'A sad farewell' as Shropshire village hall's president steps down after 40 remarkable years
Village halls need dedicated volunteers - and one rural Shropshire venue has enjoyed the great benefits of that from one tireless woman for several decades.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Recently Lady Catherine Forester stepped down from her role as president of Willey Village Hall, near Broseley, after an amazing stint of more than 40 years of dedication.
Following a packed annual carol service at the private St John's Church, owned by Lord George Forester and his family, the congregation went to Willey Village Hall for hot drinks and a presentation to Lady Catherine.
There was even a pop-up pub on the premises as thank-yous were said to Lady Catherine at the event on December 21.
“Not one of us, including Lady Catherine, could pinpoint exactly when she had taken on the role alongside her late husband, but over the years she has served the hall well, attending meetings, giving thoughtful observations, and she has overseen many changes,” said Anne Skinner, the hall's secretary.

“In recent years she provided the saplings as prizes at the celebrations for the late Queen's jubilee and her family have yet again provided a Christmas tree for the hall.”
To mark her many years of service, the committee commissioned a local artist to make a hand-printed linocut print of the hall, which was framed and handed over by chair Elena Cassidy-Smith.

“She spoke eloquently about Lady Catherine's tenure as president.

“Lady Catherine replied that she saw the village hall as the focal point of our rural community and that she was very proud of the work that the committee and helpers do in bringing us all together to enjoy fun activities.”
The committee was delighted to announced that the link with the Forester family will continue, as Lady Catherine's daughter-in-law, Lady Lydia Forester, will take over the mantle as president in 2025.