FRIENDS of Stretford Public Hall (FoSPH) launched a major fundraising scheme to bring their historic ballroom back into use, at a sell-out event on Saturday night (February 4).

The evening celebration, hosted in the ballroom itself, kicked off a two-month campaign to raise £250,000 from the community to fund a series of essential refurbishment works which will transform the space so it can host events accommodating up to 400 people.

More than120 people attended to find out more about how the organisation is using community shares to raise the investment needed.

This scheme allows the public to become members and co-owners of the hall through an investment in the democratically-run organisation. It will also help secure further funding through a commitment from the charitable fund Power to Change to match the first £100,000 raised by the community.

Well-known Manchester journalist and tour guide Jonathan Schofield headed up the bill of speakers on the night, telling stories of Stretford, John Rylands and his wife Enriqueta Rylands, spicing it up with fact, stories, scandal and a bit of humour.

Alongside Jonathan, Stephen McCusker from the architectural practice Loop Systems, which is working on the refurbishment, described the vision for the ballroom itself and Ged Devlin from Power to Change closed the speeches by confirming the funder’s commitment to matching every pound invested by the community up to £100,000.

Following the speakers, a more party-like atmosphere took shape to mark FoSPH’s second anniversary since bringing the Hall into community ownership. A cocktail bar was hosted by Cocktail Stars and music was provided by local DJ, Dr Sid.

The share offer itself is now live with anyone able to invest from a minimum investment of £100. People can buy shares at : www.stretfordpublichall.org.uk

Annoushka Deighton, chairman of FoSPH, emphasised the importance of the share offer. She said: “Having worked so hard to bring the hall into community ownership two years ago, it is critical we can transform the building into a vibrant, multi-purpose venue. We are looking to the community to help make this possible through their investment and crucially their participation as members of our democratic organisation”.

Ged Devlin, programme manager at Power to Change, said: “Power to Change is delighted to support such innovative work, and help people in Stretford restore such an important building. Community business relies on owners, investors and customers all coming together around a single cause, and works best when people are investing to bring benefit to the whole area, as is the case with this project”.