Fundraising to make hall more accessible

Around £21,000 is needed for two new lifts to enable visitors with disabilities and the elderly to use the halls.

There is currently no lift to provide access to the first floor Wynne Room, which was opened to the public following an extensive refurbishment in late 2012.

And a lift which provides access to the Shephard Room has broken down and because the lift is so old, many of the parts needed to fix it are no longer made.

Meanwhile the hall management also wants to raise £5,000 enable the front door to open automatically.

Jane Smith, manager at the hall, said: “The doors are very heavy and people really struggle.

“We are trying to make the hall more friendly for people with disabilities, people with buggies and the elderly and the frail.”

Jane would like to have the money for the improvements by February.

Meanwhile thanks to resident Stan Edworthy, Battle Memorial Hall has been able to make a significant improvement to its already wide range of facilities.

Stan spent much of his working life in Battle and was a member of the management committee for many years during which time a new theatre equipped with the latest technology, sound system, hearing loop, sound proofing, loft installation, 130 retractable folding seats, projector, screens, Blu-ray/CD/iPod player, led lighting and a disco ball have been installed in the Main Hall. Free wifi was introduced throughout the building and new fire doors and an upgraded fire alarm system were installed.

With a generous donation given by Stan Edworthy, the Wynne Room now has a projector, screen, hearing loop, audio equipment, lapel microphone, Blu-ray/DVD player and iPod dock. The balance of the donation has been put towards the installation of automatic door openers to be fitted to the entrance doors once there are sufficient funds.

To donate, visit localgiving.com/charity/battlememorialhall or send a cheque.