Dear Sir,
For a number of years a thriving pre-school has taken place in the Village Hall every week day morning during term time.
Changes in funding from central government for the provision of education has meant that the monies received for a child has not actually covered the cost of delivering the care/education to that child.
This is a situation that has effected many child care providers. For Heighington pre school, this has had a devastating effect meaning that they will close with effect from 19th July.
This is having an impact on many levels. There is a single mum in the Village who doesn’t drive and she is struggling to find a suitable alternative for her child.
As you can imagine it has also had an impact on the Village Hall as nearly 50% of our income came from the rent received from pre School. We are exploring all possibilities to try and fill the void including free taster sessions for anyone interested in setting up groups and we’re also trying to attract any local businesses who may want to hold meetings in the Hall. If anyone is interested they can contact our booking secretary Margaret on 01325 307305
On a brighter note we are hosting a Christening celebration on the 1st July. The baby’s mum Stacey grew up in Heighington but then emigrated to Florida with her parents approximately 20 years ago. She has subsequently married a US citizens but wanted her baby to be Christened at St Mary’s in Newton Aycliffe and wanted to hold the celebrations thereafter in the Village Hall.
There will be four generations of the family present at the celebration – great grandparents Robert and Pat Cutmore, grandparents Ian and Julie Cutmore, parents Michael and Stacey Brantley along with baby Hannah and her older sister Sophie.
Interestingly and coincidentally, I understand the priest Fr. Cornforth, who is doing the Christening, has spent time at a parish in Florida.
Karin Allison, Secretary
Heighington Village Hall
