Freemasons make donation to Victoria Hall, Oakham

A society has made a donation towards the upkeep of a struggling historic hall.

The Old Oakhamian Freemason’s School Lodge has given £500 to Victoria Hall in High Street, Oakham to help with running costs.

The Lodge said it recognises the importance of the hall as a centre for charity events in town.

Built in 1839 as a meeting place for the Rutland Agricultural Society, the Grade II-listed building was 125 years old this year.

Victoria Hall is now a charity run by a team of volunteers and relies on income generated through events, grants and fundraising.

In September, trustees appealed for £50,000 via a crowdfunding website. The money was for a new boiler, roof repairs and refurbishment of the ballroom floor.

Victoria Hall trustees secured a £2,800 grant from Oakham Town Council in October and an emergency grant of £3,000 from the council in December.

Councillors are discussing whether to use money levied from housing developers to help the hall.

Victoria Hall trustee Joanna Burrows said: “This money will really help but we would also encourage organisations to get in touch regarding looking at, and hopefully booking, the excellent facilities we have.”

Anyone interested in booking the venue can visit victoriahall.org.