1. The use of the Reading Room has changed a lot since it was first gifted to the village. Initially
designed to keep working men out of the pubs, over the years it has become Helmdon’s
Village Hall, a venue available for clubs, societies and private individuals to rent for their
activities and events. In more recent years t has adapted to extend the range of possible
activities by the provision of a well equipped kitchen and comprehensive stage lighting for
example. 

2. The process of change and adaptation can never stop. The CoVid pandemic accelerated
changes already underway as traditional clubs and societies with regular programmes of
activity lost members and the capabilities of home entertainment have blossomed. The
Trustees have wanted for some time to encourage new, more casual uses, and broaden the
user base to a wider age group who may not want to commit to traditional regular activities.
The Reading Room needs to be made more appealing to more people. At one point we coined
the idea that it could be seen as Helmdon’s Living Room.

3. To bring an idea to life needs a plan and a lot of funding. Encouraged by the award of grants
related to business rates during the pandemic, an architect was briefed to offer suggestions
for how we could think about the uses of the room and how it could be made both user
friendly and attractive. The Trustees have drawn on her ideas to plan a series of
improvements, including some which our own knowledge of the Reading Room identified.

4. Comfort
We have replaced the old uncomfortable and heavy chairs with new lighter weight
ones. The old chairs have been donated to Helmdon and another local church. With the help
of a grant from West Northants Council, we plan to make the extension more appealing by
carpeting it and providing more informal seating to provide a “warm space” that people can
use to meet socially and share a hot drink, especially during the winter. We have also installed
opening windows to allow fresh air into the hall – and heat out- during the summer.

5. Access
A new rear fire door going to be ordered which should improve access to those with wheelchairs,
buggies and walking frames. It will have a glass panel to improve visibility and will no
longer let in drafts, saving energy. 

6. Running Costs
Energy has always been one of the biggest costs of running the Reading Room
and the biggest element of our carbon footprint. We have two projects to address this. The
inefficient hot water tank has been replaced by a smaller and more efficient hot water system
paid for by the grant from Thrive. We have also secured a grant from the Bernard Sunley
Foundation to contribute to the cost of installing solar panels and a battery to cut our
electricity bills. These should be fitted this summer and produce particular benefits next
winter. A question will arise shortly about the future of the oil boiler, but this is not part of the
current improvement programme.

7. Storage
New cupboards have been created to store the new chairs, tables and childrens’
bean bags. Additional storage is being planned to meet new needs such as for the
Community Larder, the resources of the History Society and a possible local information hub.

8. Appearance
The ground has been laid for further improvements by moving all radiator
capacity to one wall freeing up space which could be use for displays, exhibitions and
improved notice boards. This also allows for the old fashioned fluorescent lighting and the
high level pipework to be removed and modern adaptable lighting systems to be introduced.
Once these works are complete a redecoration will be required.

9. Other Works
Some other projects are being looked at. The plastic folding door between the
Hall and the extension could be replaced with wooden bifold doors. An infra-red heating unit
could be installed in the Committee Room to allow that to be hired without the need to turn on
the heating system for the whole hall. The toilets could be up-graded. A closed circuit
television system is being investigated to see whether it will be possible to leave the Reading
Room open more generally for casual use without direct supervision.

10. In addition to the main improvements the Trustees are undertaking a programme of minor
maintenance and safety work: removing moss from the paths and roofs, replacing broken airbricks,
and removing defunct equipment. We would welcome ideas and suggestions for other
improvements or repairs and ideas about the new decor.

11. Funding In addition to the specific grants already mentioned, we have been successful in
securing a significant grant from HS2 in recognition of the impact the development is having
on Helmdon. We are grateful to all our funders for what it is allowing us to achieve.

12. People
All these projects are being overseen by the small group of Trustees (maximum of 9). If
you are interested in helping in the future development of the Reading Room, either as a
Trustee or as a volunteer. Please contact us through www.Helmdon.org.uk or by email at
[email protected]