Hadfield Hall elevates accessibility with new lift

After a decade of dedication, determination, and dogged fundraising, the Friends of Hadfield Hall are finally celebrating a major milestone.

 On Saturday, May 17, the hardworking charity officially unveiled a brand-new lift, finally making the historic Hadfield Hall fully accessible to all. 

The long-awaited upgrade marks the successful culmination of the Friends of Hadfield Hall’s ambitious ‘Lift Project’ - a 10-year journey that faced no shortage of hurdles. From navigating council bureaucracy, dealing with unreliable contractors that had to be replaced, to surviving the setbacks of the Covid-19 lockdown, the path to accessibility has been anything but straightforward.  

Undeterred, the passionate group of local volunteers didn’t give up. “Putting the heart into Hadfield is very important to Friends of Hadfield Hall.” said Ronnie Williams, a member who handles publicity. “Ensuring that no one is excluded is key to that.” 

The official opening event was attended by Cllr Ollie Cross who spoke emotionally about the difference the lift will make, “I’m over the moon! This is a testament to a decade’s work from the Friends of Hadfield Hall. 

“I think back to when my late-Mother-in-Law Bernadette was alive, and we used to attend things here like the craft show. Having COPD and mobility issues, meant she couldn’t join us due to being unable to navigate the steep stairs. Now with the addition of this lift, everyone can be included in community events.” 

The Friends of Hadfield Hall (FOHH) was formed in 2010 and became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2014. This was done to aid their goal of revamping the community rooms on the ground and second floors of the three-storey building, which is owned by High Peak Borough Council who provided a grant towards the necessary works. The middle floor is home to Hadfield Library, which is managed by Derbyshire County Council who also provided funding. 

After the renovations, which included a new kitchen and a full rewire, the Chairman at that time, former Mayor of the High Peak Peter Kay, recognised the need for a lift to ensure that more individuals, particularly those with mobility issues, could enjoy the activities taking place in the Upper Hall. 

The ‘Lift Project’ formally launched in 2015, when a National Lottery grant was applied for, which was reported on at the time by the Glossop Chronicle (see photo below). Local fundraising efforts followed, with generous support from residents and businesses alike. 

Lottery funding of £100,000 was finally granted, and the group sourced local architect Richard Grundy to start the design, “It’s been a delight to work with Friends of Hadfield Hall on their new lift extension. I’ve taken the project through the planning process, dealing with building regulations and working with the contractor throughout the construction period, and it’s wonderful to be here at the opening today. My input has been over six years and I’m so pleased to see it completed.” 

Liz Armstrong, a retired English teacher and active member of FOHH, reflected on the last six years saying, “There have been some hiccups along the way, but we have managed it! We are thrilled that the design is so in-keeping with the building, with stone being used from the same quarry as the original stone. The lift now ensures that the Upper room is readily accessible to everyone, and we hope many other community groups and individuals will use it. It’s modern, and airy with a fully sprung wood floor which is ideal for dance and exercise classes.” 

At the ceremony, Chair Joy Hallsworth gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone who had supported the project, “Aside from the National Lottery funding, we want to thank everyone who has personally given us money and those who have fundraised for us. We are very grateful. Thank you to Richard Grundy for a beautiful design. It looked great on paper but now I see it I’m overwhelmed. I must also thank the builders, James Lazenby Construction, for their hard work. They have been wonderful to work with, we didn’t have to close a single session as they worked round us.” 

Joy was surprised when Hadfield resident PCSO Brian Buller, who was invited to cut the ribbon, handed the honour back to her in recognition of her decade-long commitment. Sharing afterwards he said, “This is such a fantastic thing for the community, and I was humbled to be asked to declare the lift open, especially as I share a family history with the building. However, I felt that the honour should go to Joy to celebrate her dedication to the project.” 

Former volunteer, Andrea Heathcote, said, “I helped out here in 2017 setting up events, keeping the place clean etc, and saw first-hand the challenges that Joy and the Lift Committee were faced with, but their perseverance has paid off. The first issue was space and how to actually put a lift into a building like this, then they had to deal with the lease and raising the money. They could simply have carried on without a lift, but they were determined that no one should be excluded from the activities that happen here. This lift is a massive testament to them.” 

New committee member, Mandy Roberts, shares that view, saying “I do yoga and attend the art club here at the Hall, and some people really do struggle with the stairs, and I know that others just aren’t able to come to the classes. Hopefully now more people can make use of what’s provided. We’ve had so much local support.” 

The timing of the new lift couldn’t be better, with the annual Hadfield Art Show just around the corner on July 19–20. Organisers hope the lift will help welcome record numbers of visitors. Artists are currently invited to submit their work, with full details available at https://hadfieldhall.wordpress.com 

Hadfield Hall, opened in 1906, stands as a lasting gift to the community from Councillor Edward Platt, who gifted the land it was built on, declaring the building was to be used as “a library and public room.” Thanks to the Friends of Hadfield Hall, that legacy continues, now more inclusive than ever. 

You can learn more about the history of Hadfield Hall thanks to the Glossop Heritage Trust: https://glossopheritage.co.uk/ghtarchive/hadfield-hall 

Pictured below: Friends of Hadfield Hall - Mandy Roberts, Elaine Dodge, Joy Hallsworth, Steve Foote, Elaine Brewster-Kelly, Ronnie Williams and Liz Armstrong.