MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statement For the year ending December 31[st] 2025
Getting Married at the vilage hall (photos by Sophie Giddens)
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and their independently examined financial statements of the charity for the year ending December 31[st] 2025.
The Association’s formal constitution was adopted at a public meeting convened at Mickleton Church Institute on 13[th] May 1992. Charitable status was sought and this was conferred on the Association on 29/7/ 1992 Number 1011422.
At the 1994 Annual General Meeting the constitution was amended to enable various groups to become sections of MVHA with representatives on the management committee, further minor changes were made in 2015 and 2020 to clause13d.
The Association was issued a Premises Licence PL(A)0031 (Licensing Act 2003) by Durham County Council that includes the sale of alcohol.
The Association has a W edding Licence under the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to permit the marriages and civil partnerships within the premises.
Organisations affiliated to the MVHA during the year were: Teesdale Village Halls Consortium, Durham County Council, Mickleton Parish Council, the Parochial Church Council and The Association of Teesdale Day Clubs.
The Holding Trustees of the Association are as follows:
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, represented by their agent Mr William Salvin John Carrington
David Philbrick
The Management Officers and Trustees for 2024 were:
David Hutchinson Chairman Terry Wilson Vice-Chairman Amanda Thomas Treasurer Sue Brown Secretary Sandra Moorhouse Booking Clerk Steve Brown David Bailey Lezley Aldrich Anne Routledge Angie Gillings Sue Kelly Simon Froom Chris Gillings Jane Roberts
The Sections and their Representatives were as follows:
| Carnival Committee | Terry Wilson |
|---|---|
| Ceilidh | Angie Gillings |
| Cinema Club | David Hutchinson |
| Mickleton LIVE | Steve Brown |
| Table Tennis | Chris Gillings |
| Gardening Club | David Shepherd |
| PerformMickleton | Simon Froom |
| The Little Choir | Sue Kelly |
| MiCE (Mickleton Community Events) | Terry Wilson |
| Wednesday Club | Sandra Moorhouse |
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Persons representing affiliated groups and other organisations were:
Durham County Council Richard Bell Mickleton Parish Council David Shepherd Parochial Church Council : Jane Roberts Teesdale Village Halls Consortium : David Hutchinson The Association of Teesdale Day Club David Bailey
The principal address of the Association is:
The Secretary: Sue Brown School House Mickleton, Barnard Castle Co Durham. DL12 0LQ Email: sue@mickletonrnb.co.uk Booking Clerk Sandra Moorhouse Raintree Mickleton Barnard Castle DL12 0JR Tel: 07889 787090 Email: sanda.dickensinteesdale@gmail.com Solicitor: Mr I Shuttleworth Hodgson & Angus 62 Front Street Stanhope Bishop Auckland Bankers: Barclays Bank, Bishop Auckland Independent Examiner: Jane Holmes Caretaker / Cleaner: Jess Johnson Gardener/Grounds man: Rob Herriot Field grass cutting Colin Hutchinson
The main objective of the Association is to promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of the parishes of Mickleton, Lunedale, Holwick and Kelton without distinction of sex or of political religious or other opinions, by associating with local authorities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants, in a common effort to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation, to advance education with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. Additionally, to acquire such land as necessary, vested in the name of the Holding Trustees, and to provide a Village Hall and to manage and maintain such buildings and land so acquired and to raise and hold money in furtherance of the above objectives.
In 2007 the hall registered with the Inland Revenue to be able to claim Gift Aid. HMRC. No. XN87766.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
The Management Committee have the following policies: Financial Policy, Hygiene Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Child Protection Policy, Vulnerable Adult Policy, Data Protection Policy (GDPR)
All deeds and leases are held in safe keeping by the Association’s solicitors.
The Association is run by a management committee of four elected officers and at least six elected committee members together with a representative from each of the Sections, (all sections are covered by the hall’s insurance), and affiliated organisations as may be agreed under the constitution.
Mickleton Village Hall is well known both locally and further afield as an excellent venue for meetings, musical events and private parties through word of mouth and the Hall’s web site www.thevillagehalls.co.uk/mickleton/
Mickleton Village Hall Association – Annual Report 2025
1. Introduction
Mickleton Village Hall is an unincorporated charity serving the community of Mickleton and the surrounding area. 2025 was a particularly active and productive year for the Hall, with continued community use, significant improvements to facilities, successful fundraising and a strengthening financial position.
