As you are no doubt aware, the Diocese of St. Albans has indicated via our vicar that the cost of running and maintaining the hall is a commitment which they are no longer able to sustain. Having had a verbal armlock applied by a nearest and dearest, I am attempting to get something moving to ensure that Shefford does not lose this admirable facility in the centre of our community.
The problem is that the local organisations who make the greatest use of the hall, are mostly run by volunteers, have minimum funds and in the event of access to the hall being denied to them, would be severely disadvantaged in the progression of their current activities.
To lose the hall would be a severe blow to our community and is to be avoided at all costs. We have a thriving community with many active organisations, clubs and societies who provide the core structure for many of our leisure activities. Our vicar Denis Smith has indicated that subject to a properly constituted organisation being set up to run and administer the hall; the Diocese would be prepared to grant a long term lease to the organisation at a nominal charge.
To discuss the problem and hopefully to initiate an active group, perhaps entitled `Shefford Friends', may we request that two or three executive members of your group attend a meeting to be held in the Church Hall at 7.30pm on Monday, 7th September, 1998.

Looking forward to your attendance.

Lewis Birt, 165 Clifton Road, Shefford. Tel: 811689