Energy Efficient Improvements Give Ryedale Hall A New Lease of Life

Village halls are one tradition of country living that’s really thriving, and village halls are frequently seen as excellent examples when it comes to making energy efficient improvements to benefit both the environment and running costs.

A number of villages in Ryedale are leading the way. The latest is Gilling, near Helmsley, thanks to a £32,000 scheme that started four years ago. The money has gone towards installing a new floor, under floor heating, and double glazing that will keep the property much warmer. Many of the residents have carried out the work themselves.

Grants have been provided to these village halls from a number of sources. This includes the EU as well as the Ryedale District Council. £5,000 came from the Grassroots fund, and the annual pantomime at Hovingham was responsible for £3,000 of the money.

Residents in Gilling are also trying to gather £25,000 to give a playground for the children who live in the village.

A number of other villages have seen improvements carried out in their halls, including Thixendale, Coxwold, Hovingham, Levisham, Cropton and Bransdale.

Energy efficient improvements help to bring more opportunities for events at local village halls, thanks to making them more comfortable and warm, and reducing the amount of heat that gets lost through windows and walls. In addition, they will also be doing their part for the environment by reducing carbon emissions.