SOULSBY VISITS SECULAR HALL

This article appear in today's Leicester Mercury:

Soulsby visits Secular Hall

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby visited Leicester's Secular Hall on Humberstone Gate on Wednesday, August 26.

The Leicester Secular Society is celebrating two important anniversaries this year – the hall is 130 years old and it is 160 years since the society was formed, making it the oldest secular society in the world.

An important part of the city's cultural heritage, the Secular Hall has hosted lectures from historic figures including William Morris, George Bernard Shaw and Bertrand Russell.

However, the hall is in need of significant modernisation including the installation of a lift, new kitchens, new toilet facilities and sound insulation between floors if it is to be brought up to contemporary standards.

During his visit, Sir Peter was shown around the premises and discussed plans for the hall's regeneration with members of the society.

Sir Peter said: "It's been really good to hear from the society members about the condition of the hall and to see it for myself. It's a wonderful space and deserves to be brought back to top-quality condition."

Dr Emma Chung, the first female president in the society's history, said: "I was really thrilled to see Sir Peter shares our enthusiasm for the beauty of Secular Hall and was very positive about wanting to preserve it.

"The hall is a unique building and a real hidden gem in the centre of Leicester."

The Leicester Secular Society is hosting an English Heritage Open Day on September 11 when members of the public will be able to look around the Hall and learn all about the history of the society.