The merger was not without its hitches however - the land in which the Elizabeth Hall stands was endowed to the charity some sixty years ago. Being endowed, it was not possible to transfer the ownership of the land to a new charity. This has resulted in the continuance of the Elizabeth Hall charity, although the number of Elizabeth Hall trustees has been reduced to one, the HVHCA. All other assets of the Elizabeth Hall charity, being the result of income, were transferred to the HVHCA, with most of the cash assets earmarked for the redevelopment project. Notwithstanding the peculiarities and intricacies of its formation, the HVHCA is now in the position of being able to administer all the assets; it does mean, however, that there will still be an Annual General Meeting for the Elizabeth Hall charity, but it will be combined with that for the HVHCA, and the Treasurer’s Report will show no income and no outgoings.

The creation of a single charity allows the complementary facilities within Hook to be managed and marketed together, providing better use of the available resources and also enabling a most valuable resource, the volunteers that fill the roles of directors and committee members, to be combined and thereby be more effective in the administration of the two facilities.

These are still early days for the HVHCA. Merging two management organisations and two sets of procedures has not been without its challenges. A major task still to be undertaken will be the move from the current Elizabeth Hall to the new Elizabeth Hall in late spring/early summer 2008. The number of halls that will be available for use in the new building (3 small and one large), combined with those available in the Community Centre (two small and one large) will demand a significant change in the in the way the two buildings are administered, specifically there will need to be an increase in the number of managers.

The aim of all the changes - new charity, new hall and increased managerial cover - is to provide improved facilities for the residents of Hook at affordable prices. Bringing the two buildings under one management umbrella means that one call provides access to the whole spectrum of available facilities, from a small meeting room, through small halls and a sports hall, to a performance venue with a large fixed stage, stage lighting, a sound system and a capacity for a seated audience of 200. Importantly, the new Elizabeth Hall has been specifically designed to accommodate everyone; there is wheelchair access, including a lift to the stage, disabled toilets, baby changing facilities and a shower. So, no matter what you want to do, the HVHCA should be able to accommodate you.