Morton Hall Seeks New Trustees

Much-valued charity, Morton Hall Community Centre, is looking for a new Chair and additional Trustees to help secure its continued place at the heart of local community life.

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, met recently with outgoing chair, Jacqui Whibberley, alongside Treasurer, Mike Melia, and Trustee, Christine Tomlinson, to hear more about the charity’s future plans and how people can get involved with this positive community organisation. The Hall is under serious threat of having to close if a new Chair and additional trustees are not recruited to extend the very small existing management team.

On his visit, David was shown around the Hall and saw the full range of facilities available for hire, including a main hall with stage, and meeting rooms. This extensive space allows the Centre to accommodate a wide range of groups, from fitness classes such as dance and pilates, through to choirs and music groups, and Spanish classes. With a refurbished commercial kitchen, the centre also hosts corporate and business events, as well as private functions like children’s parties and its monthly Community Coffee Mornings.

Thanks to the time and investment made Mrs Whibberley and other Trustees, the Hall is now keen to expand its offerings to the community and take on more bookings. Given its busy and varied programme of activities, Morton Hall relies heavily on the dedication and goodwill of its volunteer staff, more of whom are needed to help it fulfil its exciting plans to grow and more fully serve the community. Anyone interested in getting further involved can contact:

bookings@mortonhallcommunitycentre.co.uk

The Hall’s origins as a social club date back to 1939, when it was built for workers at the nearby Hovis Mill. It also doubled as an air raid shelter, with a tunnel running from Union Road directly into the building’s basement, so residents could get there quickly and safely. Many of those who use the venue today still fondly remember it from its former days. Subsequently, it was used as a youth club before being leased to the local residents who turned it into the dynamic and inspiring charity it is today.

Speaking after the meeting, David said, “Morton Hall is a much-loved Macclesfield institution, and under Jacqui and her team’s leadership, the positive role it plays in our area has only grown more strongly. It’s clear the Hall has so much more potential to benefit the community, and I encourage local residents to find out more about how they can get involved. Getting involved will be a richly rewarding and a great opportunity to help save this valuable community resource from closure.”

Pictured - Mike Melia, Treasurer, Christine Tomlinson, Trustee, Jacqui Whibberley, outgoing Chair, and David Rutley MP.