MEMBERS of Sidemoor WI are looking forward to moving their meetings to a new venue in December.
The move to Amphlett Hall comes after an appeal went out on the front page of The Bromsgrove Standard back in April.
The group, which has 21 members, was facing being hit by rent rises from Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht) for the use of its Willow Court base. The group had been charged £20 for three hours there in 2012 but it increased to £30 in 2013 and, members had been informed, it was due to rise further to £45.
Because the group meets 11 times a year, the annual bill in 2012 was £220 and £330 in 2013. On top of that, the group has to fund guest speakers as well.
With that spiralling to £505, the group would not have been able to cover the cost and would have been forced to close.
But, luckily, many organisations came forward after our appeal to offer rooms.
Sidemoor WI President Jenny Eddins said the group was pleased that the appeal yielded so many results and that the group received numerous phone calls from people offering their support.
She thanked everyone who got in touch to show their support and The Standard for highlighting the issue and bringing it to a successful conclusion.
ASDA offered the group a room free of charge, but the members voted to move to Age UK’s Amphlett Hall, which is due to be refurbished.
“It is within walking distance for our members and is on one floor.
“The cost is lower and the manager Chris Weatherby has been very welcoming.”
Sidmoor WI is now hoping to add more members to its ranks.
Anyone interested in joining or wanting to find out more should call Jenny on 01527 831692.
