What a great day we had yesterday at Halesworth Rising!

The nine charities involved had all set up their impressive displays by 9.30. Several had plans on show and a couple had video virtual tours of their proposed developments. Many were also taking comments and feedback on their proposals from members of the public. The cafe area looked lovely, with spring flowers on the tables and free refreshments from the Rifle Hall's new servery. Even the Hall's creaky old heating was working well! So, all was ready, but would people come?

We have to say that we were delighted by the attendance. There was a steady stream of people throughout the day. 350 had been counted in by our 'clicker' volunteers by the time we closed. And it was not just the numbers that were impressive. People stayed and really engaged with the project teams. Everywhere you looked there were vigorous discussions going on, people completing comments forms and questionnaires or virtually touring. Many of the projects made new contacts and received further offers of help.

So, Thank You Halesworth. It was a real demonstration of our interest in, and commitment to the future of our community. I don't think the visitors can fail to have been impressed. Two press reporters and a photographer turned up at different times during the day. Therese Coffey MP and Colin Law (Leader of Waveney District Council) both came and spent time talking to each of the project teams. Our own District and County Councillors were very much on hand to hear people's views and help serving the refreshments! Thank you also to Waveney Business Forum and the East Suffolk Partnership for supporting the event financially.

So, is that it? Well, probably not. Many people were calling for there to be some ongoing activity under the 'Halesworth Rising' banner - to co-ordinate and present a united face to the outside world. And the participating groups are due to meet on 14th April to consider if and how we go forward. So, watch this space ..............................

New website for the Rifle Hall

The Trustees are pleased to announce the launch of the new Rifle Hall website today. Simon Weeks said "We hope that the people of Halesworth and surrounding parishes will find the new site informative and useful. It includes a calendar showing what's on and when the Hall is available for hire. It also has contact information for booking requests, for our monthly Table Top sales and for getting in touch with the Trustees, as well as pages devoted to our plans for improving the Hall."

www.theriflehallhalesworth.onesuffolk.net