We received 60 online submissions (March - August 2024) plus 33 paper submission (at Little Dunning on 1 June 2024). This represents over 10% of the adult village population.
Of those 93 submissions there were 14 individuals who offered help, either to prepare a community bid for asset transfer, act as a trustee or help run the hall once transferred to the community.
There is clearly a demand for more events and use of the hall, although the following summarises the current barriers to use:
- Booking the hall not obvious
- Restrictions and financial penalties on certain private events.
- Kitchen in poor state of repair
- Interior and exterior fabric: general decoration very poor and not kept clean
- WCs in poor condition
- Disabled access poor (and possibly not compliant)
- No Internet/wifi
- Lighting and audio-visual facilities poor
- Chairs stacked in entrance
If many of the above barriers could be addressed, the following summarises the desired uses of the hall:
- Baby/Toddler/Parent groups and wraparound child care
- More cultural events - music, theatre, ceilidhs/dances, film nights
- More sports and exercise classes (badminton, yoga, pilates, dance, bowls)
- Private parties (especially birthday parties and weddings)
- More social events in general for all ages (including bingo, whist drives, coffee mornings, tea dances, discos)
- Community groups (eg, Scouts, youth clubs, Men's shed, Craft clubs)
More detail below:
- Summary of paper form submissions at Little Dunning
- Aggregation of individual community submissions (made online)
- Aggregation of community group submissions (made online)
Summary of Paper Forms
| How regularly have you visited or used Dunning Hall over the past 3 years | Count |
|---|---|
| A few times each year | 15 |
| Monthly -- Less than weekly, but one or more times per month | 9 |
| Weekly -- At least once per week | 6 |
Aggregated Online Results From Individuals in the Community:
| How regularly have you visited or used Dunning Hall over the past 3 years | Count |
|---|---|
| A few times each year | 27 |
| Monthly -- Less than weekly, but one or more times per month | 9 |
| Never | 13 |
| Other... | 4 |
| Weekly -- At least once per week | 7 |
| How would you feel if the Hall were to close permanently | Count |
|---|---|
| Absolutely heartbroken, this is needless to close such an asset. If promoted and managed by the heart of the community this venue would be well used and is well needed. | 1 |
| Angry and dissapointed as I feel it is an avoidable outcome. I feel the problem is the difficulty to actualy book the venue? there is no number or person available to take bookings? | 1 |
| Disappointed | 5 |
| Dissatisfied and concerned. The building would become an eyesore. | 1 |
| I play badmington in the hall, if the primary school let us use their hall ( which they dont) we could continue, if not the club would close. | 1 |
| I think it would be detrimental to the community and have another huge impact locally. | 1 |
| I would miss the daytime events, but not social gatherings/parties at night! | 1 |
| I would miss the fairs and markets, but not the evening events. | 1 |
| Irritated that such a resource is lost to a community. | 1 |
| It mean be the loss of a potentially valuable community asset | 1 |
| It would be a loss to the community - there are some good events held there | 1 |
| It would be a real shame | 2 |
| It would be a shame to lose such a place that could be used for so much more | 1 |
| It would be a shame to see it close down. | 1 |
| Nothing | 1 |
| Sad | 14 |
| Sad - a lost opportunity | 1 |
| Sad and disappointed | 1 |
| Sad as although I haven’t used it in a while I feel it is a great community resource. | 1 |
| Sad as it has been a part of the village for so long. | 1 |
| Sad as there is potential | 1 |
| Sad at the loss of another community assey | 1 |
| Sad it would be a great loss to Dunning | 1 |
| Sad to lose the facility for the village | 1 |
| Sad. It is an unused resource for the village | 1 |
| Sad/disappointed | 1 |
| Slightly sad | 1 |
| Unhappy | 1 |
| Very disappointed | 1 |
| Very dissapointed | 1 |
| Very sad | 3 |
| very sad, big loss for the village | 1 |
| Very sad, a village hall is key to the local community and essential for local events like the flower show. | 1 |
| very sad, it is a great community resource | 1 |
| Very sad. | 2 |
| Very unhappy, go to weekly Pilates class | 1 |
| What would make you use the Hall more often in the future? | Count |
|---|---|
| A wider range of activities. Made a more comfortable/enjoyable space to be - it needs upgrading. | 2 |
| activities, more classes, groups, pool tables, like a pub but with no alcohol | 1 |