The Committee would like to thank all trustees, committee members, volunteers, hirers, user groups and members of the local community who contributed to the successful running of the Hall during the year.
2. Governance and Management
The Village Hall continued to be managed by its Committee throughout 2025, with regular meetings held during the year.
A significant area of work was the proposed transition of the Hall's existing charitable structure to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The Committee engaged solicitor Ian Shuttleworth to assist with the process.
During the year, successive versions of the proposed constitution were considered and amended. By November, the revised Version 8 had been approved by the Committee and was being prepared for submission to the Charity Commission and subsequently the Land Registry.
By December 2025, the CIO documentation had been submitted to the Charity Commission. The Hall was advised that a new charity number would be issued, with the existing and new arrangements running alongside one another during the transition.
The Committee also progressed safeguarding arrangements. Tessa Evans agreed to take on the role of Safeguarding Officer and provided guidance to the Committee concerning safeguarding responsibilities.
3. Community Use of the Hall
Mickleton Village Hall continued to provide a wide range of activities and services for the local community.
Regular users during 2025 included Mickleton Parish Council, Gardening Club, Ladies Choir, Exercise Classes, Afternoon Club, Table Tennis Club, Lunch Club, the Wednesday Group, Post Office, Taekwondo, Cinema Club and Little Choir. New and extended fitness activities also used the Hall.
The Hall also hosted one-off and seasonal activities, charitable events, weddings, private functions, performances, festivals and community gatherings.
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4. Events and Activities During 2025
The Hall hosted a particularly varied programme of events during the year. These included PerformMickleton productions, Mickleton Live concerts, MICE fundraising events, the Carnival, John Martyn Folk Festival, Summertime Blues, Castle Players, Cinema Club activities, the Gardening Club Show, Teesdale Operatic Society events and a number of community and private functions.
The LEL cycling event was one of the year's major successes. What was initially planned as a pop-up food and rest stop developed into a full overnight stopover when severe weather forced organisers to stop the cyclists and turn them back the following day. Volunteers responded exceptionally well, providing food, accommodation support and hospitality.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
The Curry and Quiz Night was particularly successful and attracted many new people. The Whitesnake tribute event also received positive comments, including praise for the Hall's new lighting and camera equipment.
The Brass Band Christmas Concert raised £150 for Laithkirk Church.
5. Improvements to the Hall
Kitchen refurbishment: The refurbishment was completed and the new kitchen was brought into use. Wedding caterers gave particularly positive feedback about the improved facilities.
Gazebos: New gazebos were purchased along with Eggleston Carnival Committee which proved valuable during the Carnival, the LEL cycle event and Folk Festival, by providing additional covered space in adverse weather.
Cinema facilities: The failed cinema screen motor was replaced successfully, restoring the cinema facility without replacing the complete screen.
Lighting and drainage: New stage lighting was purchased and new drainage grates were installed at the front of the Hall. Further lighting and electrical improvements were also planned.
Toilets: Refurbishment of the toilet facilities was identified as the next major improvement project, with quotations being sought for work in 2026.
Car park safety: A safety rail was approved to address a drop in the car park which was difficult to see in darkness. Additional signage for the disabled parking space was also agreed.
6. Solar Panels
The solar panels continued to provide an important source of income. The year-end accounts record solar panel income of £3,792.02, compared with £3,298.66 in 2024. The solar panel installation continues to provide both an environmental benefit and a valued financial contribution towards the running costs of the Hall.
7. Financial Review
The summary of the 2025 accounts is as follows, total income was £41,915.41 compared with £31,323.54 in 2024. Total expenditure was £36,816.94 compared with £29,223.97 in 2024.
The resulting excess of income over expenditure was £5,098.47 for the year (this does not include the profit on the investment portfolio).
Important income sources included grants (£5,152.63), general donations (£1,622.38), hall hire (£6,845.50), bar income (£10,936.30), solar panel income (£3,792.02), occasional LEL funds (£3,663.74), bank interest (£340.13), section income (£8,418.46) and subscriptions (£1,137.75).
