Cookham residents called to action in plea to help Pinder Hall 'keep doors open'

Cookham residents are being called to action to help ‘keep the doors open’ on a community venue in urgent need of more volunteers.

Pinder Hall in Cookham Rise has served as a polling station, arts venue and sports hall in years past - and has always relied on a small group of volunteers for its upkeep.

But there are now just five volunteers left running the hall – managing its finances and organising fundraising; as well as repairing and renovating the building.

A statement on the Pinder Hall volunteer appeal said: “The small committee has kept things going, but they know they can’t secure the hall’s future alone.

It added: “Pinder Hall needs you to keep its doors open and thriving as a hub for our community.

“This is your chance to make a real impact – by bringing your time, skills, and unbridled enthusiasm to shape its future.”

Pinder Hall has been a part of Cookham since 1936 and is set to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2026.

“In terms of Cookham Rise, it’s the only community space there is,” Pinder Hall trustee Mark Stockdale, 68, told the Advertiser.

Pinder Hall is run as a charity and so receives some financial relief from government.

It is also however, affected to cost pressures caused by rising energy prices.

The small team of volunteers lost its treasurer several years ago – who retired from the role - and so this work has fallen to them.

The charity owns a caretakers house next to Pinder Hall – which Mark said was in a ‘very poor state’ and was costing it to run.

However, help could be found to repair and renovate it then the home could help provide some vital income for Pinder Hall’s upkeep.

An appeal for help had been placed in the Royal Borough’s Community Spotlight newsletter but, Mark said, there had been no replies.

Pinder Hall has been a part of Cookham since 1936 and is set to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2026.

Discussing what might happen if Pinder Hall couldn’t find the volunteers it needs, Mark said – although there was no immediate risk of closure – support was needed to keep it going.

“That [closure] is a long way off, but it’s like other community organisations such as the Guides Scouts, St John’s, Women’s Institute,” he said.

“All of these sorts of things are dependent on volunteers and there aren’t that many volunteers that are actually working for Pinder Hall.

“We’re coming up to a time where it’s very busy and could do with some more support.”

Mark said the Pinder Hall volunteer appeal is open to anyone who can spare time to help run it.

This could include people with practical skills to help with the ongoing maintenance of the hall, or people with financial skills to help manage budgets.

“The more the merrier, the old adage,” Mark said. “Many hands make light work – that’s how it is.”

To find out about opportunities and for more information email: secretary@pinderhall.org.uk