| As much possible and as events are available. | 1 |
| Baby and toddler groups to also be held there. The community would thrive with a few baby groups being in the village and this is an excellent location. | 1 |
| Baby and toddler groups, playgroup etc. | 1 |
| Cafe, bingo teas, sleepovers for kids, warm spaces initiative, soft play area for kids, indoor football for kids, dodgeball for kids, school productions/plays, amateur drama groups, fitness classes, indoor area for beavers/cubs/scouts etc, community meets | 1 |
| Cinema nights, games nights, bingo, somewhere for the teenagers to go. | 1 |
| Coffee mornings, exercise groups, baby/toddler groups. WiFi, fully functional up to date kitchen. Big screen | 1 |
| Community groups, social events, coffee mornings, market stalls | 1 |
| Day time classes, coffee mornings that aren't a Saturday and I'd love to see a show or on there. | 1 |
| Easy and reasonably priced, eg hiring for birthday parties | 1 |
| Exercise classes, dance classes, talks, music events, charity events. | 1 |
| Exhibitions, Gallery, fitness sessions | 1 |
| film nights | 1 |
| Film nights, Bingo nights, games nights, craft fairs, youth club | 1 |
| Film nights, markets for local producers, learning opportunities (eg cookery classes), mens shed type activities. | 1 |
| Fitness groups, kids and adults. | 1 |
| groups running classes | 1 |
| Have more things going on for the community like bingo teas and clubs for the all ages | 1 |
| I already attend and coffee mornings, fayres or fundraisers that interest me. | 1 |
| I already visit fundraisers, fairs and coffee mornings etc. | 1 |
| I would attend local events at the Hall if it was a little more attractive- it’s not a very bonny (or in winter, warm) place to sit. | 1 |
| I WOULD LIKE TOHIRE THE HALL ON A WEEKLY BASIS TO HOLD DANCE CLASS | 1 |
| I would not | 1 |
| If the hall had a permanent member of staff, community library/ information centre and was renovated with justgiving fundraising / grants etc. It could be transformed into an arts centre like Strathearn arts centre in Crieff & used for all sorts. | 1 |
| interesting talks, exhibitions showing artistic talent, quiz nights, daytime events, exercise classes, lectures on nutrition/wellbeing, book club, toddlers' classes | 1 |
| Knowing how to book it, or events for families | 1 |
| Make it a nicer environment- clean and decorated, so people are encouraged to use it for kids & family parties and events. | 1 |
| Markets/plants sales/craft fairs. Sustainability events - e.g. community mend and swap events. A few more tables would help for bigger events, the kitchen is adequate but would benefit from modernisation. Better/safer access to stage from main hall. | 1 |
| Maybe a small gym (with modest annual membership fees) in one of the smaller rooms (not the main hall), refurbished/refitted kitchen area | 1 |
| More activities and group activities, possibly classes or community events | 1 |
| More community and family events. Clubs and organisations being allowed to use the hall at an affordable rate. | 1 |
| More events, details of how to book for parties etc | 1 |
| More events/talks? | 1 |
| More exercise classes | 2 |
| More social events | 1 |
| More varied fitness classes, concerts, art & craft markets, farmers markets | 1 |
| Music events, functions, parties, family events | 1 |
| Playgroup, Food & wine Groups, Fix it days (people’s experience at mending stuff ie, Electrics, Pluming, sewing, Building advice, IT advice and tips. | 1 |
| Quizzes | 1 |
| Refurbishment and redecoration. Simplify bookings and usage policy | 1 |
| See comments. | 1 |
| Social events eg family and community parties | 1 |
| Social events, classes, talks, | 1 |
| The older I get the more difficult it is to attend. Living up the dragon can make it difficult for elderly to get into the village | 1 |
| To go to organised events advertised. | 1 |
| Wrap around school care is desperately needed in the village. | 1 |
| Yes | 2 |
| Yes. It’s a very useable community Space. The cost of building such a place would be extremely high. Of course the running cost is an issue but with a hands on approach and some sensible investment, it could definitely be used for youth club, mothers /kid | 1 |
Other Comments
- A hall for use by the community is a great asset. It is used regularly by Dunning Parish Historical Society, which I belong to. It is used for the annual Flower & Vegetable show. I know it is used weekly by the Dunning Divas & probably by other groups on both a regular & occasional basis. It would be a great shame for the village if it were to close.
