Monken Hadley Church House boosted after Barnet Labour councillor champions funds bid

Monken Hadley’s community centre is on the verge of becoming a ‘first-class venue’ in the words of supporters, following championing from a Barnet Labour Councillor.
Church House in Monken Hadley, owned by St Mary’s Church, supports a range of activities in the village including the cricket club, amateur dramatics and a range of children’s activities including the Brownies.
But the state of the building means that activities have declined in recent years. Church House’s most recent five-yearly report noted:
“The east wall tends to lean outward significantly and is unsafe. The floor is sloping and there is evidence of worm and springing. The floorboards at the kitchen door have dropped and the timber below is probably rotten.” Among other problems.
Fundraisers needed to secure more than an additional £260,000. However, after Barnet Labour Cllr Emma Whysall for High Barnet put forward their case to Barnet Council, the local authority has agreed to provide £200,000 for the venue.
Cllr Whysall said: “Church House is the lifeblood of Monken Hadley. With this revamp they will be able to continue their current activities, as diverse as being a sports hub and supporting the elderly and homeless, and begin new ones, like music and art groups.
“I want to thank everyone who is working so hard to ensure Church House continues to serve the community now and in the future. It was a pleasure to back the fundraising drive and its fantastic we have such a great result.
Internal work is due to include: New flooring including underfloor heating, a new staircase, enhanced electrical facilities, carbon efficient heating and lighting, additional toilets, including one which is wheelchair accessible with baby care facilities, upstairs meeting rooms with Wi-Fi and a main ground floor area to accommodate up to 100 people.
Elaine Padmore, Church House’s Fundraising Chair said: “We are almost there in securing Church House’s future and so every donation now will make a big difference. The Church congregation and villagers have already been so generous, but now we are on for the last push to make our aspiration’s a reality.”
If you would like to make a donation, please email [email protected]