Annual Meeting - The Village Hall Association

After some refreshments the Chairman Mr. Chris Knox started thanking the committee for their hard work of running the Village Hall. The monthly Saturday Coffee continues to be very popular as have other events such as the Christmas Lights Switch-on. He talked about the the Hall facing a challenging time with the lease expiring in November 2027. The Village Hall Association currently holds the sub lease and the main lease is held by Darlington Borough Council. The Council have confirmed they will no longer be the leaseholders when the lease expires. Following the introduction the agenda included reports from the treasurer, the booking secretary and an independent examiner’s review.

Three parish councillors attended the meeting and enjoyed a detailed presentation from the village’s clubs and groups, such as the Film Club, Books @ Heighington, Homemakers Club, H-CREW, Heighington Women’s Institute, Heighington Parochial Church Council, and Heighington Parish Council. Each group outlined their activities of the past year, some of the upcoming events and ways residents can get involved.

Councillors commended organisers for their dedication and pledged support where needed, noting especially the £7000 donation due in April 2026, following the VHA’s recent fundraising efforts to help with taking over the lease.

Heighington Parish Council sees Heighington Village Hall as a vital part of the community. It provides a central place where residents can meet, take part in activities, attend events, and build connections with one another. As has been detailed very well during the meeting, the Hall supports a wide range of groups and initiatives, and continue to contribute to the social wellbeing of residents and helps to bring people of all ages together and strengthen the sense of community within the village.

The session ended with positive momentum and a renewed commitment to continue working together to maintain a strong, active, and inclusive neighbourhood.