- A sign/notice board at the front of the building would increase the visibility if the hall and help promote events. With a little bit of modernisation it would lend itself to rental for more private functions too. There is nothing else suitable in the village that can replace the important role this hall plays.
- A well run hall by a community hall keeper will make a huge difference. The hall basically needs public liability and for people to sign and agree on disclaimers etc The government should be approached to help with funding to renovate/ also justgiving fundraising to renovate would help. Music groups, sports during the winter months, and community concerts and festivals could become a prominent feature once more. It takes for people to allow for the creative individuals to participate and have good input to bring this to fruition.
- Another heritage building needing TLC that may end up being a private home. Parking could be an issue if it were used more frequently though Sods law.
- Dunning Divas often has over 30 participants on a Friday from ages 55 to 95. Community spirit keeps us all going and the ladies have welcomed me with open arms!
- Hall is a great asset for the community but desperately needs an update ie toilets and kitchen.
- I agree that attention should be paid to the state of catering facilities and decor. I have never tried to book it myself, but I wonder if cost to hire is prohibitive for smaller groups.
- I have been to the village hall maybe 3 times in almost 20 years of living in the village. Personally I don’t know what it has ever been used for. It has the potential to be used for so much if more were involved, for instance live music, family days, after school clubs, training facilities etc
- I prepare tea and coffee for the Historical Society. In short, the kitchen is a disgrace. The floor is filthy. The sinks are partially blocked - pouring water in one causes dirty water to well-up in the other. One of the water heater taps is broken. All kitchen surfaces have to be cleaned before use. There is often a slight 'smell' as well. The kitchen needs to be completely replaced - food preparation is out of the question.
- I recently moved back to Dunning so I have not been there in years, I don’t remember too much about what it looks like inside but I’m guessing It may need a revamp. I remember going for a fashion show there once, other kinds of shows or talks being held there could be good. Maybe even a movie night once a month or every couple months. Sing along movies where people could just have fun. So much potential for this building to be used. You would definitely need to put some WiFi in there and maybe speakers and projector for movies. Having other lessons in the hall like maybe, art classes, yoga, dance, meditation, gong baths, photography, music etc. Maybe mum and baby classes. Sewing classes. Body scrub making classes. Herbal classes. Pottery classes, feeling classes. Even classes for children during the holidays. Or an activity hun for teenagers give them something to do instead of being out getting into mischief. Social events like Tea tastings, wine tasting, gin tastings, chocolate tastings may draw people’s attention. Afternoon tea event. Paint and wine night event. Cocktail making maybe even a decorating cake event. It could be a space for choirs to get together and practice also. Maybe hiring out the hall for practices for musicians (depending on loudness for local of course) Need an easy booking system which can be done online and paid for online as well. This is not very hard to set up. A simple website telling about facilities and how to hire it. Also to display what’s happening so people can check what events are coming up (not everyone check notice boards these days)
- I spoke to my elderly parents and they said it would be nice to seeore events for the elderly community. For example weekly games, coffee sessions etc
- I think having the space managed locally would encourage more people to use it. I’ve found it hard to find info on how to hire it for example. There is so much potential for community events. I’d be happy to help with the preparation of the business case for PKC, or as Trustee.
- I used to live in Dunning the hall was the hub of the community. Concerts coffee mornings, badminton ,sales of work church events school prize giving and much more. I have very fond memories of the village hall I would be sad if the village lost this.
- I wish you well. This resource must be saved by the community..
- If leasing charges were more reasonable I think more groups would use the facility. If the building was to be sold for housing, could we ask the council to use the money raised to build a new community space somewhere on the edge of the village? A new modern multipurpose community centre.
- Im also part of blackford ceilidh band, the hall works well for ceilidhs, would be nice to do more ceilidhs in the hall. Sorting out the heating would save a fortune, it seems to be left on a lot.
- It will need substantial upgrade of kitchen and digital facilities. Also renewables should be considered to reduce ongoing running costs
- It would be great if it proves to be viable.
- It’s really down at heel as it stands, and the kitchen facilities are poor. I’d be worried about whose responsibility (and what cost) running and maintenance would be if the community takes it on.
- I’d be interested in knowing the costs of hiring the hall and finding out about availability.
- I’m a musician that lives in Dunning. I was looking into running a family ceilidh and some mini gigs with folk/classical music but I was put off by the council’s forms and the bureaucratic loops you have to jump through to get access etc. I have good experience in fundraising so I’d be willing to assist with this element of running the hall. I also have experience of running community music groups.
