Thank you for sharing your views
Consultation March 2021
Molehill Green Village Hall
Results of our consultation with residents of Molehill Green and surrounding areas within Takeley.
Written by Lucy Johnson
Trustee of Molehill Green Village Hall
Audience
The intention for this is to help with future funding requests across other public or charitable organisations. All but one participant was happy to share their information to support this, as a result of the one participant no personal information has or will be shared. All information in this report is anonymised.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide details of the consultation held by the trustees of Molehill Green Village Hall for future discussions and developments of the Molehill Green Village Hall Site.
In November 2020 the newly appointed Trustees of Molehill Green Village Hall decided to engage with the community on the future of Molehill Green Village Hall. The trustees created a measurable Survey that would allow us to report on the views of the residents in a statistical manner.
The consultation period was between 5th November 2020 and the 28th February 2021. During this time where possible the trustee’s encouraged residents of Takeley to participate in our consultation through social media and through word and mouth as and when a safe opportunity arose. It is noted that the consultation may have been limited due to COVID 19 and the national lockdown restrictions.
The intention of the Consultation was to gain views from the residents whilst ascertaining the commitment level of those willing to participate. The views of the residents will help to shape the future direction for the village hall. The results of this consultation will form part of our charities strategic objectives.
Scope
It is important that we are clear with our audience that this document only provides the details of the survey. The information will be used and shared with organisations that will be able to support the trustees on the future of the village hall.
In scope
The document will:
- Only provide details of the survey
- The outcomes from the questions
- Any relevant feedback provided
- High level assumptions provided by the trustees
Out of Scope
The document will not:
- Provide details of the next steps in any detail however will inform the charities strategic outcomes.
- Provide personal information on the participants who completed the questionnaire.
A total number of 19 households completed the questions on the survey. This equates to 54 residents across Molehill Green and the wider community. Out of the 54 residents 58% of the residents were Adults between 18 and 65.
*Number/Percentage %
- Children (between the ages of 0-11) - 11/20%
- Teenagers (between the ages of 12-17) - 4/7%
- Adults (between the ages of 18 – 64) 31/58%
- Adults (the age of 64 and above) - 8/15%
From the information provided we can make the following assumptions:
- That there is a good proportion of households with growing families in the area. This could indicate the need to ensure the village hall supports children and families.
- That there is a good proportion of Adults in the area that would benefit from community groups, activities or social events for themselves and their wider families.
- In the next few years there could be a higher level of Teenagers in the village.
Future use of the Village Hall
As trustees we were keen to ask the residents whether or not they would like to use Molehill Green Village Hall as a community asset or preferred us to hand over the property to Takeley Parish Council.
From the feedback it was evident that for those that completed the Survey that 100% of the households’ wished the Village Hall to be used as a Community Asset.
From this we are able to make the assumption that:
- For those who were engaged in participating in the Survey 100% of all households were keen for the village hall to be a community asset.
- 100% indicated that as and when more residents/households engaged that a higher proportion will be interested in the future of the Village Hall.
The following quote was received as part of the Survey.
- “I suggest not building any new homes and taking over our country side, wildlife and populating our village! We gave beautiful green-space and do not want overcrowding, population increase, a strain on local resources and the displacement of our wildlife!! We strongly object!”
Village Hall experience
We asked all households what their preference were for the future use of the Village Hall.
This specifically links to the building and not the grounds. To measure this, we grouped a series of categories together and asked the resident to tick all boxes that applied to their views. Note that residents were able to tick multiple boxes.
From the information provided it is clear that a high proportion of views link into children and adult activities, community events, private room hire and community shop. This gives the trustees a good indication that residents would benefit from a Community Hub that can flex to support a variety activity to support our community.
Where other was ticked the following comments were made:
- “Licensed events”
- “We could have care for wildlife activities for all ages too. This would be great for everyone”
We asked residents to tell us what they would like to see or experience as part of the future look and feel of the Village Hall and the following statements wer received as part of the Survey:
- “Function hire”
- “I would like the village hall to be multi-functioning for all the community. Ideally the space is flexible to meet planned and unplanned needs of our community. I would love it to be a place for people to connect, build friendships and feel part of our community.”
