Further statement re Coalpit Heath Pre-School and the Manor Hall

In May, we published a joint statement from parent Wendy Silcock on behalf of Coalpit Heath Pre-School and the Trustees of the Manor Hall. Ahead of Monday's SGM meeting (details here), a further joint statement has been released:

Thank you to all the Parishioners and Hall users who were able to adhere to my request for restraint and patience whilst the diplomatic wheels turned to de-escalate the breakdown in the working relationship between the Pre-school and the Trustees of Manor Hall.

Thank you to the Pre-school staff through what has been a very emotional time personally for them after the death of one of the long serving, popular members of staff following a distressing illness. Despite this sadness, they have worked with me to amend and improve a number of routine practices to co-exist more amicably with other hall users for the remaining term of their contract. Thank you also to Jean Butler who has permitted me to intercede where necessary and communicate with the Trustees.

I can report that a number of simple measures have been put in place. It is not necessary for me to list these here but suffice to say, all changes on both sides have been implemented with input and consent by all concerned. On a day to day basis things are running much more smoothly now. The Hall Manager has been accommodating of my constant asking of questions and has contributed positively to finding solutions. This process has highlighted several areas which are already being addressed in order to ‘future proof’ the use of Manor Hall for all users.

What I hope will happen now is the discussion at the s.g.m. will be able to concentrate on the factual instead of the emotional in order that a mature discussion can ensue. In many ways, all that has passed is just that – the past and has been aired many times before. How can we all make things better now? Part of the answer will be respect, communication and transparency.

Aude Sapere – Dare to be wise.

Wendy Silcock
For and on behalf of Coalpit Heath Pre-school and the Trustees of Manor Hall