- Kids groups Mothers and toddlers Youth club. Scouts etc Public meetings Small family gatherings. Social events of all kinds. Community hub Good proximity to the park Welfare facilities could be opened for public use (paid for) Elderly people weekly gatherings. Parties / celebrations
- Please consider this remaining to be used- having such a facility enables and empowers communities to be "communities".
- Snooker or pool table would be good. Some programme of regular events. The badminton club is winter only but perhaps some other evening club type things during the summer months as well. More publicity for the things that actually happen now - it can be difficult to find out what's going on.
- Take a look at how other villages keep their halls open and what they use them for.
- The building is large, need internal renovation and modernisation to attract more users
- The hall could be a valuable part of the community for meetings and classes but unfortunately it is impossible to book or contact anyone to get information.
- The hall has been used so many times in previous years so for the hall to close permanently I feel this would be a loss to the village of dunning. It’s always been there and I understand it’s not used to its full potential at the moment but with a little work and some more advertising about the hall I feel like it would get used more.
- There are over 40 folk using the hall on a Friday for aerobics, with an average age of about 70. There will be nothing for them if the hall closed
- While I enjoy the daytime events in the hall, and appreciate its use for clubs and sports groups, I would be opposed to its use for endless parties and ‘do’s’. Living opposite the hall, we hear every evening event especially when the windows are invariably opened, and the smokers gather outside shouting over their own noise. We have put up with this occasionally over nearly 30 years here, but would be opposed to another party venue when there are already two pubs (both with beer gardens) and a bowling green clubhouse which can support these.
- Why not have film nights, clubs for all ages fund raising nights for the funding of the hall
- Youth club, school discos, bake sales, continuing vegetable/garden shows, after school clubs/breakfast clubs, cooking/baking classes.
Summary From Community Groups
Group activities
- Bowling
- Fundraising for various charities. concerts. Folk and Classical.
- Regular monthly club meetings and occasional social / fundraising events
- Running the annual Dunning Flower and Vegetable Show
- Scouting - cooking, crafts, games and stage shows
Suggested Improvements
- Access for carpets (so can be moved by pensioners)
- decor, kitchen. toilets.
- Improved kitchen Digital projector and screen. PA / sound system
- Recently we have had to pay for our own event insurance which has significantly impacted our costs over the last couple of years. If the hall hire came with insurance at a more favourable rate that would be beneficial and might then allow use to pay more towards hall hire costs instead. At present the flower show just breaks even. We aim to keep the show accessible to all, with low participant fees and free entry (donations welcome). We have to do some fundraising on the day to cover costs. We would struggle to pay increased hall hire costs for the event. The hall works pretty well for our event however improved/safer access onto the stage area and more tables would be useful. Signage outside the hall would help new visitors to find it and promote the activities/events on offer. As a group we are unlikely to use the hall more frequently. Unfortunately, we currently don’t have capacity on the committee to commit to organising additional events during the year. The flower show is a well attended community event which we are very keen to see continue. It is important that fees for not-for-profit, community/voluntary organisations and activities, like the flower show, remain similar to the current rate. Hopefully, increased commercial and private hires could subsidise not-for-profit events that are held specifically for the benefit of the wider community.
- Stage area, acoustics in main hall, make Reading Room more friendly.
- Storage of chairs
Impact if the Hall Closes?
- For many of us this is the only activity we have and is much a social meeting and a little exercise for us
- If the Hall closes seeing it was given to the Village by Lord Rollo it will be another impact by the Perth Council who seem to be running the Province into the ground.
- Need to find another venue
- New hall type premises with support facilities would have to be located in the village to enable meetings and social events
- The flower show would struggle to find another appropriate venue if the hall closes. Down-sizing the show to use other accommodation within the village (e.g. the church hall) would significantly reduce the number of participants and attendees we could accommodate. We have been working hard to make the show more inclusive, to attract new entrants and to get a high number of people turning up to enjoy the event. We depend on participant fees and donations to cover our costs. A reduced venue size would impact on the overall viability of the show and make it very difficult for us to continue to provide an annual flower and vegetable show for the village. Loss of the hall would make it very challenging for us to provide the annual Dunning Flower and Vegetable Show, which is a well attended and valued community event.
- Would limit activities, especially in winter months. Can use Church Hall or Bowling Club for some indoor activities