Meet The Team

The Trustees are the custodians of the Victoria Hall, responsible for the upkeep and financial viability of the building. The trustees are all volunteers who give their time and expertise freely as a benefit to the charity.

	Ann Gurney House Manager

	John Allman - Chairman "I became Trustee Treasurer 10 years ago when the state of the Victoria Hall was poor both in repair and reputation. As chairman for the last 6 years, I am proud of the fact that the Trustees have dedicated themselves to raising over £100,000 for improving the Hall, restoring it to its original appearance and providing a superb town centre venue for all Community based activities for Oakhamians and Rutlanders. The Hall echoes with nostalgia for "golden oldies" and its modern amenities now appeal to all age groups."

	Jim Telling - Secretary "I believe that the Victoria Hall is a valuable asset to Oakham and the Rutland community. I joined the Trustees to help continue the good work done by others in the past"

	Mark Woodcock - Trustee "As a newly elected County Councilor I was keen to take up the opportunity to become a Trustee of the Victoria Hall. The building is a key feature of Oakham with a wealth of history attached to it. Its preservation for the future, as well as its present day role in the community, is very important and I am glad to be a part of that as the County Councils representative."

	Maureen Dodds - Trustee "When I became a Town Councilor the Victoria Hall was in need of restoration. When the Town Council took over some of the space for offices and the Council Chamber, I volunteered to be the Town Council representative on the Board. I have been a trustee ever since. After it’s restoration I have watched the building come alive again. I am very proud of how the Trustees through these years have worked together to achieve this. The Victoria Hall is now a very attractive venue."

	John Sims - Trustee "Throughout the East Midlands, Town Halls and Agricultural Halls have been demolished to make way for shopping centres or ugly, modern civic buildings. Oakham has one of the few remaining, Grade 2 listed buildings still in community use. It occupies a prominent position on the High Street and the facade gives style and presence to the town. I love its sense of history and it gives me pleasure, as a Trustee, to help maintain it for all to admire and use. I wish to continue to help it go from strength to strength."

	Richard Adams - Trustee "Having lived in Oakham since 1973 and spent the majority of my working life in local government in Rutland, serving as a trustee gives me an opportunity to help retain the Victoria Hall as a useful facility for the local community."

	Peter knight "Born in Oakham not a stones throw away from the Victoria Hall! I have lived here all my life except when I went to Cambridge to do electronics. I then came back into the family business in Oakham's High Street. Now retired, I have been the Chairman of the Oakham Chamber of Trade, Rutland Round Table, and also President of the Rotary Club of Rutland."

	John Snell "I became a Trustee because for many years I have benefitted from the services provided by the Victoria Hall and it seemed an ideal opportunity to do something in return for that benefit."

	Alan Blythin "I have lived in Oakham for over 50 years ,my association with the "Vicky Hall" started as a teenager with the Saturday Night discos, progressing to numerous dinner dances, club meetings, Christmas and New Year events. I feel that it is vitally important to keep this wonderful asset for future generations to use and enjoy."