Principal expenditure areas included repairs and maintenance (£9,602.32), caretaking and cleaning materials (£4,348.20), heat, electricity, water and internet (£4,164.67), fundraising – LEL & Gazebo (£4,827.57), bar expenditure (£5,565.24), insurance (£1,001.60) and licences and subscriptions (£796.51).
8. Reserves and Investments
The Committee continued to consider how best to manage the Hall's funds and maintain an appropriate contingency reserve.
During the year, the Committee agreed to invest £35,000 in the Polaris 4 Unit Trust following consideration of professional investment advice from Tullock Wealth Management. The investment subsequently increased in value, with the October minutes recording invested funds of £35,472 and the November minutes recording £36,607.
By end of December, the reported position was a bank balance of £26,260.91 plus invested funds of £36,930.00 . The Hall therefore entered 2026 with a healthy financial position and funds available to support future maintenance and improvement projects.
9. Grants and External Support
The Hall was grateful to receive valuable financial support during the year, including £500 from TVHC towards kitchen flooring, £2,950 from GoFibre towards the kitchen refurbishment and £500 from Mickleton Parish Council towards general running costs. We also received a grant of £1,000 from the St James Knott Trust towards the cost of the gazebos.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
The Parish Council also agreed funding of up to £800 towards village Christmas lights. The Committee thanks all organisations and individuals who supported the Hall financially during 2025.
10. Volunteers
Volunteers remain fundamental to the successful operation of Mickleton Village Hall.
The LEL cycling event was an outstanding example of community volunteering. Volunteers adapted to rapidly changing circumstances and provided an expanded overnight service when weather conditions required the event to change.
The Committee held a thank-you event recognising the contribution of volunteers, with particular thanks to Angie Gillings for her leadership in organising the cycling event.
The Committee records its sincere thanks to everyone who gave their time and effort during the year, especially to Lesley and Paul for running the bar.
11. Community Benefit
The activities undertaken during 2025 demonstrate that Mickleton Village Hall is much more than a building available for hire. It provides a venue for social activities, exercise and recreation, a community Post Office, Parish Council meetings, entertainment and cultural activities, charitable fundraising, weddings and private functions, children's and young people's activities, festivals and village celebrations.
The range of activities taking place throughout the year demonstrates the Hall's continuing importance as a central community facility.
12. Looking Ahead to 2026/27
The Committee enters 2026/27 with a clear programme of work and with the Hall preparing for an important change in its legal structure.
From 1 January 2027, Mickleton Village Hall Association will operate as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The CIO has already been registered with the Charity Commission and the constitution has been approved with a new charity number 1218770. The remaining work during 2026 will therefore focus on completing the practical transition from the existing unincorporated charity to the registered CIO.
The principal steps will be to transfer the Hall's banking arrangements and accounts to the CIO and to complete the necessary Land Registry work so that the Hall's property arrangements are correctly recorded under the new structure. The Committee will manage this transition carefully to ensure continuity of the Hall's activities, finances and services to the community.
Other priorities for 2026 include progressing refurbishment of the toilet facilities which are now complete; continuing essential maintenance and safety improvements; maintaining and developing the Hall's regular programme of activities; supporting existing user groups and encouraging new community activities; developing the events programme; maintaining a sound financial position; and continuing to make effective use of the Hall's investment funds and solar installation.
The Hall's financial position has also strengthened. Income increased substantially compared with 2024, the Hall generated a surplus for the year, grant funding was secured and funds were successfully invested for the future.
Most importantly, the Hall continues to demonstrate its value as a focal point for the community. The Committee is grateful to all volunteers, trustees, user groups, funders, local organisations and members of the community who supported Mickleton Village Hall throughout 2025.
