A STALWART of Wilsden Village Hall for more than four decades has stood down.

Chris Moore has been a trustee of the hall since it opened in 1976 and and has now retired from the management committee.

Chris, 81, became a familiar face around Wilsden first as a member of the Village Society in the early1970s, then the village Scout leader and a hall trustee.

His friend Trevor Dufton, vice-chairman of Wilsden Parish Council and also a former Scout leader, this week said: "Chris is characterised by his “selfless service, modesty and good humour – always a volunteer but never one to seek the limelight."

Chris described himself as “an offcumden of seven years’ residence, with a young family” when he joined the embryonic Wilsden Village Society in 1970.

He became involved in several years of vigorous fundraising, including Buy A Brick schemes and the successful Aire Fair event, so the village society could afford to build a new community centre.

Wilsden Village Hall was completed in 1976, with a trust deed specifying a management committee including a representative for the uniformed youth groups. Chris joined first in this capacity.

Trevor said: "Chris was the Group Scout Leader for both the Cubs and Scouts in the village for many years, and the groups thrived under Chris’s stewardship. Many leaders benefitted from his support and wise counsel.

"Many of the former Cubs and Scouts now reaching middle years speak fondly of their time in the group and the influence that this has had on their future lives.

"This was in large part due to the stability, leadership and just good common sense he provided during those years.”

Chris remained on the hall committee, and although he saw many things change over the decades, one thing remained constant – the hall's vital role in the village to provide space for groups like the Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Luncheon Club, nursery and dance classes.

Chris added: “The hall continues to provide a home for many local voluntary groups and Wilsden Village Nursery School, all contributing to income which pays for the running and maintenance of the building.”

In the early days money was also raised through the revival of a village institution, Wilsden Gala, which Chris remembers as being an intense weekend of hard work.

He said: “Setting up Friday night, manning stalls on Saturday, disco dance Saturday night (fever pitch), clear up Sunday morning; phew! What enthusiasm and support!

"The gala is now independent but continues its welcome support of the hall when funds allow.”

Chris is also known for his love of the outdoors. A keen caravanner and walker, he is among villagers who have identified and preserved many walks in Wilsden and the surrounding area.

Chris appealed to younger villagers to pick up where he is leaving off and consider helping the Village Hall stay around for another 40 years.

He added: “Our village hall depends on volunteer trustees to govern how the hall is financed and run for the benefit of Wilsdeners in general. As a recently retired trustee, I hope one or more residents will put themselves forward to join the committee to ensure continuity of stewardship.”