Friday, March 29, 2024

Former Woodford Hall Volunteer Offers Thoughts on Recent Conflict

Letter to the Editor

Editor,

Woodford Hall with its stage has become the child in a relationship that has a raucous split.

The January 15 Woodford meeting between the municipal administration and the volunteers was brutal. Volunteers were disbanded.

Administration put forward the new vision for the Hall’s operations. The CAO has said she will enhance bookings and the efficiency of this Sydenham community hall.

The change could be to enhance a paid employee’s position and justify such; or to follow a different purpose for the Hall; or based in the belief that ‘what is paid for is better than a free service’; or to improve a perceived ‘inadequate’ service provided by volunteers.

As volunteers, we don’t know the ‘why’.

As persons who are part of the community and strongly committed to the well-being of this community hall, we graciously take the CAO at her word.

There has never been a dispute that the physical property is owned by the municipality. We hope that not ourselves, but the community wishes will be taken into consideration for future plans.

Woodford Hall is a precious jewel for ambiance, community, and history in the varied mix of this municipality. It is to be treasured.

Jan Sideris, Woodford

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