The Friends of the Victoria Hall in Ealing are taking action to revive the historic hall and are calling on the Victoria Hall Trust to do the same. The hall, along with the neighbouring Ealing Town Hall, was closed by Ealing Council due to unspecified health and safety issues.
In response to the council’s actions, the Friends have published an open letter to the Victoria Hall Trust, questioning what steps are being taken to reopen the hall and comply with the Charity Commission’s latest ruling. The Charity Commission’s review outlined a ‘scheme’ that would allow Ealing Council to take over the trust’s property and potentially convert the buildings into a luxury hotel.
The Friends are advocating for a trustee committee with a majority of independent members to manage the trust. They are also pushing for transparency in the selection process of these independent members, wanting them to be chosen by the committee rather than council officers.
Roger Green, chair of the Friends, emphasized the historical significance of the Victoria Hall and Prince’s Hall, highlighting their purpose of being community spaces for the people of Ealing. He expressed disappointment in the current state of the trust, stating that it is failing in its mission to serve the community.
The open letter from the Friends calls for a reconstitution of the executive committee with a majority of independent members, detailed plans to address the supposed health and safety issues, clarification on the extent of charitable property, and a strategy for reviving the hall’s role in the community.
It is clear that the Friends of the Victoria Hall are passionate about restoring this important cultural space and are actively seeking solutions to ensure its future viability. Their efforts to engage with the Victoria Hall Trust and push for transparency and accountability demonstrate their commitment to preserving Ealing’s heritage for generations to come.
