A new Chair, Trustees and additional Volunteers are now urgently wanted for Macclesfield's Morton Hall Community Centre.

Morton Hall, a not-for-profit registered charity on Union Road was built as an Air Raid Shelter and Social Club for the nearby Hovis Mill workers, and opened in May, 1940.

The Jubilee year of the nearby Hovis Mill. It was instigated and named after John Figgins Morton, who was the General Manager of Hovis Mill, 81 years ago.

Over the years it has had many uses which included a Youth Club which many Maxonians remember fondly.

The five spaces available to hire are used by many organisations, and by people from all walks of life such as the National Childbirth Trust, Latin Dancing, and a local knitting group.

At this time, more Volunteer Trustees are especially wanted.

Prospective Trustees need to have enthusiasm, time to help us, and commitment.

Preferably with some management experience, and/or a specialist or area of interest so that the Hall can continue to remain open and provide this service to the local community and wider.

Also to be able to move forward with the benefit of new ideas, and opportunities.

Retired Hotelier, Hospitality Lecturer and Trainer, Jacqui Whibberley, who has been Chair of the Trustees for the past five years will be stepping down in 2022.

"We rent the hall from Cheshire East, and have an all repairing lease," said Jacqui.

"We run and maintain it so that local people can hire it for their use."

Jacqui Whibberley joined as a Volunteer eight years ago, and is

stepping down in 2022.

"We are a thriving community centre run by a few Volunteer Trustees," Jacqui added.

"We are looking for more Volunteers, especially people who would like to become a Trustee at Morton Hall to join us to share the voluntary work, it is very busy for us at the moment.

"On our wish list we are looking for people with experience in Event Management, Health and Safety, Marketing and Media, and Property Management.

"We are also looking for a special person to be our new Chairperson to lead our Trustees, to take us forward, and secure our future.

"I have exceeded my term of office, and must step down next year."

A wide range of groups and activities regularly hire the Hall which includes sessions and classes for dancing, pilates & other fitness groups, including trampoline.

Spanish, knitting, choir and brass band rehearsals are also popular, along with training courses provided by other organisations.

The hall is also popular for children's parties, and other private and public one-off events, and celebrations.

Jacqui who lives nearby, is keen to spread the value of volunteering.

Volunteering is so rewarding and worthwhile, also it is great for your mental health," added Jacqui.

"Some of our volunteers have gone on to gain excellent employment opportunities, helped by the commitment and experience gained at Morton Hall."

"I started as a Volunteer at the hall in 2013 by opening and closing for events and it was so nice to meet people holding these events.

"It is a great feeling to give something back to the community and to see people enjoying themselves as you have helped to achieve.

"It would be such a waste if this wonderful resource had to close due to lack of volunteers.

"This is Macclefield's hidden gem, this is a wonderful unique resource and there isn't anything like it. So many memories are made here.

"We don't have any other income other than from hiring fees. We have been fortunate to receive some grant funding in the past, and lucky to receive financial support during the pandemic, otherwise we would have not been able to re-open."

Jacqui would like to especially see the next generation, who remember the space as a youth club, take the reins and secure the future of this beloved community space.

Those interested in volunteering should contact [email protected] to express their interest, which is also the email to request the space for your class or event.

Alternatively, pop into the Community Coffee Morning on Friday 5th November, 09.30 to 11.30, and have a chat with Jacqui there.

The registered charity and community centre have a website to find out about the great things the space and trustees provide.

The COVID-safe venue can be followed on Facebook.

Latin Dancing is one of the classes that happens in Morton Hall, you can read more about the Macclesfield salsa sessions on this article.

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