Skip to content
Share
Explore
Admin
A hidden page to keep track of all the entries, including which ones are featured on the front page.
Name of Hall
County
Comments
Feeling
Website
Featured?
1
Abbotsley Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Our village hall was once the village school and for the past 50 years, since the school closed, has provided a comfortable, well equipped and convenient venue for all types of social interactions. We look forward to being able to re-commence those activities, once the COVID restrictions have been lifted.
2
Abinger Hammer Village Hall
Surrey
Thank you to ACRE for all the good work you’re doing, which is particularly important at this challenging time.
3
Abthorpe Old School
Northamptonshire
From its inception as a school, built in 1642, Abthorpe Old School has been the centre of life in this small rural village near Towcester. Its history, reminiscences of past pupils, details of all the masters from 1642 until its closure as a school in 1959, and an architectural tour of this lovely Grade 2 building are described in a book, ‘The Free School in Abthorpe’, available from our website.
4
Acklington Village Hall
Northumberland
Acklington Village Hall is proud to serve the local community and act as a hub for all kinds of activities for all kinds of people. We offer a warm welcome to locals and visitors, young and old (and everyone in between!).
5
Acomb village haĺl
Northumberland
All good wishes
Acomb parish council. Com
6
Acton Bridge Parish Rooms
Cheshire
Acton Bridge is a small rural village located near Northwich in Cheshire. Northwich is the UK’s salt capital, and the home of Britain’s chemical industry, founded by Brunner- Mond, which became ICI. Sir John Brunner the co-founder of ICI opened our Parish Rooms in May 1909. Since then, they have been the centre of our community life. In 1983 they were extended, and today we have first class facilities, two all-weather tennis courts, opened in 1995, and an all-weather bowling green. with active sections using these facilities. In addition, our Parish Rooms are used by 15 Interest groups (dancing, choirs, arts classes, WI, Taekwondo etc), and our village pre-school. At weekends, the rooms are available for private hire for weddings, christenings, birthday parties and family celebrations. In 2009, at our centenary celebrations, Sir John Brunner’s Great Grandson handed back to us, the key which our Parish Council presented to his great grandfather at the opening ceremony 100 years ago! Today, like all other village halls we are constrained by COVID measures and usage constraints, but our active trustees and volunteers have ensured that we can continue in a limited way to offer support and help to our village community. ACRE through Cheshire Community Action, continues to provide us with valuable support, thank you.
7
Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre
Sussex
Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre has exciting plans for rebuilding to create a more accessible, environmentally sustainable Centre with meeting facilities that will better serve the growing community, working together with Aldingbourne Parish Council. As well as a meeting hall the Centre charity provides changing facilities for sports groups using Olivers Meadow Recreation Field. Hopscotch Pre-School takes place daily, in evenings it is used by model car enthusiasts, a Ukelele group, Sunday choir, bingo, Social Club, Snooker and the Parish Council. Bognor Regis Model Railway Club run the old Barnham Signal Box, situated on the Field, and barn. Many adult and junior football teams are run by the popular Barnham Trojans Football Club. Aldingbourne Tennis Club, Bowls Club and Target Shooting Club also have facilities. The Centre opened in 1979, replacing the old 1935 Village Hall, and is a charity.
8
Alfold Village Hall
Surrey
Built in the 1960’s following a great community effort
9
Alton Maltings
Hampshire
The original Alton Maltings building dates from circa 1850 and served the local brewing community The Maltings building was left unused and unmaintained, leaving it to fall into a state of disrepair which meant that towards the end of the last century the survival of the building was at great risk.
In 1995 the site was bought by Harvest Church who obtained specialist building consent - specialist because the Maltings remained a grade II listed building because of the beams used. These beams were originally used in the Man of War naval ships of the 17th century!
Alton Maltings Community Interest Company provides 7 recently refurbished rooms for hire. Its serviced facilities are used by our local community, local and national businesses, the public sector, plus private parties and remain the home of Harvest Church.
10
Alverstoke Parish Centre
Hampshire
A welcoming village hall with so many activities to suit all age ranges. Cann’t wait to get back to the fun and laughter and companionship once covid is over!
11
Anslow Village Hall
Staffordshire
Anslow Village hall was built on land donated by Walter Thompstone of Anslow Park farm following a public meeting at Anslow Mission Hall on 21st March 1949. Fund raising events and donations from hundreds of individuals helped secure finance as well as interest free loans, and in 1951 a grant was provided by the Ministry of Education under the Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937. The hall was officially opened on 23rd August 1952. The first event was a whist drive which continued until 2014. The hall is regularly used by local groups including WI, the local gardening society and the Parish Council and classes inclcuding, bridge, yoga, pilates, a choir, painting and karate. It is a popular venue for weekend children’s and adult occasions, fund raising events for the local parish church and a venue for elections.
12
Applause Rural Touring
Kent
We have worked with many Village Halls across Kent and East and West Sussex. We applaud the work they do in their communities and celebrate the role they play in connecting communities to creativity! We have included a picture of All Saints Church in Allhallows Kent who have recently hosted a poetry residency.
13
Appleton Thorn Village Hall
Cheshire
Our Hall, like many others, is a converted village school and opened in 1981. It is therefore our 40th Anniversary! Since then, it has been the centre of the community providing a venue for many activities. The adjacent field owned by the Hall is used in a unique village fete celebrating Bawming the Thorn. It has a membership licensed bar providing real ales and winning many CAMRA awards. The Appleton Thorn Preschool is based in the hall. The venue is available for hire typically for local groups such as Appleton Thorn School of Dance, Brownies, Yoga, wedding parties, christenings, and birthday parties. When we finally re-open we would like to improve and extend the facilities making more use of the outdoor facilities for the benefit of the community. We joined CCA/ ACRE in 2019 and have benefitted from their excellent advice and help, especially during these difficult times during the pandemic. We are delighted to sign ACRE’s ‘Doomsday’ Book for 2021 celebrating ACRE’s 100th anniversary as well as our own 40th.adjacent
14
Arborfield Village Hall
Berkshire
Built in 1931 on land gifted by the Simonds family with bricks purchased by members of the Arborfield and Newland community the hall is a registered charity run by volunteers and interested parties such as the Parish Council and regular users.
15
Arkenstall Village Centre
Cambridgeshire
The main business of the Arkenstall Village Centre – in the middle of the village of Haddenham, near Ely in Cambridgeshire – is the hiring out of facilities for meetings, functions and events. It is also the centre of activities for local groups – art classes, exercise groups, drama groups, concerts and the village pantomime. In addition, the Centre plays host to the village library access point, providing a link to the county’s public library service for Haddenham and the surrounding villages.
The Centre has three rooms for hire: a 200-seat main hall with a stage, and two smaller meeting rooms each seating about 40 people. There is a well-equipped kitchen, and on-site parking. There are discounted hiring rates for regular bookers, charities, and local organisations that are represented on the management committee.
Although the centre was converted from its original purpose as the village school back in 1972, there is an ongoing programme of updates and improvements to keep the facilities fresh and modern while retaining the building's original character.
Unfortunately the Centre is currently closed because of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. While we have made the Centre 'Covid secure' we are, at the moment, only able to offer rooms for hire for exempt activities, but we are looking forward to fully opening our doors again in the not-too-distant future.
16
Arkwright Centre
Derbyshire
The Arkwright Centre provides a venue for local people to meet, hold events and support the community.
17
Ashampstead Jubille Village Hall
Berkshire
This original Victorian village school house has been renovated to provide the only community facility other than the church. It even doubles as the village pub once a month.
18
Ashbury Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The building was built in 1864 to accommodate The National School, a charity school for children of the poor. Since construction of a new Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp C of E (Voluntary Aided) Primary School in 1960, the old National School has been used as a Village Hall. Over the years there have been several improvements. In recent years the whole hall has been updated with new kitchen and toilets, a new floor proved insulation. Before Covid it was used regularly by local groups for keep fit, art and social events.
19
Ashenground Community Centre
Sussex
Looking forward to fully opening again for our vast array of Community Groups. We’ve managed to remain partially open during the Covid-19 pandemic for permitted activities including our Preschool.
20
Ashford Carbonel Village Hall
Shropshire
Our Hall was built in 1911 and has since been extended twice. Together with the adjacent sports and recreational field it forms the hub of our village of 160 dwellings, about one third of which have single occupants. The Hall hosted a wide variety of events and activities until the first lockdown forced us to close. Subsequently in March 2020 a community email newsletter was set up, food deliveries from local businesses were arranged and a support network established. When allowed we held morning coffee, afternoon teas and pub nights in and out of doors. To raise money and our spirits, we opened our gardens to fellow villagers with timed appointments and an honesty stall for surplus plants and produce. Realising gardens were our salvation, we wrote a book ‘Gardens under Lockdown’ with contributions from eight to eighty year-olds, full of tips, activities and beautiful illustrations. Ten per cent of the profits went to our local food bank. Later in the year morning coffee and cake became a takeaway service as did a soup kitchen. Our Christmas fairs, carol concert and Candlefest were all held outdoors. As 2021 begins we have coffee mornings, a wine tasting and a poetry recital for Valentine’s day all online. The book exchange has been expanded to include jigsaws. Children continue to play on our field, which will have a new wildlife area this summer. We are now planning activities for when we come out of lockdown. We shall continue to provide, as we have done for a hundred and ten years, a venue, events and activities which cater for all ages and abilities, thus cementing the social fabric of our village.
21
Ashingdon and East Hawkwell Memorial Hall
Essex
A hall left in Trust to the residents of Ashingdon and East Hawkwell
23
Ashreigney Village Hall
Devon
The recent Coronavirus Pandemic has really brought home how vital our Village Hall is to a small, rural community such as ours. It is literally the “heart” of the Village.
Social gatherings, our market, and meetings may be banned; but our Hall continues to serve. In recent months it has been used as a central control room by emergency services carrying out search and rescue operations, it continues to act as our Post Office, and the Car Park now hosts regular street food Pop Ups. The Village Hall Newsletter hasn’t missed a single edition and The Renovation Committee continue to work with Architects to plan for a new and exciting future.
We look forward to the day when we can all meet up again, to celebrate and fully enjoy this vital and much loved part of Village Life.
24
Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall
Surrey
APMH is delighted to be celebrating our 100th Anniversary in 2024. We have a project to celebrate by aiming to be Carbon Neutral and to this end we have had surveys completed and the work has already begun. Our hall is very popular and lies at the heart of the village. Regular users take part in a wide variety of activities from Busy Bees playgroup through to the Over 60s lunch club. Look at out website for details.
25
Ashton Keynes Village Hall
Wiltshire
Our Village Hall is the centre of the community and as the hub for numerous services, has remained open throughout the pandemic. Although group and social activities have had to stop, including our own fund-raising Rural Cinema; the Hall complex houses the Village Shop, the out-reach Post Office and the GP Branch Surgery. All of the these are classed as essential services and so we had to ensure that we made the Hall COVID-Secure in order to keep it open. We introduced disinfectant fogging, hand sanitisers, risk assessments, etc. The Village Preschool is also housed within the Hall complex and we had to accommodate this restarting in June 2020 (at the end of the first lock-down).
The support of the Local Authority, Community First and ACRE have been exceptional.
With luck (and the vaccine) we are looking forward to reopening fully sometime during 2021.
https://www.akvh.org.uk/
26
Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall
Somerset
Having taken advantage of the COVID lockdowns by refitting, redecorating and refreshing the main rooms, internal facilities and equipment, the committee are now progressing formal plans to convert the integral garage and adjacent store rooms into a new, larger kitchen and community cafe that will serves via a purpose-build external hatch next to the children’s playground with views across the recreational field and beyond - much fundraising work required! Externally we are repairing and replacing leisure equipment to facilitate increased usage. We are also addressing our environmental strategy and have planted a wildflower meadow and 11 trees along one boundary to be fitted later with various bird boxes. We also plan to become Hallmark Level 1/2 accredited!
27
Asthall Leigh Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
The Asthall Leigh Memorial Hall stands as a memorial to the men and women who fell in the 1914-18 and 1939-45 Wars, and to those that returned.
Records show that the Hall dates back to 23rd February 1922 when the land was purchased for the sum of £40 for the purpose of providing a site for the erection of a building as a war memorial for the Parish of Asthall.
The management of the Hall and Garden is in the hands of the Memorial Hall Trustees and is now a registered charity, No. 263789
The Memorial Hall provides the residents of the Asthall Parish with recreational and social facilities which include a ‘Village Pub Night’ a ‘Film Night’ and a ‘Villagers Lunch’ each month.
28
Aston Tirrold & Aston Upthorpe Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The twin villages of Aston Upthorpe and Aston Tirrold lie in the shadow of the Berkshire downs in the south of Oxfordshire, in an area that is known to have been occupied since Neolithic times.
The Astons Village Hall is a large, well-equipped, versatile and attractive facility in the heart of the community that plays host to a wide variety of clubs, classes, weekly Café, technology and other community out-reach and social activities that all serve to promote health, education, inclusion and a vibrant, inter-generational social interaction for which the villages are well-known. Well used by village groups and residents, it is also a popular venue with individual hirers and organisations from the surrounding towns and villages.
The hall's facilities include a large main hall with modern AV facilities, a raised stage with adjoining changing room, a separate committee room, a well-fitted kitchen, an attractive galleried area overlooking the main hall, an outside paved patio area and a capacious car park.
29
Avebury & District Social Centre
Wiltshire
The Social Centre in Avebury was built in the Victorian era and was formerly the Village School. In the early 1990s an extension was built to include a new kitchen and toilets. The main hall is approximately 180 sq m and has a curtained off stage area with portable staging.
It is licenced for a maximum of 60 seated at tables, 75 dancing, 80 seated in rows OR 100 standing. Suitable for parties, shows, meetings and exercise classes the space can be divided by a folding screen.
Facilities include Wifi, Projector, Kitchen, Stage, Large National Trust Car Park nearby
30
Axbridge Town Hall
Somerset
Built in the 1830s and owned and run by Axbridge Town Trust since 1889 for the benefit of the local community for functions, meetings, education and exercise.
31
Bainton Reading Room
Cambridgeshire
The place where interests interact, where people care, where insight is shared. Always worth a visit
32
Bamburgh Pavilion
Northumberland
Bamburgh is a historically important village on the North Northumberland coast. The Pavilion overlooks the village green, in the shadow of the magnificent castle. As well as supporting the village cricket team. croquet club and tennis court, it is used by many local groups. It is also used for events such as wedding receptions, craft fairs and fund raising events. During lock down it has been redecorated and refurbished and is now ready to return to its key role in village life.
33
Barns Green Village Hall
Sussex
Barns Green Village Hall is conveniently placed in the centre of the village overlooking our picturesque Village Green. It is an ideal venue for celebrations including weddings, christenings and birthday parties, meetings, lectures and concerts.
34
Barrasford Village Hall
Northumberland
Barrasford Village hall was built in 1927. It has been extended and improved over the years, with a major ongoing refurbishment programme since 2011. The building is very well used and has a large main hall and a further spacious meeting room known as the supper room. A variety of regular events take place; beavers, cubs and scouts, toddler group, Pilates, pottery and art classes, monthly community coffee morning etc. The hall is also available for hire for one-off private events. There is a fully equipped kitchen with range cooker, commercial dishwasher, fridge and freezer. A licensed bar is available on application. Contact for further information
35
Barrow on Trent Village Hall
Derbyshire
Our Village Hall is located in a small rural community in South Derbyshire. The land the hall is built on was gifted to the village by a local farmer in 1949. Parishioners fundraised to help build the Hall. It remains an integral part of village life offering a base for our local Playgroup along with a variety of regular weekly activities including : Women’s Institute meetings, keep fit, line dancing, choir practices, tia chi, parties etc. Trustees have taken advantage of the Covid lockdown to upgrade the hall by sanding and revarnishing the parquet floor, and replacing the carpets. We hope the hall will continue to be used and enjoyed by our community for many many years to come, it is an asset for our village.
36
Barrow upon Humber Village Hall
Humber & Wolds
Our Village Hall is the largest in our community, parties for children are the best because of the size of the space. The hall, when open provides space for Parents, babies and toddlers; Brownies; Guides; Keep Fit; Yoga and Christy fundraisers.
37
Barton Bendish Village Hall
Norfolk
We are just finishing a complete refurbishment and extension to our hall, which was originally an Oddfellows hall built in 1905. Although it had some toilets added in 1990 it was getting very tired, with no insulation, no proper heating, and no disabled facilities. We also suffered from a lack of capacity because it was too small. Thanks to a marvellous fundraising effort, serious community collaboration and the input of an excellent local contractor we have now extended the hall and made it fit for another 100 years! We can’t wait to open up as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic allows us to do so!
38
Barton Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Barton Village Hall (formally Barton Parish Institute) is situated in the centre of the village opposite the Parish Church and adjacent to the Village School. It was constructed on land given to the village for the purpose by the University of Cambridge in 1920. Originally a WW1 hospital hut before being rebuilt on the current site, the hall has been extended over the years to include modern kitchen and cloakroom facilities as well as a snooker room.
The hall is managed as a registered charity by a committee of trustees which includes representatives of the many village clubs and societies that, normally, use the facility on a regular basis. The hall is also used for elections and community flu vaccinations as well as being available to be hired by local residents for private functions.
During the past year it has been mainly closed, opening only when permitted in a COVID secure manner for pre/post school care and business meetings.
