Stanley Civic Hall Diamond Anniversary

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THE DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

Stanley Civic Hall has been at the heart of the town and community since her opening on 7th January 1961, accommodating many shows through the Alun Armstrong Theatre, cinema films, weddings, and celebrations, not to mention training courses, a base for community groups and conferences.

The year 2020 will be always known as a challenging year for all, however, the Civic Hall has remained at the heart of the town and community, just as was always intended, upon her opening in 1961. Following her recent closure to the public because of government restrictions, she has continued to provide space for the operations of Stanley Town Council, whilst the Alnwick Suite and Lumley Room have housed an extended PACT House team.

Unfortunately, 2021 continues to see her closure, however, whilst she remains unavailable to the public, we have taken the opportunity to carry out some essential maintenance works to ensure she will be ready for use when restrictions allow.

Stanley Town Council believe the Civic Hall has a significant part to play as a vital community resource and we look forward to opening her doors in the not-so-distant future. Once we are allowed to reopen, we look forward to working with clients old and new for all your occasions, including weddings, celebrations, conferences, and shows within her newly refurbished walls. So remember, if you are looking to organise an event of any kind, get in touch!!

Now with all that in mind, we wanted to give you a quick taster of what we have in store for 2021, when we reopen! In December 2021 we are planning to bring back the panto with a production of Beauty and the Beast, we also look forward to relaunching our community cinema programme, and to top it all off, a live events programme. Also not forgetting our private event partners, including MMA contests, Amateur Dramatics and of course our local education conferences and events.

So, whilst she sits quietly, waiting for her next call to provide, please join us in wishing the Stanley Civic Hall a “Happy 60th Birthday” and here’s hoping for a bright and positive future for the Civic Hall in the years to come.

Do you have any fond memories from across the years? Let us know below!

Conclusion of Audit 2019/20

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In accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, the Council is required to publish a n notice informing electors that the final audited accounts for the year 2019/20 have been published and how they can be inspected if required by the public.

The Notice of Conclusion of Audit can be accessed HERE

The Annual Governance & Accounting Statement can be accessed HERE

West Stanley Disaster Memorial Sunday 16th February 3.30pm

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Every year the town stops and pays its respects to the 168 men and boys who were killed on 16th February 1909, when at 3.45 pm, an explosion ripped through the Burns Pit.

It was a disaster that had a huge effect on the town. Over 300 dependents, the vast majority of whom lived in colliery company houses faced destitution after losing their loved ones.

The log book of the East Stanley Board School stated :

“Many of our children have lost father or brothers. The intense grief is unbearable. In my visits I find that 11 of my old pupils have suffered on Tuesday. The West Stanley Disaster has made an awful havoc among our children”

There will be a Remembrance Event held from 3.30 pm on Sunday 16th February. Songs and poems will be sung and recited and the Craghead Colliery Band will perform, followed by the observance of a silence to remember those who died 111 years ago.

Stanley Town Council budget setting 2018/19

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The Town Council set its budget for the forthcoming financial year at last Tuesday’s full council meeting. The Council voted to increase the parish precept (which is the part of the Council tax which funds the Council) by 2.95%.

This means that for a Band A property, the parish precept will increase from £59.92 to £61.69 per year. The Band D rate will go from £89.88 to £92.53.

The Council plans to re-introduce an enhanced warden service for Stanley in 2018 to tackle dirty yards, dog fouling and litter around the area, provide more support for local community groups and village halls, whilst continuing to provide funding for the Stanley advice centre, free high quality events throughout the year, youth services and a range of Civic Pride initiatives. The majority of new services will be funded by reducing the subsidy of the Civic Hall.

Proposing the budget increase, Cllr David Marshall said “If no increase is provided, then the ability to provide the improvement in the service we are planning would not be possible”

Full details of the budget can be found here: 2018-19 Budget (Approved)

Video footage of the Council meeting (and all other meetings) can be found on our youtube channel. Tuesday’s meeting is linked below. The budget discussion starts 15 minutes into the meeting.