The Committee looks forward to building on this progress during the rest of 2026 and ensuring that Mickleton Village Hall remains a thriving, sustainable and welcoming community facility for many years to come.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Events and Activities – 2025 Period February
Highlights
PerformMickleton – The Inn at the Top; Mickleton Live – Limehouse Lizzy
March–April
Cricket coaching for girls; AONB film premiere; MICE Curry & Quiz; Mickleton Live Acoustic Night; MICE Easter Event
Beacon Lighting; Buddhist meditation retreat; Michael and Helen’s wedding; Mickleton Carnival; John Martyn Folk Festival; Summertime Blues
May–June
July
Castle Players field & Hall with Shakespear in Love; Mickleton Live – Voodoo Room
LEL cycling event – expanded to a full overnight stopover due to adverse weather
August
September
Gardening Club Show; Teesdale Operatic Society film & music event
October November December
Mice Curry & Quiz Night
Mickleton Live – Whitesnake Tribute Band
Brass Band Concert; Teesdale Operatic Society; MICE Christmas tree Event; Cinema Club Christmas event Final event of the year was a MICE Xmas party
Refurbished kitchen with new flooring
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| MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION | MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION | MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION | MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT | |||||||
| FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31st 2025 | |||||||
| Financial Summary | |||||||
| Summaryof keyincome and expenditure categories reported in the 2025 accounts. | |||||||
| Summaryof accounts 2025 | |||||||
| INCOME | EXPENDITURE | ||||||
| Details | 2025 | 2024 | Details | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Costs of Runningthe Hall | |||||||
| Grants | £5,152.63 | £500.00 | |||||
| General Donations | £1,622.38 | £2,274.57 | - Rent | £30.00 | £60.00 | ||
| - Insurance | £1,001.60 | £965.85 | |||||
| - Heat, Electricity, Water and | |||||||
| Activitiesgeneratingfunds | Internet | £4,164.67 | £5,350.78 | ||||
| - Book sales | £6.50 | £13.00 | - Repairs and Maintenance | £9,602.32 | £8,848.99 | ||
| - Caretaker and Cleaning | |||||||
| - Occasional funds(LEL) | £3,663.74 | £90.00 | Materials | 4,348.20 | £1,784.01 | ||
| - Solar Panel income | £3,792.02 | £3,298.66 | - Advertising | £304.14 | £148.14 | ||
| - Licenses and Subscriptions | £796.51 | £1,106.00 | |||||
| Investment Income | |||||||
| - Bank interest | £340.13 | £791.35 | |||||
| Hall Hire and fund-raising | |||||||
| events | Hall Hire and Fund-raisingevents | ||||||
| - Hall Hire | £6,845.50 | £6,109.37 | - Fund raising (LEL & Gazebo) | £4,827.57 | |||
| - Bar | £10,936.30 | £7,101.72 | - Bar | £5,565.24 | £4,353.95 | ||
| Income from Charitable | |||||||
| events | |||||||
| Section Income | Section Expenditure | ||||||
| - Carnival | £840.59 | £482.90 | - Carnival | £430.00 | £680.00 | ||
| - Ceilidh | £0.00 | £0.00 | - Ceilidh | £77.24 | £0.00 | ||
| - Cinema Club | £1,099.70 | £963.25 | - Cinema Club | £1,401.13 | £139.99 | ||
| - GardeningClub | £0.00 | £0.00 | - GardeningClub | £0.00 | £0.00 | ||
| - Little Choir | £234.00 | £293.60 | - Little Choir | £235.18 | £628.00 | ||
| - Mice | £1,700.78 | £2,419.32 | - Mice | £248.94 | £990.87 | ||
| - Mickleton Live | £3,788.40 | £4,886.76 | - Mickleton Live | £3,415.18 | £3,200.00 | ||
| - PerformMickleton | £643.49 | £570.79 | - PerformMickleton | £369.02 | £567.40 | ||
| - Table Tennis | £111.50 | £265.00 | - Table Tennis | £0.00 | £399.99 | ||
| - Mickleton Music | £0.00 | £125.00 | |||||
| Subscriptions | £1,137.75 | £1,138.25 | |||||
| Total income | £41,915.41 | £31,323.54 | Total Expenditure | £36,816.94 | £29,223.97 | ||
| Reports from our sections | are at the end of our Trustee’s Annual Report which cover the Events in | ||||||
| more detail. | |||||||
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
CASH POSITION:
| CURRENT ACCOUNT |
INTEREST ACCOUNT |
INTEREST ACCOUNT |
PAY PAL | FLOAT | TOTAL MONIES |
TOTAL MONIES |
GAIN for the year |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31st 2024 |
£1,981.50 | £53,680.93 | £0.00 | £500.00 | £56,162.43 (£21,162.43) |
|||
| December 31st 2025 |
£2,239.85 | £23,521.06 | £0.00 | £500.00 | £26,260.91 (A) |
£5,098.48 | ||
| Investment Report | ||||||||
| An initial investment of £35,000 on the | 7th of February 2025 into | Polaris 4 unit trust | ||||||
| Initial investment £35,000 | Initial investment value £33,834.50 (Initial charge of £1,165.50) |
£1,165.50 | ||||||
| Value 2nd of January 2026 | £36,930.00 | £1,930.00 |
SECTION BALANCES:
| ECTION BALANCES: | |
|---|---|
| Carnival | £1,503.82 |
| Ceilidh | £636.87 |
| Cinema | £1,792.76 |
| Gardening Club | £50.00 |
| Little Choir | £432.09 |
| Mice | £2,471.78 |