39
Bashley Village Hall
Hampshire
Provide or assist in the provision of facilities in a village hall and recreation ground for sporting activities and leisure for the residents of Bashley. Charity number: 301728
40
Battle Memorial Hall
Sussex
This facility is unusual, combining as it does the role of a village hall with a memorial to honour the dead of two world wars. It is situated in the busy High Street at the centre of the historic town of Battle. Originally built in the 16th century it has been altered and extended over time and in the early 18th century acted as a poor house. The building was acquired in 1958 by a member of the local Rotary Club who worked with the Town Council to convert it in order to provide the current facility. As well as meeting the needs of a wide variety of groups and organisations based in the town and surrounding villages it also hosts a monthly community cinema and is the home of the local amateur theatrical group.
41
Beaford Village Hall
Devon
Based in rural northern Devon we are the hub of a small parish of fewer than 500 people. We have a stunning view from our hall thanks to a local farmer who donated the land and local builders who constructed the building. We are a busy hall (normally) and we take great pride in our beautiful home. Our plans include making the hall as environmentally friendly as possible and creating a wildlife haven on our recently acquired field adjacent to the hall.
42
Beckford Community Village Hall Ltd
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
The present hall was opened in 1937, an earlier small facility having existed since 1924-5. It is managed as a ‘Charitable Limited Company’ with directors, officers and a committee made up of representatives of the organisations which are ‘members’ of the hall. These include the Tennis Club, the Women’s Institute, the Gardening Club, the Toddlers Group, the Croquet Club, the Church and others. The hall is surrounded by extensive fields, which are used by footballers, dog walkers and the camping and caravanning clubs who often rent them. Many improvements have been made to the hall over the years, and a substantial refurbishment is currently in progress. The roof having been replaced three years ago, exterior insulation has been added and internally the ceiling is being lowered, lighting improved and the sprung maple floor refurbished. Currently closed due to the refurbishment ad well as COVID-19 restrictions, we anticipate that in April 2021, like a chrysalis emerging from its cocoon, the hall will re-emerge to act again as a centre of village life.
The website is currently being reconstructed, but until that is complete the hall has an active Facebook page.
43
Bedhampton Community Centre
Hampshire
It’s a shock to the system to having gone from a full, thriving, exciting centre to being nearly completely shut down, but we’re coming into 2021 positively! We’re still open for our local Lunchbank to prepare, cook and deliver hot meals to people in our local community, and we’re excited to hit the ground running with community projects, classes and activities as soon as we’re allowed! Our aim for 2021 is to get planning permission to have an extension built onto the front of the building, so we’ll be doing some massive fundraising as soon as that’s agreed. We love our community, and we miss them. We usually have over 1000 people through our doors each week, which for a small village just off of Havant is brilliant, and we can’t wait to have everyone back again.
44
Bedmond Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Bedmond Village Hall has been serving its small rural community since it was built with funds raised by the Bedmond Pioneers, a very active group of local group of residents, in 1930. It was rebuilt by a massive fundraising effort in 2000 supported by the Heritage Lottery Millennium Fund and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who maintain the Hall to a very high standard. It is home to a wide variety of groups and activities and also provides a very popular local venue for parties and events. This much loved Hall is located at the heart of its community and is always looking to expand the range of activities and events on offer to provide more opportunities and support for its community.
45
Beeding and Bramber Village Hall
Sussex
The current village hall was built in 1930 and established as a charity. It was and is managed by a Management Council composed of representatives of the organisations and groups who use the hall.
As well as the full Council there is an Executive group who are elected from and by the Council.
In common with many Village Halls it has had its ups and downs. Thirty years ago the Hall was in a poor condition and in very straightened financial circumstances but as a result of enormous hard work by volunteers funds were raised and renovation work placed the hall back in good working order.
From this time to the present day the hall provides a venue for community meetings and activities and a Pre School which has now served several generations of village children.
The Covid 19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the hall. Since the first lockdown the community groups have closed, the exercise groups have come back in a limited way when outside the complete lockdown or tier 4 regulations. Fortunately the Pre School has continued to operate although with reduced numbers of children which gives some income and a government grant of £10,000 was welcome. The hall has financial reserves but they will not last for ever.
We are aware that some groups may not return to when the hall can reopen but intend to advertise with the support of the Parish Council to develop the customer base for the new situation. We hope to see this as an opportunity to ‘Build Back Better’.
46
Bellingdon and Asheridge Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
COVID and 2020 shone a new light on the role of village halls and community associations with our committee quickly becoming aware of and competent on Zoom to communicate remotely. This enabled us to set up a support group working in collaboration with other local groups to ensure all our residents were safe, had supplies of shopping and prescriptions along with moral support and just a chat on the phone to reduce the feeling of isolation and concern.
The resident’s mastery of Zoom enabled us to establish Quiz nights to replace our monthly pub nights allowing people to remain in touch and keep the banter going!
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 we ensured the hall was COVID safe within the government guidelines (with clarity provided by ACRE and CIB) enabling its continued use, including a tuition group throughout the summer. During the latest lockdown the hall has been closed for hire with the playing fields and playground (when permitted) remaining open, providing an open space for people to exercise.
Our hall, playground and adjoining playing fields support the village of Bellingdon and hamlet of Asheridge; it is located two miles north of Chesham, and situated along a ridge, typical of the Chiltern Hills.
It is built on ground donated by Miss Marion Thompson, a local resident and officially opened on 6th November 1948. Until 1965 the land adjoining was rented for use as a playing field but in that year, we were able to purchase it by local fundraising.
The hall facilities have been continuously improved enabling it to be used for a diverse range of activities from village groups, community events, exercise classes, and family celebrations especially children’s parties and weddings. In recent years it has established itself as a festival venue for Brazilian dancing. The playing fields with separate changing rooms support local football leagues and training.
The pandemic has been a huge learning curve, clearly demonstrating the importance of village halls and community associations and their flexibility in adapting to the changing and diverse requirements of their communities.
47
Belstead village hall
Suffolk
We provide a safe happy secure hub for our villagers to use
48
Berrynarbor Manor Hall
Devon
Our pretty grade 2 listed hall is in the center of our lovely village and a focal point for many community activities including art and craft clubs, Pilates ,wine circle,wedding, table tennis, parties, council meetings, snooker club, our village fete and much more . Sadly corona virus put paid to most of this fun last year. Thankfully our popular pre-school situated in one wing of the building was able to carry on providing a fantastic service and of course much needed income for the hall! We have optimistically booked a date in the diary in August for our village fete- fingers crossed! Good luck to all our fantastic halls around the country for 2021 - we all provide an amazing and precious service to our communities and a big thank you to ACRE for their help and support particularly in these most difficult times.
49
Bert Boyden Community Centre
Humber & Wolds
We took on a redundant Adult Social Care Centre and turned it into a vibrant Community Centre. Art Therapy, Quilting, Alzheimer's and Drama Groups use the building along with Family Support Services. We also have a Community Cafe
50
Bestwood Village Hall (The Welfare)
Nottinghamshire
In 1890 as The Music Hall was built with money donated by the Lancaster family that run the Colliery and Iron Works. The building had its first extension in 1939 which created a bar area on the side of the building. The Hall was eventually used as a village hall which was run by a committee . The village hall committee disbanded and they passed on the building to the Miners Welfare Institute & Recreation Ground Charity which is still serving the community to this day 91 years on from when they first started.
The old music hall doesn’t have many walls left and has been engulfed by the Welfare complex which is a community hub and public house. The Welfare charity is keen to be a bigger focal point of an expanding village. The charity aims to provide Youth Services; Basic Health Services & training courses; Educational Services: Baby, Child, Teen and Adults; Child Care/Friendly areas and space for local groups; Community Events for all; Fitness and Well Being.
Support is provided for: Mental Health; Elders of the community; intergenerational activities; local artists; we link all these sectors into our current grounds, sports fields, and buildings.
Currently the Welfare charity offers support and space to The Football Club (5 teams in all), 2 Bowling Club teams, the Karate Club, Brass band.
We provide facilities for local and surrounding families to use and provide space and support to; Yoga, Salsa Group, WI Ladies, Bestwood Ladies Group, Children’s Theatre Group, Autism Group, the Male Voice Choir and Youth Club.
There is also support for the village Christmas tree, parties, and local events. We have also reopened the Welfare, which is now a public house open to the public, serving a wide range of good pub cuisine and drinks.
The Welfare also provides the community cafe, which is open weekly. Provision for free meals for the community has been started and runs every Saturday.
The Old Music Hall is one of the oldest live music and entertainment venues in the midlands.
51
Bicester East Community Centre
Oxfordshire
The North Bicester Community Centre was opened in 1973 at Keble Road but was demolished in 1999 by the Cherwell District Council due to its dilapidated state and vandalism.
Bicester Community Church started working in the area, initially taking a converted bus to the site on Thursday evenings to act as a mobile centre for youth work but there was clearly a need for a permanent building.
In 2001 a mini-community centre housed in a Portakabin, paid for and run by the Bicester Community Church under agreement with Cherwell District Council, which owns the land, was opened to provide a base for the church to serve the residents of the Keble Road area of North Bicester. Activities inclding Toddlers, Bumps and Babes, Youth Work and Over 50's groups were all successfully run there.
The Kabin was opened by Bicester town mayor, Councillor Lawrie Stratford, and his wife, mayoress Councillor Rose Stratford, on Saturday, 23rd June 2001 on a site near the playing fields off Keble Road, and was in constant use until its age forced its removal in August 2005. The current one started life in November 2008, but is hoping to be reincarnated as a permanent building in the near future. It is great value to hire, at typically £9/hour, less for charities and local causes.
52
Bickerton Village Hall
Cheshire
The Land and buildings currently in use today comprise an attached cottage, the main hall with a second smaller hall and kitchen on the ground floor, plus a meeting room upstairs.
The above premises and land were initially leased from Baronet Sir Phillip Egerton in 1898, on a 40-year lease, to a group of trustees lead by Rt Hon, Lord Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor (2nd Duke of Westminster)
This lease arrangement remained in place until February 1927, when the hall, cottage and land were purchased by the trustees from the Egerton estate for £50.
Originally named Bickerton Recreation Club, it then became the Village Institute, and finally Bickerton Village Hall.
The hall remains run to this day by elected trustees.
The hall is used on a regular basis by the following groups.
In addition to this there are a number of less frequent, yet important activities held at the hall outlined below. My thanks to trustee, Nigel Briers for the inclusion below.
ART EXHIBITION.
Since 2006 this rural village hall has been the centre of a hugely successful and popular art exhibition. Over 500 original paintings submitted by some 150 artists are displayed for sale over an 8-day period from 10am to 5pm each day in the last week of July. Over the years it has grown and there is a waiting list for entries, which are on a first come basis. The art displays a wide range of interests and abilities and this is reflected in prices ranging from £20 to £1000. Each year we sell over 20% of all exhibits which is generally held as a real success.
Each year about 800 people visit the exhibition and are met by a team of volunteers from both members of the community and some artists. Over 100 people help at each exhibition and this includes reception of visitors/sales of cards/ and the ever-popular refreshments sales which involves many more volunteers donating cakes for sale. The sale of teas and coffees and cakes will bring in a net profit of some £1,000 each year.
The support from the small community which serves the village as well as the support in setting up and running the exhibition by some of the artists really helps inspire the spirit of community. The quality of the refreshments enables a growing number of people to spend time meeting and discussing art as well as buying cakes. We invite artists to set up their stall and demonstrate their work. So, the artists in residence combined with the separate room for the sale of their cards and the paintings on view enable visitors to spend quite some time enjoying the exhibition. The free parking available in an enormous car park and the rural and beautiful setting makes this a special event in our calendar.
The pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 exhibition. We will have to see when we can next begin. I am confident that our past success will enable the community to re-start its planning with a view to even more success in the future.
Nigel Briers
MUSIC AND THEATRE AT BICKERTON VILLAGE HALL
For over 15 years Bickerton Village hall has promoted a wide range of musical and theatrical events. Our membership of the Cheshire Rural Touring Arts network enabled us to put on numerous plays which were generally well attended. This live theatre was always a challenge in the Hall but all groups made a special effort to adjust to the facilities available. We were part of a large network supported by staff from Chester and Cheshire West Council who in turn have Arts council funding.
We also on our own arranged a large number of musical evening covering Skiffle/Pop/Jazz/Big Band and Classical. With refreshments often available and reasonable costs we generally sold most seats. We welcomed many performers most notably the Doghouse Skiffle Band from Hull who made 2 appearances to a wildly supportive audience. We welcomed new talent like guitarist Remi Harris and the ever-popular folk group the Houghton Weavers. Several visits have also been made by Ninebarrow a folk duo from Dorset with a growing following. We have also held some notable poetry evenings.
One final highlight was the performance of Sue Tysoe from the Black Theatre group who performed in a largely one person shows as a bag lady. She was quite outstanding and appreciated by a lively audience.
Although there are theatres in Chester/Crewe and Mold many people do not get to visit these places who can be quite expensive. The local theatre and music events do provide people of all ages the real opportunity to share in live events. We do hope to see the early return of such activities.
53
Bicton Village Hall
Shropshire
Many community groups access the village hall including WI, Parish Council, keep fit, coffee mornings, mothers and toddlers etc for the community. We organise a Summer fete which is a great event bringing the whole community together for both young and old. We would like to continue to provide community events and support for our community.
54
Biddulph Moor Village Hall
Staffordshire
Biddulph Moor Village Hall was constructed around 1975, following a fund raising campaign by the local community, to provide a facility for the community and surrounding areas. Over the years it has proved to be a focal point for the community providing a venue for activities, clubs, celebrations and community events and remains so.
The Village Hall is used for many different activities which cater for diverse age groups including a Playgroup, Radio Controlled Car Club, Bowls Club, Dog Club, Yoga and the Evergreens group for the more elderly local residents. It is also available for hire for private events such as weddings and special occasion celebrations such as birthday parties, anniversaries etc. Drapes can be hung to transform the hall into a very attractive and affordable venue.
The Committee run a number of different events for the community as a whole including an annual fireworks display, musical events, discos, touring theatrical performances and themed dining evenings.
The Committee work together with other organisations to operate community events such as the village Well Dressing and the Biddulph Festival.
The Village Hall is a focal point for the community. It provides a vital, convenient, accessible and affordable venue for many activities and it is conveniently located within the village. This is really important to the local residents who would otherwise be deprived of these activities as Biddulph Moor is poorly connected to the surrounding area which makes it difficult to travel to alternative venues.
During this current period of enforced closure due to the Covid-19 situation the Committee have been focussing on carrying out maintenance and improvement work and seeking grants for the refurbishment of the hall. The aim is to continue to improve the hall so that it is an even more attractive facility for the local community.
55
Billingley Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our Hall is relatively new, opened in 2010. Its a conversion of a 300 year old ruined cartshed. Our faming hamlet got mentioned in the original Domesday Book, and we still only have about 70 houses. There is no pub, shop or place of worship, so the hall is a big part of village life. We have been closed since the first lockdown, but we have been providing space for Abdominal Aortic Aneurism screening clinics. They usually come a couple of times a year but asked if we could help as they were unable to use most of their other sites in GP surgeries. We were glad to help. We offered space for anyone having problems home working or home schooling, and soon after the first lockdown started, a villager who is a senior child protection manager was having problems with sensitive and difficult zoom meetings, with her 8 year old daughter home from school even though Dad was at home too. She has worked most days from the hall, which is great, and means there is a presence daily, saving us a lot of visits to check on the building. We have used our FB Page page, normally used as a marketing tool for the hall to make sure that any community notices are posted, and adapted another Village Group to become a chat and help forum. As we are a registered limited company as well as a charity, we have received the Covid 19 Small Business Grants, and had a business rate holiday, so fortunately we have no financial woriies, and several weddings booked for next year. We are grateful for advice from Acre, our insurers and the local authority. We have had only 1 case of Covid in village, a doctor working in local hospital. Fully recovered. We all know each other and hacve looked after each other, especially our older neighbours but we can’t wait for the first coffee morning as soon as we can re open safely
56
Binbrook Reading Room
Lincolnshire
The Reading Room is a registered charity and started life as the meeting place of the Foresters Friendly Society in the 19th century and has since been extended and has had many uses serving as a reading room, men’s/boys club, lecture room for the WEA, WI, cubs and scouts et. The room has recently undergone a programme of refurbishment and offers disabled entrance and toilet facilities and a small kitchen area .The building is used as a meeting place for GardenClub, Art Group, Yoga, Springs Church Group and charity fund raising events and is available to hire for private functions. It is an ideal room for small functions.
57
Binley Woods Village Hall
Warwickshire
Our hall was opened in 1957 and has been the hub of our rural village ever since, always providing social and educational activities for all age groups.
Subsequent committees have worked hard over the years to raise funds to maintain and modernise the hall.
Various groups hire the hall for:- zumba, children’s dance classes, indoor bowls, luncheons for the elderly, Scottish dancing, keep fit, over 60’s, coffee mornings, craft, playgroup, children’s indoor soccer, ballroom dancing, amateur dramatics , women’s institute, the church in Binley Woods and carer’s cafe. At weekends the hall is hired out for children’s parties, dances, fashion shows, baby shower parties, etc.
Although the Hall has not been open during the Corona virus pandemic, the local fruit and vegetable shop (Turnips) have used it to make up orders to be delivered to local residents and people in surrounding villages.
We look forward to opening up again and welcoming our residents back to a Covid secure hall, thanks to ACRE’s help and advice.
58
Bishop Middleham Village Hall
Durham
It has been a busy and exciting time for the Village Hall with lots to look forward to in 2021. Despite having to close our doors due to Covid-19, work continues to develop our facilities to ensure they remain a valued space for our community members and groups.
