THE Greig Hall in Alcester opened for the first time in almost 11 years when it hosted a Christmas Fayre last weekend.
Town Mayor Councillor Kathryn Cargill officially re-opened the building on the big day which featured Santa’s Grotto, carol singing, and Morris dancing, among the attractions.
‘The Greig’ first opened in 1958 but closed due to financial difficulties in 2011.
It was previously used to host community groups in Alcester, as well as private functions.
Coun Mark Cargill of Alcester Town Council, who has been instrumental in getting The Greig in a position to reopen, said: “It’s a fantastic occasion – the Greig Hall has been a key part of Alcester for many years and there was huge public appetite for it to reopen.
“And Alcester came out in force for the fayre.
“We estimate around 800 people came along to see the inside of the hall once again and enjoy the Christmas activities.
“Even the weather was kind – it all worked out rather nicely for us.
“It highlighted that there is still demand in Alcester for a facility like the Greig Hall for functions such as these.
“We will now continue our work to get the Hall ready for a full reopening, hopefully in spring next year.
“I have to thank everyone who made the event possible – including the incredible work from the Friends of Greig Hall and their furniture shop Home 2 Home.
“They have raised a huge amount to help fund the vital repairs the Hall needed before we could reopen.”
Alcester Town Council took a long lease of the Hall in April 2021 with the ultimate aim to pass it onto the recently formed charity ‘The Greig Hall’, to be run by the community.
The Christmas Fayre was funded through the Welcome Back Fund, from the European Regional Development Fund, and managed by Shakespeare’s England on behalf of Stratford District Council.
