About Us
Originally opened in December 1997 the hall is an impressive space which pleasantly surprises many of our visitors. We have the potential to host almost any event, can accommodate groups for many activities and of varying sizes. As the building is a single level facility with wide doors, disabled toilet facilities and no stairs either inside or out we are proud to boast that we are fully accessible to all.
Our main hall, which is the key surprise of the building is huge and is used to host exercise classes, football training, youth club, toddler group and for children’s parties and training. Please click on the Home tab for details of our regular organised groups, activities and events. For information about hiring the Hall for parties or special occasions, visit our Venue Hire tab.
The meeting room is equipped with tables and chairs and comfortably seats 12 but can be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes. We have equipment available to use such as projector and screen, laptops, flipchart stand and have wi-fi throughout the building making it ideal for small meetings, training sessions or group work.
Our well-equipped kitchen offers a range of meals, snacks and beverages at very reasonable prices during our meetings, weekly and special events. It is also available for events caterers at a small fee. Our coffee machine which offers speciality coffees made with freshly ground coffee beans is accessible whenever the hall is open. We have a fully licensed bar called Hedley's, available for special events and private hire.
Our newly renovated outdoor space now boasts a children's play area and a vast patio area, where you can relax at our special events with a cocktail, glass of wine or refreshing drink to enjoy the tranquility with stunning views.
The village hall is managed by a committee comprised of residents from Quaking Houses and South Moor. The committee, which has changed over the years, annually elects members to key positions of chairperson, vice chair, secretary and treasurer. Currently these positions are held respectively by Dennis Pattison, David Gallagher and Sarah Blackburn. We are currently looking for a new Treasurer. The committee always welcomes new members and would love to hear from anyone who can bring new ideas, increase our expertise and knowledge base and who is keen to get involved in improving their local community.
Community support
Quaking Houses Village Hall Association is led by volunteers and relies heavily on the support and help of the local community.
Working with PACT HOUSE and with funding from Stanley AAP and Stanley Town Council during the pandemic we:
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provided local families with food supplies, cooked meals, shopping and collected prescriptions for the vulnerable. We have helped people 5,000 times between April and August 2020.
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created a Swap & Share Library.
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delivered a Weekly Quiz to every household.
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created and distributed activity packs for adults and children during the holidays.
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provided telephone & in person support.
We now offer a drop in service, coffee morning, subsidised seated exercise. Each school holiday and half term we offer activities and events with support from Stanley AAP and Durham County Council Fun and Food Team.
We offer free training and support courses via the Stanley Learning Consortium in Peer Support, Living your Best Life, Craft and Connect, Health Eating and Budgeting, Pause, Breath and Reboot and Walking for Wellness.
Groundwork are working with our Junior Green fingers group that meet every Thursday at 4pm-5pm to explore local wildlife, nature and biodiversity.
Volunteer for us
We are dependent on volunteers to help deliver our work. Whether you have are looking for a fund place to meet new people, get involved and support your local community and/or looking for work experience, we can help. Free training is available, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and we try to match volunteers with roles that align with their interests and future goals.
Our current vacancies include:
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Admin support - any week day/time
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General volunteer - any day/time.
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Kitchen attendant - Mondays and Thursdays
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Bar attendant & glass collector - occasional for functions by prior booking
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Social Media Guru – can be done from home.
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Bingo Caller - Tuesdays 1pm – 2.30pm
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Trustee Treasurer - meet 4 times a year plus monthly meeting with our Venue Manager.
To find out more about any of our work or opportunities on this page, please contact Vicky Walton by email through clicking on the button below or telephoning 01207 283016.