59
BISHOP SUTTON VILLAGE HALL
Bath & NE Somerset
WE ARE BISHOP SUTTON NOT BISHOPS SUTTON
60
Bishop’s Park Community Centre
Hertfordshire
Bishop’s Park Community Centre offers two rooms which can also be joined into one large room with shared kitchen facilities, wifi, car parking and disabled access. There is also a committee room upstairs for quiet meetings, yoga or meditation. The Centre usually has many users who host a variety of activities from Baby Yoga to Karate and many other private functions and events, from a huge number of exercise classes to wedding receptions and family parties. Its larger hall normally accommodates up to 70 people and its smaller hall up to 40. The upstairs room will facilitate 15 people. The Centre also has a beautiful garden and patio area which provides ample room for outdoor activities. Although the Centre has been made Covid-secure it was recently closed due to the Covid-19 National Lockdown. The Centre is an important part of the Bishop’s Stortford community and we look forward to re-opening further and re-engaging with the local community, as and when we can, in line with the latest Government Guidance
61
Bishop’s Park Community Centre
Hertfordshire
Bishop’s Park Community Centre offers two rooms which can also be joined into one large room with shared kitchen facilities, wifi, car parking and disabled access. There is also a committee room upstairs for quiet meetings, yoga or meditation. The Centre usually has many users who host a variety of activities from Baby Yoga to Karate and many other private functions and events, from a huge number of exercise classes to wedding receptions and family parties. Its larger hall normally accommodates up to 70 people and its smaller hall up to 40. The upstairs room will facilitate 15 people. The Centre also has a beautiful garden and patio area which provides ample room for outdoor activities. Although the Centre has been made Covid-secure it was recently closed due to the Covid-19 National Lockdown. The Centre is an important part of the Bishop’s Stortford community and we look forward to re-opening further and re-engaging with the local community, as and when we can, in line with the latest Government Guidance.
62
Bishops Nympton Parish hall
Devon
Our beautiful hall built in 2011, has been sadly quiet nearly a year. It is usually buzzing with luncheon groups, a dance club, short mat bowls, pilates, yoga and various clubs. It is a popular venue for weddings and parties, with a lovely view and plenty of parking. On site is also a Community Shop and Community Club. A real community hub.
63
Bishops Tawton Village Hall
Devon
Our village hall used to be the Village School. In life before Covid it was the centre of our community, hosting coffee mornings, jumbles, sales, the art group, meetings and numerous parties. We look forward to being able to return to that way of life.
village website still being built use the Bishops Tawton facebook page
64
Bishopstrow Village Hall
Wiltshire
Bishopstrow Village Hall was the village pre-school until 1965, when the Hall was gifted to the village by the Temple family. Since then it has been run by a volunteer committee and used for all the usual hall activities. From 2013 to 2017 it underwent a huge refurbishment programme, with a new roof, new floor, new electrics, heating and audio-visual and a new-build kitchen. Up to March 2020 it was used every weekday for various activities (pilates, yoga, table tennis, bridge, music, art classes, as well as village specific events such as quizes, themed suppers, meetings, etc) and often at weekends for parties for all ages. We are hoping to get back to this level of use as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
65
Bishopswood Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Set in the picturesque Wye Valley two miles South of Ross-on-Wye, Bishopswood Village Hall provides leisure, educational and community activities for all ages of the local population. We are looking forward to getting back to running our quarterly Community Lunches where we cater for around 100 - 130 local people for Sunday Lunch, and hosting the local Church’s monthly Big Breakfast. Our various social events help bring the community together in what could otherwise be a rather widespread and remote area.
66
Bishopton Village Hall
Durham
The existing timber-built hall was originally a 1920’s school in nearby Greatham. It was dismantled and re-erected in Bishopton in 1959, a brick-built annexe was then attached to provide a meeting room, kitchen and toilet.
Our Hall together with the nearby Bishopton Playground forms the hub of our village of 156 dwellings and 360 residents.
The Hall hosted a wide variety of events and activities until the first lockdown forced us to close. Before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, we held morning coffee, Brownie meetings, Yoga, Swing Fit, Fund raising events for the newly acquired Playground.
We shall continue to provide, as we have done for a hundred and ten years, a venue for events and activities that meets the requirements of the local residents of all ages and abilities We provide a sense of place, pride and belonging to villagers and encourages a spirit of community.
We are now planning activities for when we come out of lockdown. We now are on Bishopton Village website and have a Facebook page.
67
Blackford Reading Room
Somerset
The Blackford Reading room has been at the heart of the village for the past 109 years, opening in 1912 due to the generosity of Miss Emily Senior who sold the land it stands on to the Fidelity Trust for the sum of £25.
Since then the Reading Room has hosted whist drives, dances, brownies, a Girls club, Womens’ club, concerts, lectures, several Jubillee celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries and numerous fund raising events. One of its most active periods was during the 2nd World War holding almost weekly socials with members of the Royal Airforce from the airfield at Sigwells. At the end of the war the Compton Pauncefoot and Blackford Working Party were presented with a personal message of thanks from Marshal of the Royal Air Force, The Lord Portal of Hungerford
In 1993 The Fidelity Trust passed ownership of the Reading Room to the PCC who assumed the status of management committee and the Reading Room Trust was formed. Thanks to a substantial donation from the Lottery Commission and the Wyvern Trust and the hardwork and dedication of the Reading Room Trust, the building went through extensive modernisation at the start of the millennium making it the perfect venue for the local Gardening Club, Wine Club, Book Club, and the hugely popular monthly village breakfasts. We will be looking forward to opening the doors again soon!
68
Blackhall Community Centre
Durham
A fully accessible centre which offers a range of activities, we have a fitness centre, licensed bar and a cafe with home cooked food.
69
Bletchingdon Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Bletchingdon, or Bletchington, depending on how far back family links are in the village, had a village hall from the 1920's. It was a typical steel framed/wood clad structure which, having been operated along charitable lines, finally registered as a Charity in the 1960’s. Later additions of a small annex, a basic kitchen and new ‘facilities' couldn’t save the fabric of the overall building which became increasingly dilapidated. Around 2008/9 plans were afoot to replace this building with a new one, and works began in 2013 together with the development of a new village school as a combined build. Our new village hall opened in September 2015 and is currently managed by the Trustees of our village charities. Since its opening it has been used by the school every day in term time, but more significantly by community groups everyday as well, accommodating Exercise, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes, Toddler group, Thursday (older villagers) Club, Village Silver Band, Community café, parties and more. The Parish Council has an office in the hall and it is also a popular venue for wedding receptions, having a catering kitchen for professional use. Designed by a local architect it is very much a well-used venue in our community. In 2020 the Covid pandemic impacted the use of the village hall, but not necessarily the bookings, many of which remain in place awaiting the day that lockdown is relaxed.
70
Bletsoe Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Bletsoe Village Hall was opened in 1971 though the public subscription started after World War Two and there were several false starts along the way including potentially using the school when it closed down before a brand-new building (using a prefabricated bungalow design!) was chosen. The hall has been the social hub of a small village of 130 houses since then and has good regular local use for events organised by the hall, the church, WI and village fete plus hirers ranging from the local area Young Farmers, deanery churches, Morris Dancers, swing band plus plenty of private hires. We enjoy events such as concerts, Breakfasts, Food events such as Puddings Nights and the combination of food, dancing and concert which is a Haggis / Burns Night! Extended once including the provision of a formal bar with complete replacement of toilets and kitchen, it remains in good shape and is lucky to have the parish children play area next to it whilst the parish bought the field alongside which means that the hall has a large open space for games and activities that hirers can use. The pandemic has meant complete closure with only spasmodic use when permitted by two yoga groups that have come to Bletsoe as we were prepared to open under strict conditions. The available grant have cushioned the hall and mean that the future is secure as far as we can see. We look forward to getting back to some form of normality as soon as possible.
71
Bloxham Ex-Servicemens Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Originally opened in 1926 to cater for ex servicemen who tended to gather in the village pubs it became a focal point in the centre of what is now a large village with two other halls. Between them their various activities tend to be complementary catering for a wide variety of users.
In 1939 the then trustees declared that it was for the use of Bloxham villagers generally and not simply for the local Royal British Legion branch. During the Second World War it was used for teaching evacuee children from London.
We undertook a major project three years ago to build a suitable store to cater for an increasing number of users. Upgrades to the lighting and internal and external redecorations were completed during Lockdown periods. We really appreciate the guidance and advice from ACRE which helped us comply with the ongoing changes to COVID regulations. Normally we cater for groups such as Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Ballet, Children’s mini activities, Personal training and Table tennis. We act as a local Polling station, as well as supporting W.I. coffee mornings and Parish Council open mornings.
72
Blythe Bridge & Forsbrook village hall
Staffordshire
The Blythe Bridge & Forsbrook village hall has undergone an internal facelift to bring it up to date & now hosts a range of community activities & events
73
Bolton Village Hall
Northumberland
Bolton lies on a fold of land in the valley of the river Aln. To the south Alnwick Moor rises above the farmalnd, to the north towers Titlington Pike, and to the west and north the impressive range of the Cheviot Hills dominates the skyline, culminating in Cheviot itself. The history of the village goes back to pre-christian times. Bolton Village Hall was built in 1929 on land given by the Burrell Family and using money raised by public subscription, in memory of those who died in the first World War. It has continued to function as the centre of village life to the present day. Activites include: Keep fit classes, dancing classes, quiz nights, Gardening Talks, Wine Tasting Evenings, Ceilidh’s, Band Practice, Film Night’s, Harvest Festival Suppers. The hall is available to book for Private Parties, Meetings, Local and National Elections. During the recent pandemic The Committee has been busy refurbishing the Ladies Toilets and ensuring the hall is Covid secure.
74
Botesdale Village Hall
Suffolk
Built in 1913 as The Church Rooms, in 1993 it became Botesdale Village Hall when Botesdale Parish Council assumed responsibility for it. It was refurbished with the assistance of a National Lottery Grant in 1998 with modern facilities which include a new kitchen, new toilets with disabled access and a new meeting room. The main hall is 12.8m x 7.7m and can accommodate 100 people seated at tables, 160 people with seating only and 200 for standing/dancing. The stage is 4.8m x 4.3m and is equipped with Stage Lighting and Sound System, Dimmer Lights and an Audio Loop P.A. System and is used by the local drama group and visiting productions. The hall is well used by local groups and is available for private bookings.
75
Bowerhill Village Hall
Wiltshire
Our current village hall was built in 2005 and is centred in the heart of our community with a wide selection of events and activities taking place for all ages and abilities. A selection of these are Local School, Yoga, Slimming Clubs, Craft Sessions, Church Groups, Scout Groups, Baby Toddler Groups, Dancing and a variety of Health Groups. All these along with a wide range of fund raising events. We also hire out the hall for weddings, Christening celebrations, parties and funeral wakes.
76
Bowsden Village Hall
Northumberland
Set in the centre of the beautiful village of Bowsden, in picturesque north Northumberland. Today's larch clad hall replaced an earlier village hall, completed in 2009 with the help of National Lottery funding and provides local residents and visitors with a thoroughly modern meeting facility. The village hall is the focus for village life and we have a busy calendar of regular events ranging from our monthly coffee mornings, soup and sandwich lunches to film nights, pub and quiz nights.
77
Boxford Village Hall
Berkshire
The new village hall, opened in 2014, is situated on the edge of the village along with a very popular playground, tennis courts, cricket and football ground. It is a modern flexible space well used by the wide community. The hall is virtually carbon neutral with solar panels, a ground source heat pump for heating and water. There is a dedicated hall for the Teddy Bear’s pre-school and Panda Club which continue to operate during the Pandemic, within the government guidelines. A wide selection of activities take place including ballroom dance classes, Yoga, Pilates, Thai Chi, art classes, lectures, weddings, christenings, wakes and fundraising events. The Boxford Masques rehearse their productions in the hall and will be staging their 2021 production within the recreation ground, postponed from 2020, to celebrate 21 years of the revival of the original Boxford Masques-
78
Bradden Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Currently applying for grants to refurbish the hall.
79
Bradenstoke village Hall
Wiltshire
Beautiful hall, in a lovely village, The hall was originally the School built in 1873, it became the village hall in 1969 and made a Charity, It is owned by the village and looked after by A Board Trustees and a Committee of residents.
80
Bradfield Village Hall
Berkshire
Bradfield Village Hall has been at the centre of the community for the last 69 years and is regular host to Bradfield Market, WI, Parish Council meetings, dog training club, Sunshine [Before and After School] Club, Tai Chi classes, Gardening Club, Bridge Club, Mayfayre, Pigeon and Rabbit Shows, annual visit of the Fun Fair, Library Van, caravan/motor home club weekend retreats, not forgetting the weekly visit of the fish and chip van! There’s also the many children’s parties, family celebrations of all kinds including wedding receptions, and parish meetings. Our 4 acre site also has a tennis court, children’s playground and field, well used to recreation and exercise for both people and dogs. We are working hard on a development project which aims, by 2023, to build a brand new Village Hall, more suitable for current needs, along with improved Multi Use Games Area and a playground for all ages, enlarged car park [also used by the community shop next door and the close-by primary school] and much improved, safer pedestrian access. The new facilities will give so many more opportunities to meet together at the heart of our community.
81
Bradford on Tone Village Hall
Somerset
A beautiful, traditional village hall built in 1913 at the heart of our lovely village. We host events and a variety of groups making it a vital community hub. We also let the hall for private functions.
82
Bramfield Village Hall
Hertfordshire
In 1946, at the end of the Second World War, Bramfield was given a field covered in bracken and brambles, by the Woodhall Estate which owned land in the area. The men of the village, returning home after active service, cleared the land and turned it into a recreation field so that families from the village could enjoy peace and family leisure time once more. Shortly after this a timber framed hall was built and this became the social heart of the village. This hall has been extended twice and now boasts a separate annex housing changing facilities for the local sports teams. Together with the adjacent playing fields and children’s play area it forms the hub of our village. The Hall hosted a wide variety of events and activities until the first lockdown forced us to close. Now, in early 2021, we are planning activities for when we come out of our current lockdown. September 2020 was our 50 year anniversary and we had a celebration party planned for all the village. Sadly that had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but we are hoping we can now hold this in September 2021. This coming year we are also hoping to hold our very popular Open Gardens event and our regular Summer Fair and Dog Show. We shall continue to provide, as we have done for many years, a venue for events and activities which cater for everyone in our community.
83
Braughing Community Hall
Hertfordshire
The Braughing Community Hall was opened in 1974 to provide facilities for sport and recreation in the village of Braughing. We have a number of groups using the hall and the hall is available for private bookings at reasonable rates.
84
Bredfield Village Hall
Suffolk
Our hall was built by the community in 1983 and has been refurbished over the years, with a new kitchen in 2017 and an extension, new bar and new patio were completed in 2020. The hall is adjacent to a large playing field with tennis courts and a play area. There is Village Shop and Bowls Club on the site.
85
Brentor Village Hall and Playing Field
Devon
Brentor Village Hall was established in 1952 in the original Brentor Men’s Reading Room and is managed by a small committee of local residents. The village hall is normally the hub of the community with themed suppers, a pop up café, coffee mornings and many private bookings each month, but since Lockdown started last year the hall has basically been closed. However we are very lucky to also manage the village playing field, where subject to the Covid-19 restrictions, we have still been able to hold events in an outdoor setting. The field is on the edge of the village of Brentor with no access to mains services. In the past 18 months we have obtained grants from West Devon, the National Lottery and the Postcode Lottery which have enabled us to install a shelter, a composting toilet, tables & chairs (made from durable recycled plastic) and enhance the car parking. This has meant that during the past year when restrictions allow we have been able to have many events on the field including a Christmas market, car boot sales and coffee mornings. A weekly takeaway van supporting the Hall funds operates every Friday at the field supplying the community with morning coffees, lunches and afternoon teas. We are so proud that the field has helped the community so much in these difficult times. Once restrictions are relaxed a bit we hope to hold a treasure hunt to raise the funds to complete the field renovation project by installing a play/trim trail
86
Brinkworth Village Hall
Wiltshire
We are one of the longest villages in England and the Village Hall is vital for keeping the community together. We managed to get some decorating done in the summer with a great team of volunteers from the village (socially distant!) Sadly we have lost a couple of our main hall users during Covid including the Butterflies nursery that has been looking after our village children for more than 30 years. However, we are looking forward to welcoming back users such as Danceaerobics, Garden Club, Bramble Patchers, Cubs, Beavers, Lunch Club, Yoga and Pilates.
87
Broad Hinton Village Hall
Wiltshire
Broad Hinton Village Hall was rebuilt in 2009 after the old hall built in 1963 was knocked down. We are lucky to have a new modern hall with excellent facilities that serves the local community. The hall provides a venue for clubs, weddings, parties and a place where people from the local community can get together. It also currently provides a Post Office service, which would have been lost when the Village Shop closed. The hall is essential for a Rural community, and hopefully will continue to server the community for many years to come.
88
Broadhempston Village Hall and Headlands Playing Fields
Devon
Our carbon-neutral village hall was opened in December 2015, on land acquired for community use by the parish council near the centre of this very active community of 800 residents. A parish-wide survey assessed the needs of all age groups and this resulted in a building with a 9m x 16.5m main sports/function hall with sprung beech floor, a large meeting room and a smaller meeting room. The hall has exceeded its 3-year business plan and caters for all ages, with a regular baby and toddler group, indoor sports and fitness sessions for all ages including a thriving badminton club and short-mat bowls. It’s also a great venue for lunches, parties, music events, meetings and courses. The 84 PV panels on the roof and a high standard of insulation means that the building overall costs nothing to heat and light - a tremendous benefit and which keeps our hire charges low. The trust also runs the sports field which has become a valuable asset during the various Covid-19 lockdowns for open-air exercise. A skate ramp has recently been built and we are now actively working on the creation of a MUGA on the existing tennis court. The local primary school makes considerable use of all facilities. Our village also has a thriving community shop and two popular pubs.
