THE Friends of Stretford Public Hall (FoSPH) held their first Annual General Meeting in September following their successful bid to win ownership of the hall, in March 2015.

More than 40 people from the community attended and were welcomed by chairman of the FoSPH board, Annoushka Deighton.

Since taking ownership of the hall, the community group has launched a number of initiatives.

The first tenants took up residence in December 2015 and there are now 15 artists who rent space within the building. They have set up an arts collective called SAC32 and provide art workshops.

MP for Stretford and Urmston, Kate Green, also relocated to the hall and runs her Parliamentary office and surgery there.

In addition, the Stretford Children's Theatre has been reinvented. Last in existence in the 1980s, the theatre group started up again in October 2015 and sessions are now held once a week on a Thursday. Any child with an interest in drama can join.

Annoushka added: "It's so wonderful to see the enthusiasm people have for this place. We are the guardians, we will protect and restore the hall."

"There's still an enormous amount to achieve of course, and a few hurdles to get over, but we'll take it step by step with the help of all our dedicated volunteers, who have already done so much and who have a passion for seeing it all materialise. It's very exciting. "

Treasurer Aleesha Coupland gave a financial report. Since the hall became a community-owned facility, funds have been raised through grants, rental charges, membership donations and fund-raising events .

The hall is now owned by a community benefit society and managed by a board consisting of nine members.

During 2016 the board have been gathering ideas from members about what they would like to see in the hall and what it should be used for. Some of the ideas put forward include a cafe, a restaurant, a cinema and a micro-brewery. Once final decisions have been made, each board member will take responsibility for a specific area. Overall the aim is to turn it into a multi-purpose, multi-cultural centre in the heart of Stretford to bring the town alive.

There is still a lot of work to be done before the hall can be used fully, including replacing all the old windows to make the building properly sound-proofed, so neighbours are shielded from noise. Also, to improve the acoustics, and to make the building secure.

Funds need to be raised to be able to do all these things, but once they have been done, the group will be able to apply for a licence to provide regulated entertainment.

The next step is to launch a community share offer in November to help raise more funds. FoSPH now has 150 members and is seeking to increase membership. Being a member means you have a say in the way the hall is developed.

If you would like to become a member of Stretford Public Hall, please go to the website and sign up. The minimum membership fee is £10. Visit www.stretfordpublichall .co.uk If you would like to get involved in the hall as a volunteer and can offer your time and expertise in any field that would help in the development of the hall. Please contact friends@stretfordpublichall.org.uk