Murrow Village Hall has been saved amid fears that it was going to shut – with the help of funding and the local community, the hall is ready to re-open.

Eleven months ago a new committee took over, leaving just one member of the previous committee, Maureen Woollard, who is described by members as hard-working and a “big help to us”.

Luke Patrick became new chairman, Roger Reader became vice-chairman, Christine Carr was elected secretary and Yvonne Reader took on the role of treasurer.

Mr Patrick said: “We immediately set to work getting our heads around what was required.

“The governing document for the committee is a trust deed which is dated July 1968, and this contains the rules for running the village hall.

“We also found out that all the trustees that signed the original document in 1968 are no longer with us, thus making it very difficult to get anything changed.”

The committee decided to go the route of asking Wisbech St Mary Parish Council to take on the role of custodian trustees.

Mr Patrick added: “We are currently working with our solicitors to get a new Trust Deed drawn up, and to update the governing rules.

“To keep a village hall running income is needed.”

Christine Patrick took on the job of events secretary and has organised many events, including a race night, pamper evening, Christmas treats fayre, New Year’s Eve disco, mind body & spirit evening, and a children’s Halloween event.

Alexandra Patrick took on the role of bookings secretary, and started by drawing up a new booking agreement form.

A number of birthday parties have been booked, as well as the county council using the hall for some training sessions.

Mr Patrick said: “The village hall is in need of some tender loving care and attention, and the opportunity came along to apply for a Tesco Bags of Help funding grant.

“We were successful with the application for funding for the refurbishment of the hall, and was one of three applicants to be voted for during January and February in the Wisbech store.

“Just by being in the vote guaranteed us a minimum of £1000, but the overwhelming support we received ensured that we won the vote and will receive £4000.

“Local businesses and individuals also help us, and we are very grateful to Paul Tibbs for replacing broken windows, John Goose for spraying the weeds in the car park, and Gary Patrick & Sons Ltd for providing gravel for part of the car park.”