A CHARITABLE incorporated organisation (CIO) is appealing for new trustees to allow it to continue providing community services.
Ponteland Memorial Hall opened in 1922 as a memorial for the fallen soldiers of World War I, built by the donations of village residents and is managed by a Board of volunteer trustees.
The Hall is self funding, with the maintenance paid for by the hiring out of rooms.
Victoria James, originally from Ponteland, has been a trustee for three years.
"The Hall has always been part of my life. When I was growing up I attended events there as a child and my first job was waitressing there," Victoria said.
She explained as a CIO, trustees have no financial responsibility or liability if anything within the organisation went wrong.
Victoria said she'd encourage new trustees to sign up to keep the community facility going, ensuring community assets, facilities and services continue.
"It was started by the community for the community, so it would be great if the community could step in and keep it going," she said.
Trustees also maintain and look after the war memorial outside the Hall.
Victoria said anyone who has got a few spare hours to help, such as someone recently retired, would be an ideal candidate, but the role can be managed alongside a job.
"One of our trustees is a busy doctor, and he manages to fit it in with busy NHS working times."
She said the role will mainly involve day-to-day running of the organisation.
"Trustees set strategies and policies, manage staff, set the price of events. They'll try to raise money for repairs and try to help generate income."
The Board is keen to recruit people who have experience of raising or managing funds for a charity.
Those with skills in human resources, financial administration, event management, marketing, or public relations are also encouraged to apply.
Victoria said a wide range of community events take place at the Hall, from weddings and mother and baby fitness groups, to the local repertory theatre using the stage for performances.
Victoria said: "Lots of voluntary organisations have their monthly meetings there for the young and old, a huge range of different groups use it."
For more information contact Ponteland Memorial Hall Chairman, Robin Ramsay, at ramsayrobert976@gmail.com.
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