An “open house” event is taking place at Skelton’s Toppin Memorial Hall on Saturday.
The event, taking place from 10am to 3pm as part of the national Village Halls Week, will showcase the refurbishment which has taken place in the main hall and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.
A new heating system has been installed along with a hardwood “sprung” sports floor.
A spokesman said: “Please come along to see and feel the transformation.”
Bob Towers, chair of trustees, said: “It was a state-of-the-art building in 1923 with its own generator and even a cinematic projection room. The trustees wanted to be equally ambitious in our centenary refurbishment project.
“Our aim was to provide a warm, welcoming and comfortable modern multi-purpose community hub. An essential aspect of which was to have a carbon neutral village hall.
“It was necessary to make the changes in phases, so we focused first on upgrading the main hall, with key features being insulation and new Far infrared heating system.
“At the same time, we were able to take advantage of green energy grants to insert 60 PV panels into our roof and install a battery storage system, transforming our 1923 projector room into a green energy hub.
“The hall can be a place of refuge in emergency events; and electric vehicle (EV) charge points will be added to the car park.
“We now have a modern all-purpose main hall and look forward to welcoming back our regular users, with many options for new activities.
As part of the open day event there will be pictures and description of phase one refurbishment process, presentations by local community groups and information about the proposed EV charge point.
As part of the refurbishment, there is set to be 52 KW of battery storage and hybrid inverters as part of a drive towards carbon neutrality.
The open day continues in the evening with Eden Valley Artistic Network- sponsored folk night featuring two popular Eden-based bands.
Briar & Bramble, aka Mike Turnbull and Kate Hewson, produce original modern folk ranging from melodic ballads to the more upbeat, catchy, sing-a-long, festival style. Burnt Horse, meanwhile, are a five-piece, folk band with cello, fiddle, guitars and beautiful close harmonies. Doors open at 7pm and there will be a raffle, café style seating.
Working with the trustees on the project have been Penrith firms 2030 Architects of Penrith and DMB Building Ltd.
Funding has been provided by the National Lottery Community Fund, Westmorland and Furness COP26 Community Fund, Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, ACRE Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund, Westmorland and Furness Counci, ACRE Rural Community Buildings Loan Fund, Skelton Parish Council and the Lake District Foundation.
Support has also been provided by Action with Communities in Cumbria with thanks also going to Lakes Renewables, Coleman Roofing and Penrith Scaffolding. For ticket information email bobprovoncha@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 017684 84245.
