation to administration, fundraising or publicity but enthusiasm is all you need most.
If you are interested in joining us, or in finding out more, please contact Simon Weeks on 01986 784348and he will be happy to explain what a Trustee does.