About the Organisation
Mornington Hall is 100 years old in 2024. It has been well managed by charity, CADOS for 20 years, and has a footfall of over 200 people per week. The building was leased to the organisation in 2004, on the grounds that the group made certain improvements and maintained the premises. The fully maintaining lease has 30 years to run.
The society raises money through hiring the premises to local groups to pay approx. £24,500 per annum to the council. Cados also cover annual maintenance costs and cover utility bills estimated to be a further £10,000. There is substantial wear & tear to the building, as it must be used approximately 11 hours per day during the week and 6 hours each day at the weekend to raise the rent and management costs.
The organisation currently has over 60 members active as performers plus 20 patrons who are dedicated supporters; and scores of volunteers who help with all elements of our productions.
CADOS believes there’s nothing quite like amateur dramatics for bringing people together and we are passionate about inclusion; not least because our trustees are drawn from a genuine cross-section of our community that reflects a variety of races; cultures; ages; sexual orientation and neurodiversity.
This dedication, passion, and belief; together with an appreciation of the value of the Hall as a community resource; led CADOS to take over the lease and shoulder full responsibility for the upkeep; maintenance; and smooth running of the venue some years ago.
Request details:
Unfortunately, there is a dispute being handled by Fiona Brownfoot, a Chartered Surveyor already working with Landaid for which she requires some litigation support.
Fiona can supply the organisation with more details of the measurements, size, location and exactly what professional help is required. [email protected].
For context, The Waltham Forest Council are trying to force the group to accept an insecure 5 year lease instead of their current 30 year lease, by putting up the rent from £24, 500 pa to £85,000 per annum in one year – from last June.
The charity therefore cannot pay that pie in the sky figure and ultimately, this will result in loss of services for the community. The hall is used an average of 11.5 hours per day and has a weekly footfall of 500 people per week. It is home to regular classes, some of whom have been there over 20 years.
Timeline:
ASAP