89
Broadwoodkelly Village Hall
Devon
Broadwoodkelly is a tiny village in rural Devon. With only farms and a few houses in the immediate area, our hall is the centre of this small community’s life. The building started life as the village school in the 1870’s, closed its doors in 1945 and was purchased by the locals in 1963 in order to turn it into our community hall. Over the last 20 years, fundraising, grants and much sweat and toil by volunteers has transformed the stone structure into a warm and welcoming space, with all the facilities needed for its new role.
Before lockdown, we had a full calendar of activities, all organised by those living in the village –markets selling locally produced food, sports days, barbecues, book club, exercise and art classes, coffee morning, weekly walks, trips to the seaside etc.
Of course, at the moment, everything is on hold. However, our lifeline is our use of the internet, communicating via e-mail messages to a village-wide community group. Roll on the time when we can all get together again.
90
Brompton Regis Village Hall
Somerset
We are providing a top class facility for use by all of our community groups.
91
Broughton Village Hall
Hampshire
Originally opened in 1928 as a tribute to fallen Villagers in WW1, in 2019 the Hall was extended and fully refurbished. Today it offers a variety of rooms to host gatherings from a few to 120 persons. With a new commercial standard kitchen, high speed Wi-Fi and excellent audio visual systems throughout, the Hall also includes a beautiful garden area and ample parking. The Broughton Community Shop is also housed within the Hall’s building helping Broughton Village Hall to become the centre of this vibrant Village. It hosts local art, sports and exercise groups as well as exhibitions, parties, film nights, live music events and much more!
92
Brownlow Community Centre
Shropshire
Lord Brownlow gifted this ex C of E Junior School for Boys and Girls to Whitchurch and surrounding areas in 1982 for use as a Community Centre after it ceased to be used as a school. Today its main user is Little Bears Daycare, a registered charity supporting local young families with a range of services to include baby creches, breakfast and after schools club plus holiday clubs Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm. The Centre’s longest user is Whitchurch Weighlifters Gym started in June 1982 with weekly regular evening user groups including 2 Line Dance Clubs, Whitchurch Band practice nights, a social club for persons with special educational needs, a contemporary fitness and exercise club, Little Voices West Cheshire singing and drama classes, a school for Pop music, Pilates sessions and council welfare meetings/sessions. Its main hall is very popular for children's parties and it also has for hire a mid sized room for up to 30 persons and a small meeting room for 8/10 persons. At present all projects are on hold that include refurbishment of ex-staffroom and storage area into another hirable facility, provision of purpose made parking facilities for dis-abled vehicles, automatic sensor doors, replacement of the main hall’s original block floor and the installation of double-glazed window units to some areas not already upgraded. The Centre got into financial difficulties in the late 1990’s, was involved in “fire fighting exercises” for almost a decade starting 1999, managed to attract a strong combination of Holding Trustees and Management Committee Members and then Covid-19 came along!! At present we are optimistic of being able to retain this marvelous facility for the benefit of the local Community but concerned about working on projects in case the money runs out.
93
Buckland Dinham Village Hall
Somerset
The hall has been owned by various groups since it was built: originally gifted to Russell Duckworth to create a recreational place for the village, the Duckworth family gifted it to the Diocese of Bath and Wells in 1915. In 1978, a few years after the last live in manager retired, the “Trustee Ownership” was transferred to the Parish Council, and in 1981 it was transferred to the Charity Commission. Buckland Dinham Village Hall is now put to more varied use than it was originally intended for - no longer simply a coffee house and reading rooms, until the lockdowns it was the regular venue for short mat bowls, the WI and a monthly luncheon group, in addition to private hire by members of the public - but it still fulfils the original role intended by the Rev Clutterbuck as a place open to all the residents of the village.
94
Bucklesham and Foxhall Village Hall
Suffolk
Our fantastic Village Hall, built in 1976, didn’t let a little thing like a global pandemic get in the way of village life. We may have temporarily lost our regular bookings, but hosted guest bookings to clubs that had lost their own regular venue. An extremely considerate bunch old ‘old regulars’ then agreed to change their permanent days to allow for the ‘guests’ to become ‘new regulars’ too. An extremely hard working committee lead by an excellent Chair, gave us all the impetus to apply for any and every grant available meaning we actually received 13 Grants totaling over £24,000 during 2020. We continued with our renovation scheme during Lockdown, and even though we started 2021 with a leaky ceiling and the news that a whole new roof was necessary, our spirits will not be dampened! None of the above would have been possible without the wonderful people at Community Action Suffolk and Suffolk Community Foundation guiding us all the way.
95
Buildwas Village Hall
Shropshire
Buildwas Village Hall has been part of the community in Buildwas since it was built in 1954. Over the years it has been available for the residents of Buildwas and local villages for family events and celebrations; village organisations (such as the village church) fund raising events and meetings; annual pantos by The Buildwas Players; music nights; our monthly community meals; and a weekly whist club. The hall is also used by our village Primary school for assemblies / productions / presentation evenings etc. The hall has been closed to general bookings during the COVID19 lockdown, but has been running a Meals on Wheels project since July 2020, delivering hot meals on weekday lunchtimes to elderly residents in Buildwas and neighbouring villages who otherwise can’t go shopping (or don’t have access to online shopping) as they are shielding. This has been funded by Shropshire Council, The National Lottery Community Fund, and the Co-op Emergency Food Fund. The committee are looking forward to the hall being fully open so village life can flourish once again.
96
Bulphan Village Hall
Essex
Our hall was built in 1964 and was transferred to the community by Thurrock Council, under a Capital Transfer Asset 99 year lease in June 2019. Bulphan’s only shop had closed in July 2014, so the trustees set about building a shop as an annex to the hall. Thanks to a very generous donation from an anonymous benefactor, and numerous smaller donations and fund-raising initiatives, the shop was opened in March 2020, just as the first pandemic lock-down restrictions started. The income from leasing the shop is distributed to 4 voluntary organisations in Bulphan. Although there is no income from letting or from the Community Cafe the trustees run twice a week, the shop has been busy and has been a community hub (socially distanced of course!). The Outreach Post Office continues to use the hall twice a week. Over the last year, we have had to cancel many of our usual events, or move them to the recreation ground behind the hall. We look forward to when our many local organisations and regular activities can once again enliven the hall.
97
Bunbury Village Hall
Cheshire
The hub of the village with classes/functions every day of the week
98
Bunny Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
This former school became a village hall in the 60s and is owned by the Bunny & Bradmore Charities Trust. There are two rooms, with a kitchen added about 70 years ago.
During these Covid times and not being able to use the hall, we have made it a time to freshen it up with a coat of paint and to hope that it will encourage many more bookings as we move into the relaxing of rules
99
Burbage Village Hall and Recreation Grounds
Wiltshire
A large community asset that can hold up to 130 people. Sadly we have remained closed since the start of the pandemic and have only opened for use by the local Doctors’ surgery for flu jabs. We have taken the opportunity to redecorate with the help of local volunteers ready for a grand re-opening when safe to do so
100
Burcot Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Burcot Is a thriving community, with a modern village hall that provides a focus for a range of social and learning activities.
101
Burness Parish Rooms
Suffolk
The Burness Parish Rooms in Melton were built in 1904 and have been at the heart of the community ever since. Melton is a large rural village in East Suffolk dating back to Saxon times. Located on the banks of the River Deben, it is close to the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths, AONB and Sutton Hoo. There is a railway station with frequent trains from Lowestoft to Ipswich and on to London.
The Parish Rooms were the gift of local benefactor James Alexander Burness. Run by an active committee of dedicated volunteers, there is a wide range of activities taking place each week, including Yoga, Art, Drama, Music, Brownies, Tai Chi and country dancing classes and many others. Over the past few years, the building has been modernised and refurbished and now provides an excellent venue for interest groups, private parties and family celebrations. Melton Women’s Institute meets here each month and the parish council holds public meetings in the large hall.
Today, as with all public indoor facilities during the pandemic, we have been restricted by Covid regulations, however we have been able to continue with our traditions and provided space for Food Parcels to be packed, collected and distributed by volunteers to Melton residents, at a time when many of us have needed support and a helping hand.
102
Burnham Green Village Hall
Hertfordshire
A small Village Hall in pleasant surroundings including a play area. Ideal for children’s parties.
103
Burrington Parish Hall
Devon
Burrington Parish Hall in North Devon was established in 1930. It was burnt down in 1943 and was rebuilt in 1960 and has been continuously modernised since to include a full catering kitchen, solar panels and new heating system. We now have an extensive hall which plays host to various community activities and fundraisers, monthly over 65 lunches, fitness classes, meetings and much more.
The hall is home to the Comrades Club which celebrated its Centenary last year and runs skittles, darts, snooker, billiards for the locals over the Winter months- there are currently 17 teams. This year is the first year since World War 2 that the Annual January dinner has not taken place.
There is a floodlit Muga adjacent to the hall, we are really pleased that this has been very popular through the recent Winter months for local netball and football teams, providing some fun and fitness at such a difficult time.
We look forward to continuing to be part of the community once more when the pandemic eases.
104
Burrington Parish Room
North Somerset
Burrington Parish Room was built at the turn of the last century by the determination of the village community.
Today it still fulfils a vital roll in providing a focal point for the local population and is used daily by the school, weekly by the church and throughout the year by the skittles club and other various activities.
105
Burtle Village Hall
Somerset
The original hall was built in 1939 to serve as a meeting place for villagers who raised the money for the simple wooden building. It was also used as temporary accommodation for evacuees in the 2nd World War.
A kitchen extension had been built in 1960s but later the hall was in serious need of replacement or major updating. Planning permission was granted in 2004 to demolish the existing hall and replace with a steel framed modular building. However, the application for Lottery funding was declined due to another new hall being built in the next village!
Step forward a local retired builder – Robin Howell – who devised an innovative design using straw bales, wine bottles, sheep’s fleece, and local clay to build a new hall around the old one. It was an unusual plan for an affordable solution.
The first step was to drop an agricultural type roof supported by metal posts over the old hall. New walls were constructed from straw bales donated by local farmers. 4,000 wine bottles were produced by villagers and these were used to fill the gaps in the base wall. Local clay was sought and there were ‘straw bale and plastering picnic weekends’ with whole families involved. Local sheep’s fleece had to be checked before they were hauled up to the roof to provide insulation. New windows and cladding were added before the inside was stripped, one internal wall demolished, new walls and doorways made. A new ceiling was put over the main hall. A new kitchen was fitted and a separate bar built. The original floor was professionally cleaned and treated.
Volunteers helped with all the processes – it was a Burtle Village Project! It took 18 months of hard work completed in 2009. The hall was made accessible to all with a ramp and rails being added to the main door in 2014.
Burtle Village Hall continues to be the hub of the community and the Government lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 was the first time that the hall has been closed in its history. Like many other halls, further refurbishments and improvements have been made during these closures. We are looking forward to getting back to ‘normality’ and to the Burtle Village Hall resuming all of its activities, rentals, and social events.
106
Burton Memorial Hall
Cumbria
Built in 1956/7, the Hall has been the centre of village life ever since. Serving all age groups and abilities, we host a wide range of activities, societies and groups, along with a twice-monthly library book drop. The Hall is run by a management committee comprising representatives of user groups along with directly elected residents. It has three meeting rooms and a large central hall with a stage, kitchens, toilets, baby change, hearing loops, and a car park.
107
Burton Pidsea Memorial Hall
Yorkshire
Our hall, which was totally rebuilt in 2018, is used and loved by the community to celebrate from Baby Showers through Christenings ,Birthdays, Wedding receptions, to Funerals. We have a café which is a meeting point for the population of the extended area, some of whom would not otherwise meet anyone. We hold classes, both educational and recreational, fairs, dances, film shows and concerts and all that cements the cohesion of an area.
108
Burwell - Mandeville Hall
Cambridgeshire
Modern hall built in 2011, consisting of three halls that can be used independently
109
Burwell Gardiner Memorial Hall
Cambridgeshire
Built in 1915, lovely traditional hall.
110
Bury village hall
Cambridgeshire
The hall was built in 1996 and is managed by Bury Residents Charity. it is used on weekdays by Bury Playgroup and various community groups in the evenings. During the COVID-19 restrictions we have been able to keep the hall open for use by the Bury playgroup.
111
Busbridge Village Hall
Surrey
Originally a cricket pavilion, Busbridge Village Hall borders fields on the outskirts of Godalming and continues to serve its original aim from 1951 to support the education and wellbeing of the people of Busbridge.
As lockdown restrictions have eased we’ve welcomed back our nursery, drama school, dance school, Rainbows, Guides and Scouts. We started hosting childrens’ parties again in May thanks to our large garden area.
Over the summer we’re going to be the venue for many more parties for young and old, and we look forward to supporting, once again, our local church group, Bridge Club, WI and Brownies.
112
Butcombe Village Hall
North Somerset
Small but beautifully formed. Sadly closed at the moment, but ready to go when we’re allowed. Along with the Church next door we are the heart of the village, the only places for people to meet indoors.
113
Butterknowle Village Hall
Durham
A wonderful hall in the heart of our rural community. We will be celebrating our 60th anniversary next year , in one form or another. We can’t wait to reopen and welcome back our many users and groups.
Facebook Butterknowle Village Hall.
114
Cadbury Heath Hall
South Gloucestershire
Established in 1977, Cadbury Heath Hall is a thriving community resources. It is a busy venue and there are plans in 2021 to extends the Hall by approximately 40% in an attempt to accommodate the growing demand for meeting space and storage by a wide range of local groups and organisations.
115
Capheaton Village Hall
Northumberland
Built in 1921, originally as a reading room, library and meeting place the village halls usage has always reflected society at the time. From the 1930s to the 1970s it was an extremely popular weekend dance venue fondly remembered by many Northumbrians. More recently the hall has become host to Capheaton Village Tearoom, a national award winning venue that provides for local residents and the wider North Eastern area. Again, as a reflection of current society many of the the users of the hall are now cyclists, walkers and locals who come through the daytime with evening usage being much reduced. The hall has been there for the last 100 years as a meeting place for the community and providing a focal point for all that is good in our area.
116
Carlton Scroop & Normanton-on-Cliffe Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Used during WW2 for events involving many from local airfields, our local hall has changed forms from tin hut to large brick building, and is now used for many local groups covering all ages and many interests. A large hall in a small community, we are also fortunate to attract users from slightly further afield which means we are reasonably well used, in normal times.
117
Carrington Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Set in a rural location having served the community for nearly 60 years, we are to celebate our Diamond Anniversary in style hopefully in August. At the heart of community, we usually run coffee mornings, archery, dancing, bird sales, auctions and are adjoined by a playing field run by our local football team
118
Caryford Community Hall
Somerset
Opened in 1994 our Hall serves the communities of Ansford and Castle Cary. As soon as we can do so, we will resume an ambitious building programme to improve the building’s capacity and make it more versatile for the needs of the growing number of groups and individuals wanting to use it.
119
Cassington Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The new Cassington Village Hall was opened in 2002. It was built on the site of the old village hall, dating from the 1920s, and is situated in the heart of the village, overlooking the village green. The hall provides an excellent community hub for the village and surrounding area. It is used by many village groups including a community cafe, toddler group, WI and drama, exercise and music groups. We also host community events such as film nights, theatre shows, a Christmas pantomime and a supper club for a local dementia support group. We are very much looking forward to opening again. Thank you, ACRE, for supporting us in these challenging times.
120
Casterton Village Hall
Cumbria
The land on which Casterton Village Hall is sited was given by Lucy Constance Bickersteth and Mary Lilian Bickersteth to the Carlisle Diocese in 1911 and the building was erected in 1912. A trust fund relating to the running of the Casterton Church Room was drawn up in 1915. In 1978, the Carlisle Diocese set up a 60-year lease and trust deed which specified that the Registered Charity should be administered in accordance with the deed by a management committee, the Casterton Village Hall Committee. This committee includes representatives from user groups and elected residents.
The hall is on the A683 in the centre of the village and is a focal point for social events in the village. It has undergone a number of modernisations and is a pleasant meeting place suitable for a wide range of private or commercial events. It is available for hire by the hour for private parties. South Lakeland District Council hires the hall as a Polling Station for elections and regular users include the Parish Council, the WI, Kirkby Lonsdale Scouts, Casterton Community Trust and Yoga classes. Talks, coffee mornings and plant sales are organised by the committee and we started hosting live entertainment provided by the Highlights company in 2019. We have used the lockdown period to do repairs to the cellar and the outside of the building and are looking forward to welcoming back our regular users.
121
Castle Acre Village Hall
Norfolk
Next to the medieval castle, the village hall used to be a baptist chapel and pair of cottages. A hall with history, it’s the only venue in the village for meetings, concerts, exercise classes, art groups, craft fairs and many other local events. A fantastic hall for wedding receptions, with an enclosed garden and romantic view of the castle.
