Trustees of a 130-year-old hall have appointed a new manager after being without one for seven years.
John Mahoney has permanently taken on the role at Lopping Hall in High Road, Loughton, replacing part-time staff who have fulfilled the job in interim.
Mr Mahoney, who was previously Club Secretary of Loughton Club, will oversee the refurbishment and regeneration of the hall, which opened to the public in 1884.
He said: "Having lived in Loughton all my life Lopping Hall has always been to me one of the most iconic buildings in Loughton.
"I have over the years been to several performances at the Hall and know how much it has to offer the local community and what an excellent resource it is.
"I am very excited about this role and hope to be an integral part of the Hall’s future”.
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