THE chairman of the Cinderford Miners Welfare Hall trustees says he would like to get the message out to the people of Cinderford that the hall is not closed, and is not closing.

In fact is has a very busy schedule of forthcoming events and remains a premier welcoming community facility for the district, says James Stevens.

He believes rumours have been spreading that the hall itself will close following the news that the limited company Social Club which ran the bar was to cease trading.

But this did not mean a 'dry' hall because other arrangements had been made for drinks at events.

"The hall stays open for the community of Cinderford and the Forest of Dean," Mr Stevens said.

"Following the closure of the Social Club, alternative arrangements have been made with local licencee and approval sought from the local licencing authority to make all proceedings legal.

"The following weekend we had very successful wedding reception for Kelly (Owens) and Farhank Harbi with a full capacity to celebrate the happy couple's long awaited day. As chairman I was very proud to say that we were able to honour this booking, and enjoy the celebrations with them. A lot was published about the party, but a lot went on behind the scenes to make this happen.

"We have a very small dedicated committee of trustees fighting to make this amazing venue work, with myself as chairman and my vice-chairman putting many long hours in to keep this place alive, and people still asking 'Are you still open?'

"It is actually very heart-wrenching to hear these comments when we aren't even Foresters, but we are so passionate about the hall and its history since being built in 1929.

"Last Saturday we had another successful night of live music with welcome return to local favourites Shoo Bop rocking and rolling all night long to another full house. Even on that night we had people arriving in taxis dressed up for the night out saying, 'You are open then?'

"There is still too much uncertainty amongst locals as to the future of the hall. The hall will not be closing. We have secured a permanent bar facility for all future ticketed events, and the brewery will be renewing all pumps and pipes shortly.

"Last Thursday was the promised return of bingo, after a planned two week break, and it was a very well attended night. We now have bingo every Thursday and Sunday from 6.30pm with refreshments available. New members are always welcome."