122
Catshill Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Catshill Village Hallwas built in 1897 on land donated by Cadbury Bros( of Chocolate fame ) and has been used for multifarious uses ever since ie. dances, soup kitchen, cinema, and many more. It now rents out the space to a selection of groups in the community : dance classes, mother and toddler groups , slimming world, karate the list goes on, as well as being used by the Parish Council for formal meetings
Catshill Village Hall. co.uk
123
Catworth Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Formerly a Church of England Primary School, acquired for use as a Village Hall in 1968. Significant refurbishment in 2010 and extension to complete the project in 2018. Now have a large entrance lobby, meeting room able to open up to the main hall and a store room. Step free throughout. Used by our Cinema Club, Vinyl Club (records not clothing), Yoga, Quilters, Sewing Group, Sign language teaching, Drama Group, Games Club, Bowls Club, Yoga, Strength and Balance, Prayer Group, Coffee Mornings, Wedding Receptions, Banquets, Quiz Nights, private parties and more.
124
Cavendish Hall Thurston
Suffolk
The Village Hall, Thurston (known as the Cavendish Hall) opened in 1914 as a memorial to Tyrell Cavendish who lost his life on the Titanic. The hall was extended and refurbished in 2002 and is used by many local groups such as scouts, brownies and WI, to name but a few. During 2021 we are planning to update the hall with a new kitchen and a new, environmentally friendly, heating system; ensuring that the hall remains fit for purpose for the rapidly expanding population of the village.
125
Cawthorne Village Hall
Yorkshire
This characterful Hall was built in 1850 by the Spencer Stanhope family of Cannon Hall, as a school for the benefit of local village children. In 1953 the Spencer Stanhope family sold the Hall to Cawthorne Parish Council for the further benefit of the community. Although the Parish Council holds it in trust, the Hall is run by a Management Committee composed of representatives of all the groups using it. They take responsibility for day to day organisation, fundraising, maintenance and bookings. Over the last twenty years the hall has been re-roofed, re-wired, decorated and brought up to date.
The Village Hall is composed of a large hall, a small committee room and two kitchens. It is the hub for a diverse rural community, providing both educational and social groups for Babies, Toddlers, Brownies, Guides, Pilates, Zumba, Choral Society, Brass Band, and a venue for Fundraising, weddings and social events.
There is an active Facebook page and a new website is under construction.
126
CAYTHORPE & FRIESTON VILLAGE HAL
Lincolnshire
The Village hall is located in the centre of the village - this stone built property was originally built as the coach for the now demolished Holy Cross House. During the war it was requisitioned by the Army as a billet for soldiers and also accommodated a NAAFI store. It became the Village Hall in 1951. It is used by many village organisations, Brownies, Badminton Club, Yoga classes, Keep-fit classes, Pilates classes, Children’s Musical Theatre, Craft Club and the Parish Council. Once a month it hosts a Sunday Village Breakfast which is very well attended and has become a great social event.
127
Chalfont St Peter Community Centre
Buckinghamshire
After the First World War, the village wished to have a Memorial Hall of those who had lost their lives. A wooden army building in Denham was purchased and re-erected on a site at the corner of Market Place and Church Lane. This served the community well for many years until the major population increase in the 1950’s following the end of building restrictions on new homes.
By 1957 the old building was becoming uneconomic to maintain, nor could it be enlarged. A Committee was set up to find a site and negotiate with the County Council for a new “Community Centre”. The old building and site was sold, to be replaced by shops and living accommodation.Bucks County Council erected a new Community Centre in 1961-62 on a site at Mill Meadow owned by Amersham Rural District Council. The original building comprised the Hall and Stage, Players room, Mary Smithells room, Foyer, office and toilets.
A wooden plaque commemorates the formal opening on 15th.March 1962 by Lord Curzon of Bucks C.C. The full title, as required by the Charity Commissioners, was “Chalfont St.Peter Memorial Garden and Community Association”, to maintain the link with the former Memorial Hall. The Book of Remembrance, displayed in the Members room, contains the names of all village residents killed in the 1914-18 and 1939-45 World Wars.
The Centre was originally built by Buckinghamshire County Council, who provided a paid part-time Warden as manager. Chiltern District Council took over the arrangement, but halved the grant in 2001. The District Council and Chalfont St.Peter Parish Council both made generous grants towards the £50,000 cost of the 1992 extension. The Parish Council were our tenants from 1992 to 2006, and have made grants to various improvement projects over the years. Both the District Council and Parish Council appoint representatives to the Executive Committee. The Community Centre holds a 21 year lease from Chiltern District Council expiring in 2021.Over the years the Centre has been enlarged by the addition of a Members room, a bar, a boiler house, toilets for the disabled, the Chiltern room and most recently in 1992 by the Tony Graham room, named in memory of our late vice chairman. The Parish Council occupied part of the extension, which is now occupied by Apex Physiotherapy until 2006. Recently the bar was converted into the Misbourne Room and the Members Room was enlarged. The Community Centre also holds the lease for the Garden Club and St. Peter Player’s storage huts. In view of the age of the building, the cost of maintenance and the demand for more space plans are afoot to replace it with hopefully with a new building. A Feasibility Study has been completed and the New Building committee are considering the next steps to achieve this end. Watch this space.
128
Chapel Hall
Berkshire
Chapel Hall in Woodley is available to hire for daytime parties, classes, clubs and meetings. Decorated in neutral tones, the hall has kitchen facilities, toilets and a small room at the rear with a maximum capacity of 80 people. It is regularly used by local community groups and businesses to run classes and meetings. Please email: for enquiries.
129
Charlestown Victory Hall
Dorset
Run entirely by a small group of volunteers.
130
Charlton Horethorne
Somerset
Charlton Horethorne Village Hall stands as a memorial to lives lost in the First World War. The land on which it is built was obtained from the Digby Estates in 1923 and a wooden building, which had been the Royal Engineers’ Dining Hall at Larkhill Camp, was purchased from the Army Surplus Depot in Yeovil. This building has been maintained and nurtured ever since and, such is the dedication of past and present Village Hall Trustees, it was awarded “Hallmark 2” rating in 2010. A focus for a variety of popular village activities and events, it hosts an annual pantomime, a youth theatre group, arts and crafts classes, country dancing sessions, short mat bowls, Pilates sessions, a number of exercise classes and a great deal more besides.
131
Charlton Marshall Village Hall
Dorset
Our original hall was built in the 1930s and whilst it had been the venue for many village and local family events for 70+ years, by 2010 it was in urgent need of repair or replacement and plans were put in place for an ambitious contemporary hall fit for the 21st century. After a mammoth fundraising effort and with grants from The National Lottery and others, the grand opening of our new and spacious hall was held on Saturday 7 September 2019. After so much optimism for this long anticipated new beginning, 2020 was unfortunately a year of stop and start for both our community events and the local activity groups that have used the hall for many years, including youth groups, yoga, indoor bowls and more. However, we are looking forward to welcoming our regulars back and to restarting our Film Nights, craft fairs, quiz nights and village celebrations in 2021 and for years to come and to once again playing our part in community life in our corner of Dorset.
132
Charlton Recreational Centre
Wiltshire
Our village hall usually provides a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities and this has been much missed during the Covid pandemic. We very much look forward to be able to re-open the hall but in the meantime the outside space is still providing a much-needed opportunity for local people to walk and exercise and the car park has been used for pop-up takeaway. Our play area has continued to provide a vital space for local children to let off steam and have fun.
133
Chartham Hatch Village Hall
Kent
Chartham Hatch is a small hamlet near Canterbury in Kent. Our Village Hall lies in the centre. Originally built in 1873 as a school that closed in 1966, the hall is now a well used community facility. Before Covid Lockdown in 2020 our regular hirers included Guides, Rainbows, Dance classes, art and craft clubs, a Quilting Group, a Tea Club, a Brass Band and a Jazz Group. The hall is also available for anyone to hire for parties and occasions.
The Village Hall is a registered Charity run by a Committee of volunteers who like to organise Community Events like Breakfasts, Games Nights and regular Quiz Nights for anyone that wants to come along – everyone is welcome. Funded by a Grant from KCC we were able to purchase a projector and screen this year for future Film Nights.
Fund Raising events are fun community occasions. In recent years they have included Plant and Book Sales; Christmas Fair; Summer Fete; Firework Night, Curry Night and an Afternoon Tea. We also run a 100+ Club which is well supported. We are grateful to receive donations every year from the local Croquet Club.
We have carried out an extensive maintenance programme during lockdown to ensure our facilities remain of a high standard and are very much looking forward to welcoming our villagers back into the hall.
134
Cheapside Village Hall
Berkshire
It all started with a Nissen hut bought from the MOD in 1947 which was upgraded to the current timber version in the early 1970s. There were initially three Affiliated Societies, but now only the Horticultural Society remains and holds shows twice a year. Coronavirus has hit all activities bar our Preschool. However over past years the community has benefitted from all sorts of events: all age group parties, a Choral Society (now relocated in Sunninghill) and various keep-fit sessions in the evenings and at weekends. Also in previous years we teamed up with the Big Lunch Group to provide a wet weather facility for the June annual gathering. Now we Zoom together, and it is our hope for the future to plan a greater range of activities in the community.
135
Chebsey Parish Hall
Staffordshire
Chebsey Parish Hall was originally constructed in the late Victorian era as a school for the local children in the Chebsey area and remained so until its closure in the early 1960, after which it was taken over by the community as a village hall.
In 2012, the organisation was registered as a charity. Following a fund raising campaign, and with the help of local authority and other grants, a large refurbishment and modernisation project was subsequently undertaken in 2015 and the hall now provides all the facilities required to make it an ongoing viable hub for Chebsey village and its surrounds.
Over the years it has proved to be a focal point for the community providing a venue for activities, clubs, celebrations and community events and remains so.
The Village Hall is used for many different activities which cater for diverse age groups including Yoga, Keep Fit, Live and Local presentations and a very popular whist drive group for the more elderly local residents. With its very large integral car park it is also very popular for hire for private events such as weddings and special occasion celebrations such as birthday parties, anniversaries etc.
The Village Hall is a focal point for the community. It provides a vital, convenient, accessible and affordable venue for many activities and it is conveniently located within the village. This is really important to the local residents who would otherwise be deprived of these activities as Chebsey village is poorly connected to the surrounding area which makes it difficult to travel to alternative venues.
The ongoing aim is to continue to improve the hall so that it is an even more attractive and vibrant facility for the local community.
136
Cheddleton Community Centre
Staffordshire
Our Community Centre was once the village school and is managed and owned by the Parish Council. It is a lovely building and we look forward to re-opening our facilities to help provide the heart of the village community in its various groups who use it and hope to attract new users in 2021.
137
Cheddon Fitzpaine Memorial Hall
Somerset
Due to the pandemic we are presently only supporting a local special school. We are also ensuring all of the maintenance is up to date so we can open for our regular users, Dancing, Zumba, Yoga etc as soon as the Government allow.
138
Chedworth Village Hall
Gloucestershire
Chedworth Village Hall, which was opened in 1976, replaced an old YMCA Hut that had served the village well since 1919. Our recently re-decorated spacious hall, with parking for 80 cars and free super-fast wifi has, frustratingly, been closed due to Covid restrictions. The wide variety of activities which would normally be taking place include dinners, talks, conferences, indoor games, especially table tennis, exercise and fitness classes. The large rear projection screen has enabled us to show films on a regular basis as well as live sporting events and live theatre. We are a popular venue for weddings and all events can be supported by the bar. It is therefore, disappointing that we have had to be closed to all users except the Pre-School which continues to run in its own rooms, and look forward to the time when we can open for business again.
139
Chelmarsh Parish Hall
Shropshire
Founded in the 1930’s, the Hall has been the home for many local groups and the centre of village activities, including running the annual Fete for over 40 years. The challenge today is keeping the Hall relevant to villagers with changing lifestyles. We have an active Committee, and are working to make the Hall more energy efficient and cheaper to heat, so hire charges can be kept low.
140
Chelmer Village Hall
Essex
Chelmer Village Hall is ideally situated in the heart of Chelmer Village and is home to many local clubs and organisations as well as a local pre-school. The hall is a Registered Charity run by a management committee on behalf of Springfield Parish Council.
The Hall has been extensively refurbished and is available to hire seven days a week. There is also a Committee Room available to hire, which is perfect for meetings or small groups and has it’s own small kitchen area. The main hall has a larger kitchen and there is also a bar available for hire.
The hall is situated in a pedestrianised area surrounded by local shops and backing onto a village green which gives this hall a real feeling of being part of the local community.
https://chelmervillagehall.co.uk/
141
Cherhill Village Hall
Wiltshire
Prior to lock down the hall was a very busy place with activities, classes, clubs and groups, village events, theatre productions and parties filling almost every part of the diary. There was something for everyone and all ages from toddlers to lunch clubs for older folk. Lockdown has clearly changed all that but we are hopefully that we will get back to some kind of normality in the not too distant future. In the meantime we have been busy with hall maintenance jobs that were always tricky to schedule with so little free space in the diary.
142
Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall
Devon
The original timber built hall was constructed in 1935 on a site given by Rev. W H Arundell. It was extended in the 1960s and developed further and fully refurbished during 2012 - 2016 as a social project involving many people of the village. Pre Covid the Hall was well patronised by many people enjoying the variety of events on offer such as short mat bowls, aerobics, yoga, garden club, bingo; drama, dance and musical productions; film shows and dances. During the Pandemic the Hall has continued to serve the Community. During total lockdown the accommodated outreach Post Office has continued to function and in the tiered restricted times the Car Park has safely hosted mini markets and a take-away cafe. It has also acted as the 'nerve centre' for the 'Market on the Move' whereby individuals set up their own stalls outside their own houses. We eagerly look forward to a time where we can once again offer the Community a series of interesting events right in the heart of the village!
143
Chew Magna Old School Room
Bath & NE Somerset
Built in 1510 as parish meeting rooms. Today the 2 original halls and 1 modern addition are still used regularly by a
variety of local clubs and organisations.
144
Chiddingfold Village Hall
Surrey
Chiddingfold Village Hall is the hub of community facilities in the village with the village nursery occupying the main hall during term time, amongst our diverse hirers we have ballet classes, brownies & guides, yoga, pilates and many village organisations such as the Lunch Club, Horticultural Society, WI, British Legion, joint Churches. The village hall also has a thriving twice monthly Cinema with all profits going to improvements at the village hall. Like many Village Halls Covid has impacted our funding greatly and we are looking forward to the return of the Cinema, Theatre nights, Quiz nights and general private hire. We have carried out a number of improvements since the initial Covid lockdown including refurbishing our large meeting room, we also have plans to install a new commercial catering kitchen, update expensive lighting with LED and also eventually replace the old heating system. We are Covid Secure and have a great management team, and we are feeling positive about the future.
145
Chiddingly Village Hall
Sussex
Chiddingly Village Hall was built in 1848, but has been added to, many times, over the years. In the early days it was used as the village school. It is the social and cultural centre of the village, hosting many functions, from short mat bowls matches to plays, pantomime and concerts. We are itching to re-open and are planning, at the very least, coffee mornings, for locals to mingle, at long last.
146
Child Okeford
Dorset
this is a good Idea TO HELP hALLS
147
Chilthorne Domer Village Hall
Somerset
Chilthorne Domer is a fairly small village with an active community. The Covid 19 lockdown has stopped many of the activities that regularly took place in the hall; Pop-up sports, Yoga, Pilates, Dancing, Big Band rehearsals and Gardening Club meetings among them. But we have remained open for our weekly half-day Post Office to assist the local community and we have opened for the Chilthorne Domer Church School when they have needed us for wet day PE sessions. The Hall was refurbished in 2000 and has recently had a new kitchen installed. We are feeling good about the future once meetings can take place again and the activities in the hall resume. The Government grant has been so useful in covering our maintenance and running costs whilst our income has been minimal.
148
Chinnor Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Chinnor Village Hall has been part of village life since 1939. Chinnor Village Hall is situated centrally within the , which nestles at the bottom of the Chiltern Hills in South Oxfordshire. It is a traditional build of that period - 1939. Surrounded by rural life Chinnor Village Hall is the ideal location offering excellent and modern facilities so as to accommodate as many varied events as possible. The original build has in recent years undergone two major refurbishments. Additional halls and facilities were added enlarging the capacity. The main hall and small hall are, in normal times booked out throughout each day including week-ends. The committee room, located upstairs, access via a lift for stairs, is an ideal room for smaller groups. The hirers are varid, covering all age groups from 0 to 100 and activities range from soft play, musical groups for toddlers, young drama groups, sports, badminto, short mat bowls, exercise, zumba, jazzasize, pilates, yoga, adult drama. The list is endless. Ad hoc bookings at week-ends accommodate, quiz nights, fund raising events, wedding receptions, birthday parties for both children and adults. Chinnor Village hall proudly supports the NHS Blood Donor sessions and free training courses held by our First Responder, showing residents how to use the defibrillator which is installed in the main foyer. Moving through the COVID19 pandemic and 3 complete lockdown periods has in itself had its challenges. However, the Committee has worked together to comply with all Government requirements to ensure Chinnor Village Hall is as COVID Compliant as it can be. Many regular classes are eager to return once it is saf to do so, and the Committee are confident that Chinnor Village Hall will continue to provide an amazing facilitiy for the community in years to come. (Registered charity Number 304285)
149
Chippenham Rotary Hall
Wiltshire
A community hall in the town centre of Chippenham, uniquely owned and managed by the local Rotary Club, providing a home for a wide variety of local community and faith groups. Profits from hiring fees after expenses are recycled to local and national Good Causes. Closed at first by the first Lockdown, the hall, now made Corvid secure, is currently let for an NHS training facility, and to a local charity working with disturbed youngsters. Looking forward to being able to welcome back our lovely usual hirers when normality returns.
150
Chitterne Village Hall
Wiltshire
Warm, welcoming and connected village hall in the beautiful Salisbury Plain village of Chitterne.
