Reading room survey 2018

Results of the Reading Room Survey 2018
During the month of April, the Reading Room committee asked the residents of Helmdon for their views on the Reading
Room, which is our village hall. This is a summary of the results. If you would like to make any comments or observations or, better still, if you would like to assist with making things happen then please contact Morag
Underwood at email: [email address removed]
The questionnaire attracted 110 respondents, roughly 20% of the adult population. About a third of them were age 45
and under, another third were 46 to 65 and another third were 66 and over. About 25% were male and 75% female.
30% have lived in the village for less than 10 years, 33% for between 11 and 20 years and 37% for more than 21 years.
So, in many ways, there was good representation across the board, but the clear majority of respondents were female.
72% of respondents participate in Reading Room events regularly or sometimes with 63% using the café, and the most popular facility being the Post Office with 73% usage. Only 21% of respondents go elsewhere to use the kind of facilities and entertainment provided by the Reading Room.
People were asked to rate the facilities on offer in the Reading Room such as the kitchen, toilets, lighting, sound system, décor of the hall and ease of booking. All facilities scored at least a 50% approval rating of excellent or good with the kitchen coming out top with a 62% excellent result. The lowest ratings were given to the toilets and the décor of the hall area with 17% of people scoring these ‘poor’
People were asked if they would like a computer available for use, but 64% did not want this facility.
79% were in favour of a book exchange and similarly 45% wanted a DVD exchange.
20% were not aware of the level access entry at the rear of the hall.
Many, many suggestions were made in the comments sections and some of these are:
Activities:
• Table tennis; badminton; tai chi; yoga; keep fit; dancing; zumba; sport; pool; self defence
• Art classes; language classes; music classes/appreciation; U3A;
• Sport on TV
• Cookery club; food events
• Exam revision space; kids events/youth club
• Saturday coffee mornings or breakfast/ community event/local produce for sale
• Quizzes
• Standard daily opening period when families and others can do sport/keep fit; open more often
• Singing/choir
• Mother and baby/toddler events; professional on hand to give advice
Visible advertising:
• Facebook; other social media
• Boards outside showing what’s on this week
• Website
Other suggestions:
• Make toilets unisex
• Need more youngsters through the doors
• Better disabled access
• Printing/copying facilities
• Shop/ indoor market
Thank you to all who participated. We shall be trying to implement as many of your suggestions as we can.