Pillowell village hall has been held in trust for the benefit of the village community under a deed that was created on the 1st October 1979. On that basis registered charity status was granted.
The world has moved on a bit since then, even in Pillowell and the legislation that covers charities has also changed. As a consequence what is known as a 'governance risk' exists whereby the hall can't be managed in line with such an out of date governing document.
Whilst it doesn't mean we're having to consider shutting the doors it does pose challenges for the trustees and in particular how the village hall charity is viewed in the eyes of potential donors and grant providers that we may need financial and other support from.
Other challenges exist as an organisation that isn't correctly constituted can't in some situations engage in formal contracts and agreements. For the village hall to continue to serve the community and improve on the level of benefit it can deliver it must be re constituted as a fully compliant legal entity.