Transparency
A full and clear explanation of the decisions that led to the roof works, the closure, and the current position.
CSL
Village Hall
Action Group
Together our Village Hall will rise.
We need your support.
Our Village Hall Matters
Chapel St Leonards Village Hall is a community asset. The Action Group exists to seek openness, accountability and a practical way forward so the hall can be restored, reopened and properly managed for residents.
The tone of this website is firm but constructive: residents need clear answers, proper governance, and a transparent plan to bring the Village Hall back into use.
What We Asked For
Accountability
Answers from the Chairperson, committee and trustees about checks, payments, contractors and governance.
A Way Forward
A practical recovery plan, proper funding clarity, and an AGM or public meeting held in a suitable venue.
Timeline and our
Current Position
October 2025
Roof repair works were reportedly commenced and the Village Hall later became unusable.
May 2026
Residents requested information and raised concerns about transparency, safety and the proposed AGM arrangements.
June 2026
The booking for the AGM at St Leonard's Church Hall had to be cancelled due to venue capacity and safety concerns.
19 June 2026
A public meeting was arranged for 23rd June, at St Leonard's Primary School - but this was NOT the AGM that was asked for.
23 June 2026
At the end of the meeting, St Leonard's Primary School Hall was rebooked for 21 July, for the AGM.
21 July 2026
The AGM
At the meeting, various reports were given and questions were raised by the public, some answers were given.
The current chair announced a number of resignations from the committee; those who had been representing user groups had mostly been replaced by the groups' members.
She then read out the names of six people who had been put forward for the positions of Elected Members of the committee (commonly refered to as "ratepayers"). The public were asked if anyone else wished to be nominated, but nobody else stepped forward. As there were six vacancies and six candidates, there was no need for a vote, and they were all appointed to the Committee. They then joined the representative committee members at the top table.
The chair then announced her own resignation.
The new Committee
Elected Members (6)
● David Wildash
● Annie Maynard
● Heather Smith
● Caroline Richardson
● Christine Sharp
● Rebecca Millar
Representatives of groups
Parish Church x2
● Fiona Brown
● David Nisbet
Bowls Club x2
● Rae Rigby
● tbc
Tuesday Club x2
● tba
● tba
Carboots x2
● Sue Parr
● Chris Jennings
Village Hall Fund Raising Co-ordinator x2
● tba
● tba
Women's Institute x1
● Lesley
Chapel Belles (Choir) x1
● Jayne Good
Silver Liners x1
● Rita Roberts
Parish Council x1
● Jenny Sieradzki
The Officers
The new committee proceeded to elect the new officers as follows :
● Chair - David Wildash
● Vice Chair - Annie Maynard
● Treasurer - Heather Smith
● Secretary - Caroline Richardson
● Bookings - Christine Sharp
● H&S - tba
At the meeting, various reports were given and questions were raised by the public, some answers were given.
The current chair announced a number of resignations from the committee; those who had been representing user groups had mostly been replaced by the groups' members.
She then read out the names of six people who had been put forward for the positions of Elected Members of the committee (commonly refered to as "ratepayers"). The public were asked if anyone else wished to be nominated, but nobody else stepped forward. As there were six vacancies and six candidates, there was no need for a vote, and they were all appointed to the Committee. They then joined the representative committee members at the top table.
The chair then announced her own resignation.
The new Committee
Elected Members (6)
● David Wildash
● Annie Maynard
● Heather Smith
● Caroline Richardson
● Christine Sharp
● Rebecca Millar
Representatives of groups
Parish Church x2
● Fiona Brown
● David Nisbet
Bowls Club x2
● Rae Rigby
● tbc
Tuesday Club x2
● tba
● tba
Carboots x2
● Sue Parr
● Chris Jennings
Village Hall Fund Raising Co-ordinator x2
● tba
● tba
Women's Institute x1
● Lesley
Chapel Belles (Choir) x1
● Jayne Good
Silver Liners x1
● Rita Roberts
Parish Council x1
● Jenny Sieradzki
The Officers
The new committee proceeded to elect the new officers as follows :
● Chair - David Wildash
● Vice Chair - Annie Maynard
● Treasurer - Heather Smith
● Secretary - Caroline Richardson
● Bookings - Christine Sharp
● H&S - tba
22 July 2026
Our work begins today. Our immediate priority is the Village Hall roof, and we will be making contact with builders and the relevant professionals straight away to move the project forward.
We will also be exploring a number of potential funding opportunities to help secure the resources needed to get the Village Hall reopened as quickly as possible.
This is the start of a new chapter. We are committed to working hard, being open and transparent, and keeping residents informed of our progress. We will provide further updates as work progresses.
We will also be exploring a number of potential funding opportunities to help secure the resources needed to get the Village Hall reopened as quickly as possible.
This is the start of a new chapter. We are committed to working hard, being open and transparent, and keeping residents informed of our progress. We will provide further updates as work progresses.
1 August 2026
4 August 2026
We are pleased to confirm that the initial remedial and preparatory works started yesterday, 3rd August, and all is progressing well. You will see more activity over the coming days as we prepare for the delivery of materials and the next stage of fitting the new roof.
Funding is in place for a percentage of the roof works, but it does not cover the full cost. Importantly, this funding is released in stages as agreed sections of work are completed, so we have not yet received any of these external funds.
The work has therefore been able to start through donations and private financial support made available to the Village Hall, which has enabled us to get the project underway without further delay.
Fundraising continues, and one of our first events as the new committee will be at the Carnival this Saturday and Sunday. Please come along, say hello and support the Village Hall if you can.
The work has started, progress is being made, and we are moving forward.
Thank you for your continued support.
Funding is in place for a percentage of the roof works, but it does not cover the full cost. Importantly, this funding is released in stages as agreed sections of work are completed, so we have not yet received any of these external funds.
The work has therefore been able to start through donations and private financial support made available to the Village Hall, which has enabled us to get the project underway without further delay.
Fundraising continues, and one of our first events as the new committee will be at the Carnival this Saturday and Sunday. Please come along, say hello and support the Village Hall if you can.
The work has started, progress is being made, and we are moving forward.
Thank you for your continued support.
What We Will Now Get
Transparency
A full and clear explanation of any decisions that we will make, and the current position.
Accountability
Answers from the Committee and trustees about the checks that we will make, and all payments.
A Way Forward
We are now working on a practical recovery plan, with proper funding clarity.
This is the condition of the hall interior on 22 July
This video is of the new roof boards being laid - 7 August
Support The Village Hall
The Village Hall now has its own dedicated website, at https://cslvillagehall.co.uk - please visit this to find out what the new Committee have managed to acheive to secure the future of this important community building.