The written feedback correlates to the question on the future use of the village hall. A Community Hub would accommodate the above views. Ideally if the future design support an open, flexible, dynamic space we may be able to tick a number of boxes for the community.
- “I would love to have a community hang out, where we could drop in for a coffee as part of a dog walk, and a place to have organised events to help and improve the nature around us. We see so many nasty posts about hare coursing, the rest of us could counter that by doing nice things for the hares, deer’s, cats, birds, dogs etc. that live here too”
- “I would like to hire it on a regular weekly basis to run a small group for dog training”
- “Yoga, fetes, workshops, youth club, education, culture events”
- “It would be great to have a local shop with the village or a community hub for gatherings for villagers e.g., wine tasting nights, quizzes or beer events.”
- “Useful for private hire, clubs, local meetings etc.”
- “Maybe a museum as developers seems to be getting their hands on every bit of space around here and surrounding hamlets/villages, history will be lost forever. This may also be of interest to Takeley Historical Society??”
We asked all households what their preference were for the future use of the Village Hall Grounds.
This specifically links to the grounds around the building. To measure this, we grouped a series of categories together and asked the resident to tick all boxes that applied to their views. Note that residents were able to tick multiple boxes.
From the information provided there is a strong indication that the residents want to be able to use the Village Hall Grounds for their families. Our assumption is that we would need a playground area alongside an area for benches, chairs for parents to watch their children. It also supports the need for nature, wildlife greenery around the village hall.
There was not a strong pull for parking, however the trustees have a concern that some parking space may be required to allow the wider community to be able to enjoy the Village Hall. If we do not address this, we may have issues longer term on the use and accessibility of our community asset unless we can agree parking within the wider village.
Where other was ticked the following comments were made:
- “Outdoor gym for the older kids maybe”
- “Community events”
- “Local produce corner
- “As above”
We asked residents to tell us what they would like to see or experience as part of the future look and feel of the Village Hall and the following statements were received as part of the Survey:
- “All above. Especially keen on cafe aspect. Although I haven't ticked all boxes, have no objection to anything really other than being sold to developers, that's a definite no from us both!”
- “Somewhere for people to go and be part of the community”
- “I think outside space for the children would be brilliant, particularly if it is safe and secure. I also love the idea of outside space to meet people and to be able to have a cup of tea and talk. I know there is a gazebo, so community events in the summer will also be amazing.”
- “Animal feeders, dog walk, sit for a coffee”
- “I ticked parking as if not supplied, people tend to park on the bend and it is dangerous.”
- “As Above”
- “A tidy inviting area where people could sit/play out”
- “Involved in community activities”
- The comments correlate to the survey, these points really do highlight the need for a community asset that is inviting to the residents that can encourage residents and children to connect. It is interesting that a resident highlighted concern on parking. This is something that will need investigating.
One of our biggest concerns taking on the Village Hall has been whether or not the community would support us to renovate and support us to maintain the village hall in the future. So, we asked the residents whether or not they would be willing to contribute to the village hall.
We were surprised to see that 95% of households agreed to contribute to the Village Hall in the future.
The following assumption can be made:
- That there is a high possibility for households to provide some level of support as and when required in the future.
- Where people have said no, they have still indicated that they want to use the village hall when it is up and running.
It is hoped that when the time comes for support the residents will be willing to get involved.
Our next question was to ask those that have indicated that they are willing to contribute, what were they be able to help us with. To measure this, we grouped a number of categories together and allowed households to tick what applies to them.
There as a large number of households that offered to provide support as and when requested which has generally been the view when we are have spoken to individuals. The next most interesting agenda seemed to be gardening or maintaining grounds.
This information is really insightful, it allows the trustees to understand what type of help we can expect help with, in the future. This also enables the trustees to understand what gaps we may have in terms of the future expertise. The trustees will require an accountant and additional support with communications such market engagement and leaflet drop(s) or time with queries in the future. There is a feeling from the results that people are happy to be hands on but do not want the pressure of supporting or helping to run aspects of the charity.
Where other was ticked the following comments were made:
- “Sourcing equipment and or any other needs.”
- “no expert but can learn if shown. building/decorating /environment improvement will be cool to help out with”
- “Happy to assist where/when possible.”