| Mickleton Live | £1,618.19 |
| Mickleton Music | £174.41 |
| Perform Mickleton | £1,502.11 |
| Table tennis | £464.71 |
| TOTAL | £10,646.74 |
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
RING FENCED and COMMITTED FUND SUMMARY:
| Contingency fund and operating cost assumption |
£5,500.00 |
| Section accounts | £10,646.74 |
| Section accounts | £16,146.74 (B) |
HALL CASH BALANCE: A (Total monies of £26,260.91) less B ( contingency funds and section funds of £16,146.74) leave the balance of £10,114.70. There are also funds invested with St James Place Investments. These currently stand at £36,930.00 and we know these will fluctuate with the markets.
The end-of-year financial position is a total of £47,044.17. At the end of 2024 the balance was £41,205.56.
Management Trustees Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Charity Commission rules require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the Association during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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i. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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ii. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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iii. State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practices have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in financial statements.
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iv. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Association will continue to operate.
The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking steps for preventing and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
David Hutchinson
Chairman and Trustee
Amanda Thomas
Treasurer and Trustee
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
SECTION REPORTS
The Village Halls Consortium
The Directors of The Village Halls Consortium are grateful to Mickleton VH for allowing the Consortium to continue using the upstairs space for meetings and office equipment. In 2025 we had 4 meetings in the office, the Hall committee did not charge any hire costs. The Hall Committee’s generosity and understanding is much appreciated.
Sophie Stanwix, Secretary for TVHC
Cinema Club
In 2025 we continued with our 2 Films per month on the First and Third Friday of the month at 7pm A regular brochure is sent to members listing films we intend showing in the four months ahead, this also includes a list of other future events planned in the hall. We had a total of 706 members watch films compared with 620 in 2024. We continue to produce the Cinema Newsletter which also promotes other events in the hall, this is now mostly “Whats App” Thank you to Terry Wilson who has produced the Newsletter and the ‘What’s On’ on screen before our main attraction.
We had to repair the screen as the motor that drives the screen up and down had failed. With a bit of research we found the motor on it's own rather than having to replace the whole screen and saved us quite a lot of money as a new screen was £2,500. All in all after replacing the motor and hire scaffolding, et cetera, ended up costing us £800.
The cinema facilities are also available for use at meetings and private parties. David Hutchinson
Mickleton Carnival - 2025 Report
We initially planned on for a dry day, however the Teesdale weather didn’t hold out for us and the rain came.
Not dampening our spirit we re-organised and utilised the hall and the newly acquired gazebos to extend floor space.
We cancelled some of the outdoor events, including the Bouncy Castle as it was felt it would be too wet and may become a safety hazard.
The craft stalls relocated into the bar and main hall.
Not a total loss on the day, Barnard Castle Brass Band took to the stage and provided the hall with a musical atmosphere, and sounds of brass filled the air that echoed around the hall.
Local Business, and residents gave their support to our Carnival Raffle & Tombola.
Many thanks go out to The Blacksmiths Arms – Mickleton, Middleton Forge, Middleton Fish & Chips, Mickleton Garage, Beamish Museum, The Teespot Café, The Teesdale Hotel, The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk, Grassholme Observatory and to the many residents of Mickleton whose kind and Generous donations were gratefully received. Marko’s Circus Skills kept the Children entertained, parents sat at tables enjoying the food from the kitchen, catered by Kays in Middleton in Teesdale.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
It was a test of our new gazebos, with makeshift drainage systems in place to house the Hook-a-Duck, Bric-a-Brac and Tombola stalls. We didn’t know at the time, but our experience of utilising the gazebos came in very handy when the LEL cycle event landed a couple of weeks later and we were faced with dealing with a storm.
