Team

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 events, 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.

Our open plan cafe area seats up to 30 and can be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes. It is home to our library, table football table and 40 inch television. 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, open for functions, special events and private hire. Please note we do not host 18th or 21st birthday parties.

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

Alongside our regular activities we offer a range of support to our vulnerable residents and those who may be struggling with the cost of living. Please call in and speak to any of of our staff or volunteers to find out how we can help you.

We are open as a Warm Space and invite everyone to come along and enjoy a cuppa, you can watch TV, read a book, do a jigsaw, play a game or simply enjoy a natter. We are open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am - 2pm.

We also offer a job search facility- you can access a laptop with internet access and a printer. This is available anytime however support is available on Fridays 9.30am-1pm with CV writing, completing forms, writing cover letters or personal statements etc.

We have a drop in support service 12-1pm on Fridays for anyone requiring help with any issue. This could be help with budgeting, understanding letters, filling in forms, contacting companies or accessing services. Where we can't help directly with the issue we can signpost to specialist services and advocate on your behalf if necessary.

Each school holiday and half term we offer activities and events with support from Stanley AAP and Durham County Council Fun and Food Team.

Working with PACT HOUSE and with funding from Stanley AAP and Stanley Town Council during the pandemic we:

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.
created a Swap & Share Library.
delivered a Weekly Quiz to every household.
created and distributed activity packs for adults and children during the holidays.
provided telephone & in person support.

Volunteer for us

We are dependent on volunteers to help deliver our work. Whether you are looking for a fun 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:

Admin support - any week day/time
General volunteer - any day/time.
Kitchen attendant - Mondays and Thursdays
Bar attendant & glass collector - occasional for functions by prior booking
Social Media Guru – can be done from home.
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.