This information is really insightful, it allows the trustees to understand what type of help we can expect help with, in the future.
This also enables the trustees to understand what gaps we may have in terms of the future expertise.
The trustees will require an accountant and additional support with communications such market engagement and leaflet drop(s) or time with queries in the future. There is a feeling from the results that people are happy to be hands on but do not want the pressure of supporting or helping to run aspects of the charity.
Where other was ticked the following comments were made:
- “Sourcing equipment and or any other needs.”
- “no expert but can learn if shown. building/decorating /environment improvement will be cool to help out with”
- “Happy to assist where/when possible.”
We asked residents to tell us how they can contribute in the future. The following statements were received as part of the Survey:
- “Happy to contribute in most things, cleaning and gardening especially.”
- “I’m not sure but if I can help I will!”
- “Local farmer with grounds / grass machinery”
- “I am a trustee, so I will help where I can on any gaps we may have.”
- “Mow the lawn or hands on stuff”
- “Can do decorating if needed.”
- “I only work part time so have time available for possible help. I am a keen gardener”
- “Lots of gardening tools and a little experience as a gardener. Also, fund raising events, lots of experience with running and hosting events/racing for charity and fundraising”
- “Happy to help out with maintaining the grounds e.g., gardening”
- “Possible garden maintenance”
The comments mainly highlight lots of helpful gardeners however the trustees will need to ensure we have a good strong communication channel to ensure residents are aware of the help needed in the future.
We asked the residents if there was any history that they were aware off that could benefit or should be factored into the future development of the village hall. This question was a text question. See below comments provided by those who completed the questionnaire.
- “It used to be an old school, so it would be nice to have something of the history as part of the decoration of the building. I am a believer of celebrating our history and sharing it with our future.”
- “Not aware”
- “Probably best to ask my father who is moving back to the village at the end of Jan.”
- “It used to be a school.”
The trustees feel that it would be important to celebrate our history however it may be that we need to investigate the history further with our long-term residents or Takeley Parish Council.
Other comments
We gave our residents an opportunity to share their thoughts or feelings on the village hall which has not been covered by the questions specified. This was a free text box. Specified below are the comments provided.
- “As above.”
- “My only concern would be party hire that ran late and possible noise.”
- “After losing the shop it would be such a shame for the village to lose the hall as that is really what makes a village a community.”
- “Anything that can be done to tidy up the village and provide a few basic services would certainly benefit.”
In general, it feels that the majority of the survey covered most points however it is critical that we continue to engage with all stakeholders whilst the trustee coordinate the next steps.
Executive Summary
It is our view that this exercise was extremely useful in terms of gaining insight into the views of the residents in the area. The trustees however are disappointed that we were unable to physically knock-on doors to complete the questionnaire for a larger number of people.
On a bright note, the feedback provided in the questionnaire ultimately provides evidence of the views of the residents that is also shared by the wider community through informal discussions since November 2020.
It is clear that we need to take this opportunity to develop a community hub that can offer as much as possible for the residents and their families inside and outside of the Village Hall and where possible use the community to help us with this. It would be nice to be able to have a multifunctional space that can be a café or mini shop, with space for families, groups or individuals to get together. It would be lovely to have some form of playground with sitting and to ensure the village hall maximises group activity outside to keep the grounds fresh, pretty and suitable for wildlife.
The trustees have already started to raise funds through a number of different avenues to allow us to take the first step to undertake a full survey on the building and grounds. It is hoped that by completing this task we can obtain the right assurances to ensure the building can be used in its current state whilst we start to draw up plans on the future design of the village hall and grounds.
The trustees are aware of the current national restrictions so it will take the time to digest protocol and guidance for the village hall to ensure our community is safe.
The building is likely to be used for Polling on the 6th May 2021 and we may have an opportunity to use the grounds in late summer for a limited number of residents.
It would be nice to be able to ensure the grounds are safe so residents can use the area for picnics or socialising in the summer. We will be looking to see if there are any viable possibilities to use the building prior to renovation in the autumn. This is all dependent on national legislation around COVID.
The trustees are willing to continue to engage with residents and the wider local community for the foreseeable future.