THE long-serving manager of Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall Nick Hibberd will leave his role at the end of the year.

He will be replaced by local entrepreneur Gez Morrall, who will officially take over the role on January 1.

Nick has overseen two years of major improvements to the hall - totalling more than £500,000 - but has decided now is the time to step down.

He said: “I have enjoyed working at the Mapplewell and Staincross Village Hall for the last seven years as it has been a challenge, what with the pandemic as well as planning, bidding and overseeing two major refurbishments.

“But I feel that in this time, with the unanimous support of the trustees, we have achieved much more than that, making the village hall a real hub of the community.

“But, I am also a firm believer that all businesses and charities can only thrive with the introduction of new people.

“They will bring a fresh drive and enthusiasm to the charity that will take it to the next level.

“Gez has the vision and skills to do just that.”

Gez, who was chosen from 22 applicants, added: “I don’t believe in coincidences but this opportunity came along just at the right time for me.

“My own business was based at the village hall and I have worked alongside Nick both as a volunteer and as a colleague with the Darton East Ward Alliance.

“My plan is to continue to build on what we’ve got inside, but look at working with the likes of Berneslai Homes, the Northern College and other contacts to help develop the outside of the hall to enable it to become a community garden as well as becoming a horticultural training area.”