151
Cholsey Great Hall
Oxfordshire
The elegant Grade II listed and recently renovated Great Hall sits in the heart of Cholsey Meadows and serves the village of Cholsey. The challenges that Covid-19 has brought this year has accentuated and reconfirmed the community’s need of the hall and the important role we play within our community. We can’t wait to begin our events programme offering theatre, comedy, cinema and music, and reopen our doors to our regular users who provide such a crucial service especially at this time. Our efforts and hard work over the summer introducing Covid measures to keep our visitors safe meant that we were able to grow our weekly activities and entertain families at Halloween and Christmas. We are gearing up for a busy year ahead and can’t wait to get started.
152
Church Eaton Village Institute
Staffordshire
Church Eaton Village Institute is run and supported by local volunteers, some of whom are members of the Management Committee . Our ethos is to guarantee the long term prosperity, maintenance and history of this integral building within our village for future generations. Church Eaton Village Institute is enjoyed by a multi generational spectrum, groups, organisations and committees. The Institute is a multi functional, well equipped, space offering high end facilities to accommodate a wide range of users. The Management Committee continually fund raise, carry out maintenance work, renew and purchase items to be used by all hirers of the hall and we actively encourage the hall to be used by all. We hold monthly coffee mornings and a village market. Please feel free to come along to either of them. The coffee mornings are held on the first Thursday of the month commencing at 10.30am. The market is held in the morning on the third Saturday of each month. We re renowned for our Bacon Baps at the market and our delicious home baked cakes at the coffee mornings! You will always find a warm welcome and a big smile from the volunteers who run the events.
153
Churt Village Hall
Surrey
Our Hall, situated in the centre of the village was built in 1928 funded by a local businessman on land bought by villagers as a memorial to the dead of the First World War. One of the Hall’s early trustees was the local resident and former Prime minister David Lloyd George. The Hall is currently closed due to Covid -19 restrictions, except for use by Churt Community Pre-School. In normal times it is also used regularly by our village amateur dramatic society (CADS), the horticultural & produce society (CHAPS), the local WI and as a Polling Station. It hosts dancing & fitness classes, quiz nights, birthday parties and much more. We have a continuous programme of maintenance and facility improvements to make the Hall an attractive and well equipped venue for both local organisations and other social & commercial bookings
154
Clapham cum Newby
Yorkshire
We have used the months during lockdown to reflect on our purpose in the community and have set up a working party to canvass opinion from locals. We are sending out a questionnaire in the next village newsletter (which we are sponsoring), and encouraging our regular groups to return by offering a discount in the hall fees for the rest of the year. We are also encouraging new groups to get together and form with an intention of launching their clubs this September.
155
Cleeve Village Hall
North Somerset
Cleeve Village Hall is (usually) in use virtually every day of the week with various craft and activity groups from local toddlers to the over 60s, Guides, Dog Training, and the local Table Tennis Club.
It is also a very popular venue for wedding receptions and parties and is the local Polling Station.
A few years ago we had solar panels fitted which has been very cost effective
In recent times, we have been hosting very successful Entertainment Evenings to raise money for the Hall’s Maintenance Fund (a new kitchen and flooring) and local charities. We’ve sourced some fantastic local talent from the Bristol and Bath area and twice have been lucky enough to present the Grammy Award Winner Amy Wadge, the international singer/songwriter, who has written many hit records including ‘Thinking Out Loud’ with Ed Sheeran.
We have made the hall Covid secure and can’t wait to open our doors to the public again.
156
Cleeve Village Hall
North Somerset
Our hall was built in circa 1936 and during the difficult Covid pandemic have used the time to visually enhance certain areas of the hall. It is usually well used by local groups and hired for a variety of functions including weddings, parties and entertainment,
Cleeve village hall.co.uk
157
Clipston Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Following months of closure and many weeks of preparation, Clipston Village Hall has been back open since May 17th 2021. During the closed period, and continuing since, our car park is used by mobile shops bringing fresh produce to the village each week. Since reopening, we have been focused on encouraging people back and making people feel safe when they return. We have introduced two cafe sessions per week - one for carers of young children and one open to anyone - these run indoors and outdoors, staffed by volunteers and provide a way for people to be reintroduced to our covid secure venue. We also have two mornings of fitness classes running - one dedicated to the over 50s and a yoga/pilates class open to anyone. Our regular groups are returning gradually and we have a number of new hirers attracted by our covid secure measures and high speed wifi. Our renovation plans were halted by the pandemic but we hope to be in a position to move forward with those improvements in 2022. Our aims for this year are to provide a safe place for people to meet and to act as a hub of community activity with essential services and opportunities for exercise and socialising. Looking to the future, we would like to provide a more appealing, better equipped space that will attract a wider range of hirers and a full weekly/monthly programme of activities and events for the community.
158
Clopton Village Hall
Suffolk
Built by the local community in the late 1980’s. A large, light and airy hall with separate kitchen, toilets, lobby and side room. Used by the local community and those further afield for dances, children’s parties, group meetings, exercise classes and craft groups. The covid years have seen a decline in use, although we have also had new enquiries for the future. Fortunately, we have managed to stay afloat with careful financial monitoring and are looking forward to the future.
159
Clyffe Pypard and Bushton Village Hall
Wiltshire
Sadly, we have began 2021 without any activities taking place in the hall due to Covid restrictions. This well appointed rural Village hall serves as the main socialising place for the 2 hamlets with a total population of around 300. Usually there would be regular various exercise classes, WI meetings, and Craft classes. Harvest Suppers, Plant Fairs and Christmas Fairs organised by the church, Big Breakfasts organised by the WI, Walks and Pot luck Lunches and quizzes by the Village Hall Committee and various other meetings have all been put on hold. During the various lockdowns have been able to use the car park for Jigsaw and Book swaps raising money for charity and for a very well attended Carol Singing Evening. And for the future, we just look forward to being able to open our doors to the public again, to see the hall being busy with folk being able to soialise with each other !
www. clyffepypard-bushton.com
160
Clyst St Mary Village Hall
Devon
We run a large modern (built 1990) hall in a village close to Exeter. During the lockdown we have taken the opportunity to carry out maintenance and repair work, including full internal redecoration. We are looking forward to welcoming our users back when lockdown is eased. Finances are in reasonable shape, thanks to government support.
161
Coal Aston Village Hall
Derbyshire
It’s been great to have the support and guidance from ACRE as we’ve become COVID Secure then closed then opened and now closed again. But the Hall is in good shape ready and waiting for our new normal just as soon as that might be possible.
162
Cobham Village Hall
Surrey
Cobham has had a village hall since 1887 when, with the generosity of local worthies inspiring its construction, the original hall opened, on its site in Anyards Road. From its outset Cobham Village Hall has been at the heart of our community. The lobby to the Small Hall in the old building commemorated those who lost their lives in the Second World War, during which time the hall was adopted and used as a British Restaurant.
In 1987 following the fund raising efforts of a special committee our current hall was finally built on our new site at Lushington Drive. It was opened by Dominic Coombe, grandson to the squire who had opened the original hall 100 years earlier. A new extension, completed in 2013 provides an additional, self-contained room with its own kitchen and toilets and sprung floor.
Cobham Village Hall is the only venue in Cobham that belongs to its people and being together in a community is what makes it special. A charitable trust, with no funding except what it receives in hire fees and used for the benefit of all those living in Cobham, this hall hosts over 80 different groups a year, providing space to exercise, learn, party, dance, act, raise money for charity and nurture the youngest and eldest of our community.
163
Coddington Community Centre
Nottinghamshire
The centre was built in 2006 as an Eco Friendly facility by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The ownership was transferred to Coddington Parish Council in 2016. The centre is managed by “Coddington Community Association CIO”, a registered charity. The aim of the centre is to provide a place for local residents to get together for activities or celebrations. The term local residents is not confined just to Coddington, it includes people who live just over a mile away at the top of Beacon Hill. As an Eco Friendly public building there is a considerable amount of maintenance that takes place to keep everything in order and the certification up to date.
164
Coddington Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Still here after COVID! We’ve managed to keep most of our users and we have continued with Rural Touring events which are generally well supported. The oldest corrugated iron part of our hall dates to around 1870; the newest - Coronation Hall - predictably to the early 1950s. The latter was comprehensively refurbished in 2014 and is now fully insulated and double glazed with LED lighting.
165
CODSALL VILLAGE HALL & PLAYING FIELDS CHARITY LTD
Staffordshire
Codsall Village Hall was conceived after World War 1, and in 1928 the first parcel of land was purchased.
The financial crash, another war and the shortage of materials thereafter meant that the building did not open until 1963, and fund-raising events to complete the payments went on for some years afterwards.
Several extensions have been added, not always sympathetically, and there are now the Pavilion and Lounge as well as a large Hall.
Twenty-two groups use the building, catering for babies of six months old and every other demographic including our nonagenarians.
Codsall Cricket Club and Codsall Dramatic Society are the main users, but Art and Craft, dancing, Yoga, the RSPB and History Society fill the Hall with their members.
Food Fairs, Pringo (Bingo with Prosecco), tribute bands, a Beer Festival and Christmas events bring in funds.
The building is hired for weddings, parties and meetings.
In 2021, taking advantage of the closure, we have redecorated, and we have the funding to replace our heating system.
Codsall is now a large village, but the Hall remains at the heart of it.
166
Cofton Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Built in 2019, Cofton Village Hall is a modern building with a modern approach underpinned by tradition community values. We believe the key to sustainability is to operate like a business and deliver a professional service at a fair rate, whilst operating as a hub for the community events and social occasions.
167
Colden Common Community Centre
Hampshire
Our hall is currently only open for a local pre-school and a before & after school club, so we are helping facilitate these services for the local community. We are trying to stay in touch with our followers and supporters using regular posts on social media and using our mailing lists. We are also passing on any information from other sources outside of the village, that we think may help or be of interest to people. For the future, we are hoping to be able to offer opportunities for people to get together again when circumstances allow, such as drop in afternoons for tea/coffee/chat, small sporting activities e.g. table tennis sessions, and inviting feedback from the community on what else they would like to be able to access.
168
Colnbrook Village Hall
Berkshire
We are starting to get more and more bookings for the hall bringing in much needed income to keep the building in good order and our local amateur dramatic group, Colnbrook Amateur Stage Theatre, are gearing up for their first production in over 21 months
169
Colney Heath Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Our hall was established by a Deed of Trust in 1936 and built with volunteer labour. It was extended in 2000 to include a second small space, a new kitchen, store room and an office for the Parish Council. Prior to Covid-19 we were very busy with a wide range of activities and running a healthy surplus. We expect to return to this happy state by 2023. We are planning some new initiatives including measures to counteract the digital exclusion of vulnerable residents. We face some issues caused by external parties but we have a strong management team of trustees who will solve these problems.
170
Colwell Village Hall
Northumberland
We are taking the opportunity to upgrade our kitchen facility and carry out some much needed maintenance, repair and decoration in preparation for opening and hosting events later in the year.
171
Combe St Nicholas
Somerset
Very grateful for all the financial support we have received from the Council/Government BUT WE NEED PEOPLE! any village hall feels cold, empty and sad without people in it. We have all learned a lot from Covid not least how we all need interaction with others to keep us and our lives stable and meaningful. Roll on 2022!
172
Comberbach war memorial hall
Cheshire
Our village memorial hall hosts all sorts of activities from WI to karate, calligraphy to cheerleading, brownies to dog obedience classes, fencing to yoga, dancing to local and general elections. Also a very popular venue for children’s parties and the much anticipated annual scout jumble sale.
The memorial hall is an important part of rural village life and we are very proud to be part of ours.
173
Community Room at St Mary’s Church, Haverhill
Suffolk
Screened community room within St Mary’s Church with separate access.
174
Community, Learning and Resource Centre
Dorset
We have added more technology to the building so that we can be a Census Host Centre to support people fill in the online census form.
175
Compton Bassett Benson Village Hall
Wiltshire
Our Hall is of the few remaining village assets in the small village of Compton Bassett along with St Swithins church and the White Horse pub. Compton Bassett is a Domesday book village and was a major Saxon settlement with a part Saxon church, 2 Saxon water mills and a Saxon princes palace just down the road. The Village Hall is used for Village fetes, barn dances, harvest festivals, Burns nights, quiz nights, talks, dog training, Little Fishes church school and even weddings and funerals. Sadly the Hall has been pretty much closed since March 2020 but we are looking forward to re-opening when we can.
176
Copmanthorpe WI Hall
Yorkshire
We rebuilt our hall in 2017 and will be celebrating our WI centenary in 2024. Our hall has been covid-ready since July 2020 and we’re looking forward to welcoming back our members and hirers in 2021.
177
Copsale Village Hall
Sussex
The Copsale hall has been serving the community since 1907 and, with refurbishments in 2021, hopes to continue for another 100 years. Monthly bacon butties are very well supported and the hall has a busy diary for hire.
178
Corbridge Parish Hall
Northumberland
Situation in the charming and historic village of Corbridge in Northumberland. Built in November 1922 by Edith Helen Straker-Smith in memory of her father Joseph Henry Straker. The Parish Hall’s boundary wall to the north and west incorporates the fabric from the lost medieval St Helen’s Church. Corbridge Parish Hall is proud to serve the local community and act as the focus for many community activities.
179
Coronation Hall
Berkshire
Nestled next to the picturesque Green Flag awarded Woodford Park, Coronation Hall in Woodley was built on the old site of the village hall, which was originally built in 1919. Construction of Coronation Hall was completed in 1955 and the hall was officially opened by Douglas Bader in 1956. Decorated in neutral tones with plenty of natural light from the large windows, the hall has kitchen facilities, toilets, a stage area, parking for 35 cars and can host up to 150 people. Coronation hall is available to hire for private events, classes and group meetings. It is regularly used by local community groups and businesses to run classes and meetings. Please email: for enquiries.
180
Corsley Reading Room
Wiltshire
Originally opened in 1892 the hall has continued to serve the community to the present day. We look forward to being a social centre again when covid lockdowns cease.
181
Corston Village Hall, Bath
Bath & NE Somerset
Built in 1910 by money raised by village people. We hope we will be able to 're open before long and show off the new lighting ceiling etc. Welcome back all our classes.
About to start a new website.
182
Cosy Hall
Shropshire
Cosy Hall was donated to the Cosy Hall Charity for the sum of £1. It was a derelict building having been a Music Hall called Cosy Hall) and prior to that a Gospel Hall but started life as a coach manufactory in 1852. Renovated and restored phase one opened in 1985. It was enlarged in 1998 and serves the market town of Newport in Shropshire. It is heavily used by fitness groups, choirs, art classes and hosts meetings and other gatherings including parties. Unfortunately it has been closed since the start of the pandemic but we have taken the opportunity to have a new boiler fitted and all the internal lights upgraded to LEDs. We are now proud to be serving the community in the Covid-19 fight as from 3rd February it will be used as a rapid test centre run by Telford and Wrekin Council.
183
Cotebrook Village Hall
Cheshire
Our village hall is used by numerous groups for many diverse recreational purposes from exercise classes, charity fund raising, hobby clubs, social events, etc, all of which are on hold due to the pandemic. We look forward to being able to open and continue to offer our facilities to the local community as soon as we are permitted.
184
Cottenham Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
New in 2021
185
Cottered Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Cottered Village Hall is an integral and vital part of the lsmall local community. Since being completely rebuilt in 2000 the facility has had an increasing influence on the inclusive nature of village activities. We are very fortunate that we have a great volunteer group of Trustees to run the hall. The Covid pandemic has obviously had a tremendous effect on our ability to use the building. All activities were curtailed at the start of the first ‘lockdown’. A decision was then made to reserve the premises for the exclusive use of one main client providing teaching services to young adults with special needs. Because of the vital service they provide to vulnerable young people we have continued with this arrangement. This has allowed the group to have effective social distancing and to work with us on maintaining strict cleansing controls. We look forwarding at some point to being able to return to whatever the new normality will be. In the meantime we shall continue to support the group.
186
Cottesmore Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
Cottesmore’s Village Hall plays a very central role in the life of its community, being located in the heart of the village. It’s a spacious hall that provides generous facilities for a wide range of social, sporting and cultural activities, both indoor and outdoor. A wide variety of local groups use the facilities – indoor bowls, table tennis, Brownies, yoga, film shows….; there’s a well-equipped kitchen as well. What’s more, thanks to our central location in the country, we regularly welcome users from around the UK for such events as caravan rallies and dog shows.
187
Coulston Village Hall
Wiltshire
Coulston is a very small village on the edge of Salisbury Plain with a population of about 130 and, apart from the Church, the Village Hall is the only public meeting place as there is no shop or pub. The hall, which was built in 1854, started life as the local school before becoming a village amenity. Although currently closed due to the pandemic we would normally hold a variety of social activities ranging from Harvest events, Quiz Nights and Christmas Fairs through to very enthusiastic sing-a-long suppers. We look forward to being able to resume these just as soon as we are able as our funds are dwindling rapidly.
188
Cowling Village Hall
Yorkshire
Cowling Village Hall is owned by the village, held in trust by the charity commission, run by a committee of volunteers and is entirely self funding. We are at the edge of North Yorkshire with the borders of West Yorkshire and Lancashire only a few miles away.
The original building was the Cowling Liberal Club built c1885 which became the Cowling Village Institute in 1940 when donated to the Parish Council and a Management Committee. The name was changed to Cowling Village Hall in 1971. A new hall was built on the opposite side of the main street and was officially opened at the end of 2012.
The hall has a dedicated room and outside play area for Cowling Pre-School, and also provides office space to charity Homestart Craven, and is the site of a defibrillator for use in emergencies.