Financially, we started with a Carnival balance of £1,503 and ended after expenses paid £2,111 An increase in the bank balance of £608, a worthy reward for the hard work and effort of the volunteers on the day.
To Conclude this report… Big Thanks to all the volunteers who supported the Carnival and gave their time freely to bring the community together.
Mickleton Community Events (MiCE) Section report for 2025
We have continued to build on our successes from last year with a full, varied and interesting programme of events. The kitchen – part of the village hall that is vital/integral to all/most of our events - was closed until the end of February for a total refurbishment . We are delighted with the quality of the upgrade. We have a modern, hygienic, practical and well equipped kitchen in which to showcase our catering skills.
Once again Barbara's bulbs appeared around the edge of the field to signal the end of another fairly mild winter. The bright display lasted for a couple of weeks and led to some lovely photos of the hall.
Saturday 5[th] April : Quiz and curry night
Our first event of the year and fast becoming our most popular. I'm not sure if it is the food or Terry's unusual big screen quiz that sells out the tickets before we even start advertising them! The curries ranged from mild to vindaloo with every side dish you can imagine. The quiz was great fun for all ages and abilities.
Saturday 19[th] April : Easter Gathering
The hall was decorated with a mass of paper flowers and the best china came out to make this event a bit special. The team worked hard to produce enough sandwiches, soups, biscuits, cakes, teas, coffees etc to satisfy the large numbers who came through the doors. Debra kept the children busy in the craft and activity area. There was a decent entry in the decorated egg and flower/garden in a box competitions. The atmosphere in the hall was really rewarding.
Thursday 8[th] May : Beacon lighting to commemorate the 80[th] anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. MiCE supported the Parish Council by providing a buffet for the Barnard Castle School Army Cadets and everyone else who made it up Bail Hill. We all enjoyed a spectacular sunset and the far-reaching views from our imposing beacon.
Tuesday 20[th] May : Ken's wake . We were all really saddened by the death of Ken Walton, a Mickleton stalwart, highly valued MiCE member and partner of Anne. We provided a top quality buffet in the hall to show our respect and honour his memory. We have missed him at all our MiCE events since.
The MiCE team are happy to provide a catering service in the village hall for small events, birthday parties, wakes, meetings etc
Saturday 7[th] June : Mickleton Carnival
Once again many of the MiCE team were heavily involved in the preparations for, setting up, running and clearing away of the annual carnival. Our help is always greatly appreciated.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Friday 13[th] – Monday 16[th] June : John Martyn Folk Festival
This is becoming an annual event. People come from far and wide to celebrate the music of the late John Martyn. Many hire local holiday cottages, park their mobile homes or pitch their tents in the field for the weekend. Once again MiCE provided evening meals and breakfasts, hard work but very rewarding. The new kitchen was a dream to work in. The bar did a roaring trade! This year we were able to utilise the 2 new marquees outside the main entrance to serve as a dining room. This simplified the whole catering process and was appreciated by all. We are so lucky to have such a spacious, well-equipped hall to work in.
Monday 4[th] – Friday 8[th] August : London – Edinburgh – London Cycle Challenge
Probably the most ambitious event the hall has ever undertaken! The hall was asked to act as a “Pop Up Cafe and Dormitory” for the duration of the challenge. This involved being open for at least 96 hours non-stop to provide support, refreshments, beds etc to any of the 2300 participants, from 57 different countries of the world, who might pop in during their 950 miles unsupported cycle ride. I volunteered to lead this - and spent months planning and writing countless lists. I ended up with 69 people (many of them MiCE members) willing, or daft enough, to help man the hall. The kitchen was fully stocked with enough food to feed an army.
All went to plan for a couple of hours ….. and then Storm Floris reared her ugly head. To cut a long story short, the LEL Challenge suddenly ended at Mickleton. 170+ cyclists had to stay overnight and then head back towards London next morning. Our 4 day event was compressed into 24 hours. It could have been a financial disaster. Somehow we turned it into a major triumph and the reputation of Mickleton and its Village Hall was greatly enhanced.
