Update from Steve Parle, Chairman, Didsbury Parsonage Trust - 10 July 2020

 

Firstly, the Trustees of the Didsbury Parsonage Trust wish to say a huge thank you to all those kind and generous supporters who are making donations during these very difficult times. Donations have enabled us to keep the Old Parsonage in an operational condition while waiting for news on grants and other assistance. Without donations we would be in serious financial distress.

 

We have now been fortunate enough to receive a government hospitality and leisure grant which will aid us greatly through the next few months.

 

Obviously we have many outgoings and not much income at present, and this situation is not going to change drastically even with some of the restrictions having been lifted.

 

To date, the rules for meeting people indoors are still restrictive:

“You can meet in a group of 2 households (including your support bubble), in any location, public or private, indoors or outdoors. This does not need to be the same household each time.”

 

The rules above limit the numbers attending classes, meetings, wedding receptions, parties etc. to the extent that it is currently impractical for them to take place.

 

Similarly, for the safety of general visitors to the building, including those coming to view exhibitions,  the challenges, processes and staffing required to facilitate a one-way system, plus the need for extra cleaning, make it impossible for the Parsonage to open to the public at this stage.

 

We remain optimistic about the future, but the safety of our visitors and staff is always paramount. We are continually reviewing any new guidelines to find ways forward so that our visitors and users can once again enjoy our beautiful building and community facilities.