It has been a popular venue for childrens’ parties and groups using the hall have been Cowling Companions, WI, Weightwatchers, Little Learners and Toddlers Parent and Child groups, Ballroom Dancing, Trim & Tone, Short Mat Bowls & Social, Table Tennis, and Badminton. Other groups in the village hold AGM meetings too such as the Gun Club and Pigeon club. We are the polling station for the village.
We have hosted Wedding / Anniversary / Christening celebrations, Halloween Parties, Race Nights, Concerts, New Years Eve Parties, Christmas Lunches, Spring Fairs / Christmas Fairs, Business Meetings, Council Training, First Aid / First Responder Training, MP surgeries and an Art Gallery.
The committee also hold an annual Duck Race at a local stream and help with some events at the Village Fun Day.
Today like all other Village Halls we are constrained by COVID measures. We were able to do some internal decoration and then accommodate some training for Homestart Craven, hosted a Parent & Child group and some limited Table Tennis play in 2020. Cowling Preschool re-opened in September and during the current lockdown continues operation for keyworkers and vulnerable children.
Thankyou to ACRE, our local council and CommunityFirstYorkshire for support over this difficult period in our history. We will continue to work with groups in our community to return in a COVID secure way once restrictions are lifted.
189
Cowshill and Lanehead Village Hall
Durham
The building originally opened as a Mission Hall in 1909 to be used for Sunday services whilst the Parish Church was moved into Cowshill. Following extensive renovation the building was re opened a as a village hall in 2006. Situated at the head of Weardale at an altitude of 1400feet the building serves as a vital hub for the settlements at the head of the dale. The hall is run as a charity and is funded by a combination of fund raising events and grant donations from various authorities. The hall holds weekly Saturday morning coffee mornings and has a bring and buy shop both of which prove very popular with locals and also visitors to the dale. A number of clubs and societies use the hall regularly and the hall is also available for bookings for people and businesses to hold events. The hall is classed as Covid secure and everyone is looking forward to the day we are able to re open.
190
Coxwold Village Hall
Yorkshire
We are looking forward to opening up our hall again as soon as we can. We hold regular coffee mornings and soup and sandwich lunches and have bridge , art, craft and yoga groups which meet weekly in normal times. Our village hall really is the hub of our community and the hall is also used for many celebrations and a monthly market. We are grateful to ACRE for the many useful documents of useful guidance.
191
Cranage Village Hall
Cheshire
Cranage Village Hall is a unique and picturesque “Arts and Crafts” building , built in 1907 by William Carver of Cranage Hall for use by his family and the village (his employees). It incorporated a social room, a billiard room and a caretakers cottage. It is a lovely old Hall with interesting wooden internal panelling and exposed beams in the main room, probably unique in this part of the UK. It sits in large south facing grounds. During the war it was used by the Home Guard, Young Farmers and was the venue for local dances. In 1947 it was given to the residents of Cranage to be held in Trust. The picture shown was painted by a long standing member of our committee who is also a member of the local art club. We have many groups who in normal times regularly use our hall, from art clubs, whist, bridge, mums and toddlers, karate, to yoga and many more. Weekends bring in caravan rallies, weddings, cycle clubs, exhibitions and family parties. Our own events include quizzes and murder mystery evenings to name but a few. Our annual 3 day Beerfest with live music is growing from strength to strength with the whole village getting involved and helping. For a village that has no Church, Pub or Shop the Village hall is the only community building for the locals. Our mission statement “Unity in the Community “ says it all and our merry band of volunteers work hard to keep the hall active and in tip top condition. We are now looking forward to welcoming back all our regulars and many new people and we are positive for the future. We are looking forward to re-opening in 2021. The pandemic will still be around for quite a long time and our long term plans will include events that are COVID secure and will bring our community safely back together in our lovely hall and large grounds. We joined Acre in 2020 and cannot thank them enough for all the help and advice they have given us. It is a privilege to be included in the Doomsday book 2021 celebrating Acres 100th anniversary.
Cranage village hall.co.uk
192
Cranleigh Village Hall
Surrey
Opened in 1933 after fundraising by the local community, Cranleigh Village Hall is a prominent feature in Cranleigh High Street currently proudly serving the community as a COVID19 vaccination centre.
193
Creech St Michael Village Hall
Somerset
The hall, which is located in the centre of the village, was built in 1988 and it is hard to imagine the village now without this community asset. Looking back were so lucky to have a dedicated team who were determined to provide such a facility and they worked diligently to make sure it happened. A bright airy building, with disabled access to the ground floor, it offers a large main hall and two smaller meeting rooms (one upstairs) and parking for 30 cars. When times are normal the hall is used for many activities such as sequence dancing, short mat bowls, badminton, WI, art classes, martial arts, produce market, coffee mornings etc. It is also a popular venue for children’s parties, wedding receptions and for other celebrations. It is also used for blood donor sessions. As we were lucky enough to receive Section 106 money, the committee decided to use the enforced lockdown period to upgrade the hall. Works have included refurbishment of the main floor, new toilets, enlargement and revamping the kitchen, new carpeting fitted to the hallway and stairs and a new security and audio/visual system in place. Also new hearing loops have been fitted to the ground floor rooms. Once regulations permit, we are really looking forward to welcoming everybody back to our lovely hall.
Website under construction
194
Creighton Memorial Hall Embleton
Northumberland
Our Hall was built in 1901 thanks to a generous donation from the local vicar Mandell Creighton who went on to be Bishop of London. Over the decades the Hall has always provided a very active hub for the community and has seen many and varied uses during its lifetime. It has a purpose built snooker room which has functioned steadily during the hall’s long life the only difference being that the coal fire is no longer in use. At present time the hall is used on a regular basis by many different user groups as well as special village events including Embleton School’s Christmas performance. we are a popular venue for scout/ guide and visiting school sleep overs. Thanks to a great deal of help from our county Village Halls Association we have been able to access several grants which have been used to bring the Hall up to the high specification required by wedding and family party groups. These bookings provide the income that helps to keep regular user charges to a minimum.
195
Crick Old School
Northamptonshire
Crick Old School started life in 1846 as a Victorian village school for poor girls and continued until 1915 when the girls moved to new premises.
Under new management in 2021, the Crick Old School is undergoing refurbishment and re-invigoration to return it once again into a vibrant community hub serving the community in Crick and the surrounding villages. It is an ideal small venue for hire in the centre of the village, best suited for parties, meetings, conferences, fitness classes and much more besides. A warm and friendly welcome awaits. Find us on Facebook or contact us on 07763 749075 or Crick.oldschool@gmail.com
196
Cricklade Town Hall
Wiltshire
Cricklade is the picturesque first town on the River Thames and southern gateway to the Cotswolds. Founded by the Anglo-Saxons during the ninth century, it is home to the Snakeshead Fritillaries and is hugely popular with walkers.
The Town Hall was built in 1933 as a memorial to local people who died during the First World War, and to provide much needed facilities for the town. It acts as the heart of the community, hosting a range of events including many public and private parties, civic functions, and weddings. Several of the town clubs and societies are also fortunate enough to call the building ‘home’, from the local Women’s Institute to the Cinema Club and the town’s band.
While the building has been closed due to Covid-19 national lockdown restrictions, the management team has taken the opportunity to improve the amenities, including relocated and re-fitted disabled facilities and extra storage for regular hirers.
197
Criftins Parish Hall & Palying Field
Shropshire
Criftins Parish Hall has been serving the community of Dudleston Heath for 60 years. A new forward-looking committee took over in Nov 2020, and despite the pandemic were able to host a Christmas Lunch for volunteers and local residents. In 2021 we look forward to re-opening and making the Hall a real village hub once again.
198
Crockenhill Village Hall
Kent
Money for the Village Hall was raised by the Victory Fund committee set up in the second World War and from generous donations from a number of villagers whose names can be seen embroidered on a cloth that has been framed and is currently on display in the village hall. It was not until 19th July 1958 that the Village Hall was completed and It was opened by Mrs Kathleen Herbert (Wood) who, with her mother, donated the land on which the hall was built.
The village hall is run by a charity registered Management Committee made up of trustees that over see the running of the charity and ensure that the hall is maintained and fit for purpose. The committee is further supported by a number of volunteers that are very active in organising fundraising events to support the village hall.
There have been several improvements and upgrades to the building since it was built. In the 1960’s a kitchen extension was added and in the 1970’s a Committee room and side entrance lobby. In the 1990’s a new roof to cover the whole building incorporating all the extensions and with better drainage for the rain water was raised. The kitchen has been redesigned and refurbished, a toilet for the disabled added and in 1993 an extension to the rear squared off the back of the building to give extra storage and space for the Parish Council office. in 2000 new curtains were provided and improvements to the bar area were made. in 2013 the ceiling of the main hall was insulated and the entire heating system upgraded.
The Village Hall Committee work very hard on behalf of the village. The committee have had and still have some very dedicated members and the Village Hall is a much prized facility of which the village people should be proud.
199
Crookham Village Hall
Northumberland
Crookham Village Hall is sadly closed at the moment because of Covid. We look forward to a grand re-opening and the resumption of our activities as soon as circumstances allow. The good side of the closure is that it allows our builder free access to the hall so that he can get on with the rebuilding of our derelict small hall. When we return, we should be bigger and better.
200
Cropredy Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The village hall at Cropredy was opened in 1966, replacing a wooden hut which was originally the meeting place of the Ex-Servicemen’s Club from the 1920s, but was also rented out for other bookings. Although it is now showing signs of its age, the village hall is used regularly by the following local organisations: Short Mat Bowls, Cropredy Women’s Institute, Harlequins Drama Group, the Canoe Club, Cropredy Painting Group, the lunch club, Cropredy Film Society, judo, Pilates and yoga classes, Friends In Retirement Society, Cropredy Jazz Club, and there are several private bookings for parties, receptions, polling stations, workshops and wakes. Full English breakfasts - and all other options - are provided for the thousands of visitors from all over the UK and Europe who come to the village for the Fairport Convention music festival in August. The facilities include a well-equipped kitchen and bar, storage areas for groups’ equipment, lavatories, (including one for disabled users and an area for changing babies), a hearing loop, WiFi and a small cloakroom.
201
Croydon Reading Room
Cambridgeshire
On 10th August 1910 amid festive celebrations attended by over 200 people the foundation stone of the Croydon Reading Room, erected in memory of Rev. Henry Stone , was laid by Professor Marsh the Master of Downing College.
Over 100 years later the Reading Room remains at the centre of village life; coffee mornings, presentations, Quiz Nights, Bazaars and all sorts of other interesting and exciting events still take place in our Reading Room.
In the mid seventies, to enlarge the available space and improve the facilities , an extension containing a kitchen and toilets was added to the side of the building. This has served us well but now almost 50 years later the building is showing its age and repairs and further improvements are desperately needed. Exciting plans are afoot to bring our Reading Room into the 21st century but of course these are all dependent on fund raising and grants and we are a small community: we may be a small community but we are a committed community – watch this space!!!
202
Cruckton Village Hall
Shropshire
This was the village school for Cruckmeole and the surrounding area until 1969. When the school closed, it was bought as a memorial to the Cruckton Home Guard to be the village hall. The WI and local Art Group meet here, as well as being the venue for lively dance classes.
203
Cuddington and Sandiway Village Hall
Cheshire
Cuddington and Sandiway Village Hall is an attractive modern hall opened in October 2009. It replaces an old pavilion which stood on the same site and is the result of many years of hard work and fund raising by volunteers, local residents and community groups supported by the Trustees and greatly helped by a major grant from Vale Royal’s Rural Delivery Programme. Today the Hall hosts activities for all ages provided by individuals and organisations ranging from Bridge, Brownies and Blue Dragon Taekwon-do through the alphabet to the WI, Yoga and Zumba. Village Hall volunteers hold monthly Afternoon Teas, Film Nights and Rural Touring Arts events and the Hall is often hired for social events and family celebrations. Trustees and the Village Hall Committee continue to be grateful for the support, advice and information provided by Cheshire Community Action and ACRE.
204
Cullingworth Village Hall
Yorkshire
The new village hall on Lodge Street was opened in April 2019 following a £1m construction and fit-out. This building replaced the orginal village hall on Station Road which opened in 1973. Both halls were the result of massive effort and fundraising by the local community and continue to be run entirely by volunteers. The new village hall has two halls for hire and dedicated space for two tenants - the OFSTED Outstanding Cullingworth Preschool and danchinos, an Italian cafe. Regular users of the halls enjoy a variety of leisure and social activities ranging from yoga to art activities for the very young. The halls were closed to users for much of 2020 and into 2021 due to Covid-19 but we look forward to re-opening later this year with plans for weddings, parties and other functions, the Youth Cafe, music, bands and other performances, plus the start of the Pop-Up Cinema events. The village hall is central to the buzz of local community life in the heart of our village.
205
Culworth Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Built in 1938, Culworth Village Hall has served the local community since then, providing a valuable space for people to meet, socialise and take part in a variety of activities. During the Second World War it was commissioned by the Army as a regimental depot. In the past it has hosted billiards, WI meetings, Mothers Union meetings, indoor bowls, whist drive, games evenings and plays – a folk group used to practice there too. Now activities include Pilates and Tai Chi classes, coffee mornings, charity lunches, Snappers photography club, Harvest suppers, film nights and circle dancing, all providing support and friendship. The Hall is also hired out for parties, weddings and funeral wakes.
The lockdown in March 2020 was the first time the Village Hall has closed its doors and none of the normal activities could take place. The Hall is a cold and sad place now without the buzz of human activity but the Trustees are looking forward to the day when we can open up again; we are Covid secure thanks to ACRE’s help and advice.
As for the future - we plan to build a new Community Centre in Culworth to expand our horizons and incorporate the Culworth Cricket Club. Planning was granted in December 2019 but Covid has curtailed the funding process. We look forward to the future and to being able to complete our plan.
206
Dallington Old School Village Hall
Sussex
Our hall was originally the Victorian village school. After a new school was built in 1913, the building was used as a Billiards Room, Reading and Club-room and Sunday School, and is now run as a registered charity. The hall is usually a venue for all kinds of community activities and clubs as well as fund raising events such as quiz nights. We had recently installed a new kitchen and fast fibre broadband. Until lockdown, our weekly community library café had become a popular place for residents to drop in, exchange books and enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of tea. During the summer, parents and children from the primary school also sell the produce from their school garden. We are looking forward to reopening as soon as possible to provide a hub for village life for another hundred years.
207
Danby Wiske Village Hall
Yorkshire
DOMESDAY BOOK
DANBY WISKE VILLAGE HALL
NORTH YORKSHIRE
After the First World War, the old comrades raised enough money to purchase and transport from Rotherham, a redundant wooden Canadian Army hut which in 1922 was erected on the site of the present Village Hall. The ‘Old Institute’ was the focus of social life in Danby Wiske.
In 1978 the Institute was replaced with a new Village Hall which still provides a place for social activities for the community. An enthusiastic Committee organise Beer Festivals, Breakfasts, Quizes, Plays and a Bonfire Night event. Also, classes, meetings, strawberry teas, lunches and coffee mornings are held in the Hall.
In 2017, the Village Hall Committee purchased a piece of land which enables them to run outside activities as well.
208
Darnhall Village Hall
Cheshire
Darnhall Village Hall was built at the turn of the 20th century for a working men’s institute and has since been the home of the Parish Council, Women’s Institute, Brownies, Guides, Darnhall Dancers, Family parties and much more.
Following a major refurbishment in 2019 we have had many exciting new groups involved including Baby Sensory and Keep fit.
We are now ready to reopen and look forward to welcoming back our regular and new users.
209
Delamere Community Centre
Cheshire
We have been as open as we are able to be since this kicked off last March, which currently means the Outreach Post Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings. We stay in touch with all of our users via email and Facebook and look forward to seeing everyone back when rules allow.
210
Denmead War Memorial Hall
Hampshire
Denmead War Memorial Hall was built in 1920 by public subscription to honour the local people killed and wounded in the First World War. The hall is a busy hub for local community groups, activities, education and events. Sadly due to the pandemic our only users at the moment are the local pre-school but we hope we are able to welcome our other users back soon. We had planned a big 100 year celebration in Summer 2020 with a centenary community picnic and parade unfortunately the plans have had to be put on hold due to Covid 19.
211
Derrington Village Hall
Staffordshire
Our Hall is the hub of the village, prior to the lockdown we supported our community with many events from Brownies to a coffee shop for the retired and those on their own, with many user groups offering a diverse range of activities. Loads of social events proved extremely popular. During the lockdowns we set up a community shop as we don’t have one in the village anymore. We supported the ‘Helping Derrington’ group who provided assistance to the vulnerable and those who were shielding. We have so many plans for the future as soon as we are able to get back in the swing!
212
Desford Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
The Hall is situated on the edge of the village and during its long history has been used as a Weslyan Methodist Chapel, an Adult School and a Christian reading room. The original building dates from 1867 when it was "a Mission House with Hall attached".
At times it fell into disrepair until in 1931 the Desford Colliery agent, Sam Brooks, purchased the building for use as the local Miners’ Institute. It is now leased by the Coal Industry Welfare Organisation to the village in perpetuity.
It is regularly used for children’s parties, family celebrations, arts and craft fairs, musical evenings, village quizzes, and a variety of classes.
213
Digby War Memorial Hall
Lincolnshire
We were built in the 1960s and are coming to the end of an extensive refurbishment to ensure that the hall can serve the community for another 50 years.
214
Doddington Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
The current village hall was built in 2001. Previously on the site was a village hall, before this was a British Legion Hall.
