VILLAGERS who rallied round to save a village hall have praised major refurbishment which has saved their beloved community hub.

Residents in Mistley were growing concerned for the future of the village hall after its income took a drastic fall during the pandemic.

Government restrictions meant it could not be hired out meaning the main source of funding was lost.

Speaking at the hall’s annual general meeting on Monday night, the hall’s chairman Iris Peacock said: “It has been a very difficult year. We’ve not been able to hire out the hall so our income dropped like a stone.

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“But, thanks to the support grants from the district council, we have turned the difficulties into an opportunity.”

Mrs Peacock spoke feelingly about the difficulties of the past 18-months as the lockdown periods seemed to only spell a bleak future for the hall.

Only Mistley Kids Club – which provides wraparound childcare for the community – was allowed to hire it out.

However, the Village Hall Committee seized the opportunity presented by business support grants and as a result a major programme of refurbishment and redecoration was undertaken.

“When you come back into the hall you will be amazed at what we have done,” Mrs Peacock added.

“Plastering, new lighting, and the lounge has been remodelled. We aim to be a really attractive venue for a wide range of community groups to use. We have turned adversity into opportunity.”

The works come at the close of a chapter for Mrs Peacock, who announced she will now be stepping down from her role as chairman.

She revealed the decision had been taken as a result of ill-health.

Incoming chairman Rosemary Smith paid tribute to the long and successful service Mrs Peacock provided “We wouldn’t be where we are now without her,” she said, “We couldn’t have taken the opportunity.”

The committee is now in a reorganisation process, preparing for the year ahead with several new members being voted in during the AGM.