5[th] October : Pasta and Puzzle night : a similar format to Curry and Quiz night but with an Italian theme for a change. MiCE produced 10 different pasta dishes and 4 desserts (including Cornettos) for the participants to sample. Another very successful event.
6[th] November : Poppy planting in the Community Garden ready for Rememberance Day. The MiCE team had spent many hours checking, cleaning and repainting all existing poppies and making new ones to enhance the display. The soldier silhouettes and dramatic lighting adds to its poignancy and impact day and night. MiCE have unofficially adopted this small area of the village and keep it weeded and cared for.
13[th] December : build up to Christmas . Villagers met in the hall to help decorate the 20+ artificial Christmas trees MiCE has so far accumulated. We all watched the switch on of the lights on the outdoor trees and enjoyed some seasonal refreshments.
20[th] December : Mickleton Christmas Party.
One of the highlights of the year for old and young alike. Another really good turn-out saw the hall at its festive best and enjoyed the huge spread of hot and cold food provided by MiCE. The children's craft table was crowded and they were proud of the many creations they packed into their goodie bags. Best of all Santa appeared to give each one of them a thoughtful Christmas present.
This was a really enjoyable end of the year and summed up the hard work, and dedication, all MiCE volunteers put in to ensuring the success of Mickleton Village Hall. The list of events might look impressive but we all spend many extra hours in the planning and preparations that go into them! We will continue to provide a variety of social events for the whole community to enjoy in 2026.
In loving memory of Ken Walton
Angie Gillings
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Volunteers preparing food for the hungry cyclists,
Mickleton Village Hall was an official LEL 2025 pop-up café and dormitory; Storm Floris caused the event to be suspended and subsequently abandoned; cyclists were directed to Mickleton for food and shelter; the Hall and an additional marquee accommodated stranded riders; local people provided homemade food and hospitality; riders slept in the Hall overnight; and international participants subsequently publicly praised the hospitality they received in Mickleton.
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
PerformMickleton
The Perform Mickleton section was set up in 2018, to bring more live performances, especially theatre, to Mickleton Village Hall. We work in association with Highlights Rural Touring, who select topclass acts from around the world, to come and perform in rural village halls across the north of England. In addition, we are very happy to host other performing groups, such as The Castle Players, in line with our aims. At the time of writing, we are preparing for our 28th show.
Our 2025 season comprised two visits from The Castle Players. Their first show was set in the Tan Hill Inn – The Inn at the Top. Telling an entertaining story about a well-known local landmark made this a popular show.
In the summer, we were one of a small number of venues to host an outdoor performance of Shakespeare in Love. Although the weather was a little changeable, people brought picnics and we had an extremely enjoyable show.
We have more great shows and workshops coming up; you can find more information about these by emailing MickletonVH@gmail.com and requesting that you be added to the mailing list. Follow us on Twitter @MickletonVH , on Instagram mickletonvillagehall , on Facebook at MickletonVillageHall ; or keep an eye on the village hall Libby
website and village hall notice board.
Thompson
The Little Choir of Teesdale
The year saw some major changes for us. We said goodbye to our musical director along with a couple of other key members. After some soul searching we decided to keep the choir going on our reduced numbers and took the opportunity for some voice training with a teacher at The Hub.
During the year we performed at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington for a cancer charity fundraiser; garden Saturday concert at The Witham; we sang at the Railway 200 celebrations at Hopetown, Darlington, and a recruitment drive at The Witham as part of the Spring festival brought us a new singer.
The undoubted highlight of the year was singing at Raby Castle as part of their Christmas open evenings.
The year ended in a very positive note with a new musical director.
Sue Kelly
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MICKLETON VILLAGE HALL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31[st] 2025
Micketon Live – Music Club
The Music Club runs to bring Live Music to Teesdale & help fund the Village Hall with its events. Run by a team of volunteers from members of Mickleton Village Hall committee & people from the local surrounding community. Its success over the years has been hosting good quality musician's & the friendly atmosphere of the Club.
2025 the Club welcomed back bands, Whitesnake, Voodoo Room, Limehouse Lizzy & new to the Club, Paul Moseley. All these evenings were enjoyable nights and well attended. In the latter part of the year Mickleton Live launched a very successful new Web site, to promote the Club & enhance ticket sales.
Sue Brown
Voodoo Room
Limeehouse Lizzy
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