Come Along and Use Our Church Hall

Shipley United Reformed Church wants to make itself even more at the heart of the local community.
The church hall, which was built in 1930 with funds raised by the congregation, is already well-used but not so much in the afternoons or at weekends.
It’s been used regularly by the Debut Dance School for a number of years who use the hall and stage, an African drumming group and toddlers’ meetings - to name but a few.
Nigel Coggins, who is secretary of the church management committee, has been involved in the church on Bradford Road for 25 years now.
Over the years the hall has been used by a variety of groups and clubs but the committee wants to spread the word about the hall as a facility for the community to come and hire.
“We’re trying to make as many people as possible aware that we have a facility here for them to come and make good use of.
“It’s in a good spot and is easy for many people to get to - whether it’s for groups and clubs, meetings or for private parties.
“There’s quite a number of meeting rooms as well as a hall and a stage and of course a kitchen for refreshments!” he said.
A survey has been done on the buildings as well as the manse and church school and a number of structural elements were pin-pointed - a couple of things to be done as soon as possible and quite a number of jobs to be carried out gradually, said Mr Coggins.
There’s a Monday Mens’ Club who meet up regularly for morning coffee and to carry out a few of the minor tasks. Professionals are called in to tackle bigger jobs like when the church had to be re-roofed and the electricity had to be rewired.
One of the biggest steps forward for the church recently was when it linked up with Bingley United Reformed Church to share its new minister for six years - there just aren’t enough of them to go round - so we talked with the Church at Bingley to discuss our future. We agreed to become a joint pastorate and Linda was inducted a few weeks ago.
“Congregation-wise we are quite well-off for numbers but we’d love to see some younger people and more families come and join us - if not at church at the hall.”