215
Dodleston Village Hall
Cheshire
We opened up in June & July to provide extra classroom space for the village Primary School to enable socially distanced teaching and learning for one year class. Currently we are providing a Covid-compliant teaching and learning space for the local Pre-School Group, although on a reduced weekly timetable. All other groups who would normally use the village hall during the day, in the evenings and at weekends have been absent since the start of the March 2020 lockdown. The hall (originally constructed in 1896 with an extension added in 1990) is owned and maintained by the Dodleston Village Foundation, a registered charity. All the charity’s trustees and co-opted members are volunteers who generously give their time and skills to running the hall. The charity also owns and maintains a recreational field a short distance from the hall, providing a variety of play facilities for a broad age range of children from the village and surrounding area.
No website yet but we’re working on it!
216
Donyatt Village Hall
Somerset
Opened in 1925 the hall supports both the local and nearby needs of the community. Easily accessed with good parking and a safe children’s area, it’s ideal for all gatherings and well suited to wedding receptions. With our centenary year fast approaching we hope to get back to supporting the community as soon as possible. Our thanks to ACRE for their support in these difficult times.
217
Draycott Memorial Hall
Somerset
Our memorial hall offers excellent facilities for all types of activities from health and wellbeing (pilates, tai chi, chair yoga), indoor sports (short mat bowls, whist), amateur dramatics (Mendip Players) to larger functions of weddings, meetings, seminars and film nights etc. We are at present closed due to the coronavirus epidemic but have used the time to refurbish an upstairs room to a very high standard which will be available for hire by April. The hall is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) with views to the Mendip Hills and Somerset levels.
218
Dry Drayton
Cambridgeshire
For over 90 years Dry Drayton Village Hall has been the centre of a thriving local community. The first Dry Drayton Village Institute was declared open in 1927 utilising a re-used ex-army hospital hut from the 1914-18 war. Following fund raising in the village, the current building was replaced the old hut, opening as Dry Drayton Village Hall in 1967.
Our Hall currently comprises a main hall (with stage) seating up to 110 persons, a smaller room to the rear, and the kitchen which was completely refitted in 2014. Plus there is easy step-free access for wheelchair users.
Dry Drayton Village Hall fits any event and hosts a number of regular community gatherings, from monthly Parish Council meetings to weekly toddler groups. Whether you prefer playing cards, exercise classes, art, dancing, or just need a great place to hold a party, we would like to welcome you.
219
Duffield Parish Hall
Derbyshire
Built in 1992 in Duffield Parish Churchyard, the new Hall is an asset to the Church and Village Community
220
Dulverton Town Hall
Somerset
Our Grade 2 listed hall, at the centre of our Exmoor town, offers great facilities and a whole host of activities.
221
Dummer Village Hall
Hampshire
Originally, all meetings (Parish Council, Church Council, School Governors) meetings took place in Dummer Junior School. A wooden building, known as the Reading Rooms, was built a short distance away, probably in the Edwardian era. In 1974 both the School and the Reading Rooms (which had served as a central hub for the village since the 1940’s) were pulled down and the “new” Village Hall was built on the same land as the Reading Rooms. It has had two small extensions to the side, put there in the late 80’s, early 90’s. It has been the epicentre of the village for many years, encompassing activity classes (yoga, pilates etc) Pre-schools, Badminton, Social Groups, Talks, Parties, cinema evenings, travelling theatre and various bands and groups. It is well used and very often fully booked.
222
Dunham Massey Village Hall
Cheshire
Dunham Massey Village School and Schoolhouse, which dares back to 1759, were left for the benefit of the Community as a Village Hall by the late Lord Stamford in 1958 just before the Estate was taken over by the National Trust. Since that time it has served the purpose well and accommodated all the local Organisations, The Women’s Institute, The Friendship Club, The Parish Council, The Rose Queen Committee and The Dunham Thespians. Sitting in a generous plot of land it offers excellent facilities for Village events and private celebrations from within and outside the community. Regular features in our calendar are The Rose Queen Crowning in June and Car Boot sales on May and August Bank Holidays. We are responsible for all maintenance and improvements at the property and of course hiring and fund raising activities are all important for our continued livelihood. Fortunately we are blessed with a dedicated and hard working Management Committee, and a first class resident Caretaker, and in normal circumstances our facilities are well utilised. During the recent restricted conditions however, we have been able to take advantage of the fact that the premises were free to carry out extensive floor renovation and improvement works without any inconvenience to our regular clients, and as a result we look forward to offering much improved and more attractive facilities once we re-open for business. Our Village Hall has been and remains at the hub of our Community, providing a fitting adaptation of its historic school background, and it is an institution of which we are extremely proud. We relish the prospect of the sight and sounds of healthy Village life and activities returning to our threshold just as soon as circumstances allow.
223
Dunster Memorial Hall
Somerset
Dunster Memorial Hall was originally a malt house which was rebuilt in 1921 as a gift from Alexander Luttrell as a memorial to those in the local community who had served and died in World War 1. It has served as a village hall until the present day.
Since 1971 the Hall has housed the Dunster Doll Collection which consists of over 2,500 dolls of which up to 1,000 are on display to the public seven days a week and since 2012 after some structural alterations a local museum has been added which covers the history of Dunster since medieval times.
As part of the museum project the Hall is a home for the TimeTeam group who conduct archaeological digs in the local area, and this has unearthed evidence of the original 13th century priory and evidence of a Roman settlement. These finds and future finds can be found on display in the local museum.
Other facilities provided in the Hall for the local community are a meeting room, a snooker room and a small cinema showing current film shows.
Dunster Memorial Hall is run as a Charity, overseen by the Charity Commission, by a group of Trustees.
224
Duxford Community Centre
Cambridgeshire
Opened in August 2020, Duxford Community Centre is an exceptional, multi-functional local venue catering for a range of community groups, events and functions.
• the two halls can combine to make one large area
This fully accessible facility is managed by the DCC, a charity formed in 2014 with the aim of raising funds to build an economical and sustainable community hub where different age groups and social groups can meet, hold events, have fun, socialise, run clubs, host sports, hobbies, gatherings and celebrations.
Fundraising has been a whole community effort through a variety of events from village shows, sale of knitted items, quiz nights, sponsoring pavers and football marathons. It has taken a village to build the community centre and we thank all those who have helped along the way.
225
Eamontbridge Village Hall
Cumbria
The village hall offers users from the village and surrounding area a large room for their activities and is currently improving the condition of the wooden structure. We have just installed double glazed windows and doors and are now looking to insulate the rest of the building and install solar panels to make it more comfortable. The hall was built in 1933 and opened in 1934.
226
East Harlsey Village Hall
Yorkshire
Situated in the middle of the main street, the Village Hall is a fantastic building to see. It was built in 1938 and is the centre of village life, used extensively by the local community. It is also hired by the general public or by business organisations. It is ideal for business meetings, social and charity functions, private parties, children’s entertainment and drama performances. Private hires also include wedding receptions, birthdays, retirements and a host of other activities. With three halls, a bar and a large outside area, the Village Hall offers many opportunities. It is run by a Management Committee who organise regular activities for social and fundraising purposes.
227
East Harptree Village Hall
Bath & NE Somerset
The Hall dates back to the 1890s and provides facilities for a Preschool, the Village Community Shop and a small hairdressing salon, Solo aswell as a Hall which is used by the Preschool, the Village School and a number of other community based organisations through out the year. All of these organisations make valuable services available to the whole of the local community.
228
East Hendred - Snells Hall
Oxfordshire
Snells Hall was built in 1856 as the Church of England village school. After a new school was built nearby, the building was converted to village hall use in 1974. A purpose build extension to house the village pre-school was added in 2000. The hall is usually a busy place, opening for over 400 bookings a year, but in these Covid times it is very quiet, apart from the pre-school! Generous grants from the district council have been an enormous help, and we look forward in hope to a more normal world later this year.
229
East Horsley Village Hall
Surrey
The hall was built in 1988 and extended in 2000. It caters for all ages and hosts a Church Service on Sundays and a Nursery School
230
East Preston & Kingston Village Hall
Sussex
Covid shutdown is a frustrating time for everyone. Village Halls struggle to work out what to do for the best for their community.
231
East Ruston Village Hall
Norfolk
Opened in 1925 our hall was gifted to the parish and surrounding areas by Sir James Roll, who grew up in the village and became Lord Mayor of London in 1920. To celebrate its up coming centenary it is undergoing refurbishment works including a new roof, entrance doors and internal improvements. The hall provides a cost effective venue for popular local events such as table tennis, arts events and community occasions such as Seedy Sunday, The Christmas Bazaar and also caters for private functions such as children’s parties and wedding receptions.
232
Eastrington Village Hall Association
Yorkshire
We provide a village pre school and out of school club as well as lots of classes and social activities.
233
Ebberston Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our village hall is located on Main Street in Ebberston, North Yorkshire. Just a single room with a newly decorated kitchen some storage at the rear, it used to be the village school. The pandemic has halted all our events and activities yet we can’t wait to restart.
234
Ebchester Community Centre
Durham
Formerly the Village school dating from 1876, the Community Centre was set up in 1972. In normal times, the Centre hosts a number of popular village activities including Toddlers, WI, St Ebbas Church events, Carpet bowls, Fitness groups, Karate and JuJitsu. It is a popular venue for children’s parties and other family celebrations. Extensively refurbished internally during the first COVID 19 Lockdown in 2020, it became a Covid Secure venue thanks to Risk assessment guidance from ACRE. We re-opened in August 2020, only to close again with further Government restrictions. We are looking forward to the time when we are allowed by Government to re-open, by which time we will have had Broadband and WiFi installed thanks to a People’s Postcode Lottery grant. Funding information is regularly provided by Durham Community Action.
235
Edington Parish Hall
Wiltshire
Edington Parish Hall is a character 19th Century building that was built in 1885 for use as the Sunday School for the Priory Church and it has now become a valuable village amenity. In 2019, the existing toilets were upgraded to provide a disabled toilet and baby changing facility, a store area was refurbished to provide additional kitchen facilities and a small extension was built to give additional storage. Over £60,000 was raised through generous donations from a village appeal, the wider local community, local businesses and successful grant applications to provide these much needed improvements.
Before the first ‘lockdown’ in March 2020, the hall provided a meeting place for the Parish Council, the WI, the Gardening Club, The Under 5‘s and a monthly luncheon group. It also hosted the annual Gardening Club Flower and Produce show, Pumpkin Day, Charity Christmas Card Sale, Quiz nights, Big Breakfast and smaller village events as well as private bookings for family parties and funeral wakes. Each August, when the Edington Music festival takes place, the Parish Hall is where the choristers and adult choirs rehearse and it is also their meals venue; sadly in 2020 the Festival was cancelled. Choirs that perform as part of the Edington Arts programme also use the hall.
Throughout 2020, we received invaluable advice and guidance from ACRE and Helen at Wiltshire Community First on the ever changing Covid-19 restrictions and this enabled us to set up the hall in a Covid secure way so that in September, the Under 5’s group and a small Brass Band group were able to meet as exempt activities. Sadly, the hall is now closed due to the third lockdown.
Like many, our finances are dwindling and because the hall is a Church building, we pay no rates so were not eligible for the £10,000 grant that many other halls received but having applied to Wiltshire County Council, we did receive a small Discretionary Covid grant. Support from the Village Volunteer group has ensured that the grass and banks have been maintained and decorating needs met. Our current financial situation means that our plans for further improvements such as updating the heating system and renovating the main kitchen will now take longer to achieve.
We look forward to more normal times when the hall can reopen, everyone can again meet and socialise and the sound of chatter and laughter will once again fill Edington Parish Hall
236
Edington Village Hall
Somerset
The original village hall was formerly the Women's Institute and was handed over to the village in 1962. It was a wooden construction on a small site in upper Holywell Road. By the early 1970 's it became clear that there was a need for a new hall. After much fund-raising and applications for grants the village hall committee together with the local doctors purchased the present site on Quarry Ground to provide a hall and surgery. 1980 saw the official opening of what was to be named: The Village Hall Edington, as it was to be used by all the central Polden Villages in recognition of the help received from Catcott and Chilton Polden villagers. Since then there have been a number of extensions to the hall, with the latest being a new Entrance, Foyer, Lounge Bar area and Scene Doc. Normally the hall is used on a regular basis with Pilates, Line Dancing, Keep fit, Brownies, Upholstery Class, Dance class, Boogie bears, Young Farmers Club Yoga and Zumba. The Management Committee also run Film Nights, a Community Choir, Bingo, Drama group and Pop Up Sport.We look forward to being able to re-commence all those activities, once the COVID restrictions are lifted.
237
Edstaston Village Hall
Shropshire
We are very excited to have begun a long awaited community-led extension project at Edstaston Village Hall on land donated by a member of our community. We are extending and updating the hall, providing disabled access and facilities, a new kitchen, storage and extra outside space for social events - so important in these uncertain times…you can follow progress on our website . Edstaston Village Hall belongs to the community and dates back to 1922 when an old WW1 hut was bought and moved to land donated by the Chomondoley family. In 1977 after 3 years of fundraising and with local government grants, the current brick building was opened. There are few families who haven’t celebrated an event in Edstaston Village Hall and the new renovations will ensure this continues for many years to come.
238
Edwinstowe Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Our Village Hall used to be a school in our village. Our Hall is a thrive of activity in usual times, we have 18 regular groups. we age between 0-100! We also offer a venue for Coffee mornings and Parties etc. we cant wait to reopen and become a hub of the community again
239
Eggborough Village Hall
Yorkshire
Eggborough Village Hall is central to the village, it also acts as a poling station and is an emergency refuge point for the locality. The Scout group has proudly run for over 50 years ever since the hall was opened, which encourages boys and girls to join from the age of 5. There is also a pre school group who meet weekly. The hall is in constant use with various social groups and private functions.
240
Egglescliffe Parish Hall
Tees Valley
Our parish hall opened as a school in 1839. It serves a wide range of community groups currently such as Girlguiding, WI, gardening club and playgroup. In the future, we hope the community continues to use the parish hall and support with the ongoing renovation plans.
241
Egton
Tees Valley
This is a photograph I took at Egton during COVID Restrictions
242
Ellerdine Village Hall
Shropshire
Even though our hall is currently closed we are staying connected with the community and we have plenty of volunteers locally to support anyone who needs help to collect shopping, go for a walk, or a friendly chat. We delivered 80 festive afternoon teas before Christmas and 80 selection boxes to children in the local villages. Our hope for the future is to offer our refurbished hall for lots of uses and to encourage people to meet again for much needed community activity.
243
Ellisfield Memorial Hall
Hampshire
Central to Village life. Tea, Coffee & Cake every Wed morning, Christmas Fair, Pantomime, Yoga
244
Elloughton Village Hall
Humber & Wolds
Our village hall which was built in 1938 which is on land owned by a local foundation, is situated in Brough and is the link between the two villages of Elloughton and Brough. Normally it is in constant use by many different groups both for learning and for pleasure. We have Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Indoor Bowls, Zumba on a regular basis. The local Muslim group runs a teaching class for young students and once a month a Church Group hold their services in the village hall. The local amateur dramatic group, The Petuaria Players, stage performances three times a year and have done so since 1961 when their first production was Sabrina Fair. Birthday parties are held on a regular basis by different groups of people from the local community. The hall is managed by a small group of trustees who ensure that maintenance for the hall is constantly managed so that the building is kept in a safe and secure state for the benefit of all the users. Over the years we have been lucky to secure grants from various sources to enable extensions and repairs to be completed.
245
Elston Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Elston has a strong connection to the Darwins – Erasmus Darwin once lived in Elston Hall – and has continued links with the family to this day. The land on which the village hall stands was given to the village by the Darwin family and in 1959 Elston Village Hall was built by the community at a cost of around £3000. Since then there have been a number of improvements made to the building culminating in a major refurbishment in 2011/12
For one-off hirers -as well as regular users - the hall offers excellent facilities including a large, brightly lit hall, a well-equipped kitchen with a commercial dishwasher/sanitizer, air conditioning, free WIFI, a bar, tables (including 5 that are circular) and chairs to seat 100, wheelchair access to all areas and a toilet for disabled people, a small terrace overlooking the recreation ground and children’s play area and a car park. It is an ideal venue for meetings, business away days, birthday parties for young and old, wakes, wedding receptions and christenings.
Prior to the Corvid pandemic the hall was in regular use for coffee mornings, exercise classes, art classes, dance lessons and meetings by various clubs and organisations. It was also a popular venue for children’s and adults’ parties and weddings etc. And, while the only local pub was closed, it hosted a successful temporary bar – called The Hub - two nights a week for three years. The hope is that, once lockdown ends, most of the users will resume their activities and new hirers will be encouraged to make use of this valuable local resource.
246
Embsay With Eastby Village Institute
Yorkshire
Looking forward to opening again fully. Our village hall is a busy centre, catering for a wide variety of activities and all ages. We have managed as a Secure Covid 19 venue and supported several groups. Hopefully our Village panto will take place again!
247
Eridge Village Hall
Sussex
Eridge Village Hall was built in 1884 by the 1st Marquess of Abergavenny to serve as a reading room and place of study for the inhabitants of Eridge ecclesiastical parish. It was refurbished 20 years ago and is an attractive and popular venue for wedding receptions and parties as well as for the annual harvest supper. During the day it is well used for yoga and other classes. Since the start of the current pandemic, however, the Hall has remained closed and will reopen only when the Trustees consider it is safe to do so.
248
Etal Village Hall
Northumberland
The Etal Peace Commemoration Hall was officially opened in January 1926 by Lt. Col. Rt. Hon. Hugh Joicey DSO of Etal Manor (later 3rd Baron Joicey). Colonel Joicey gifted the hall to the local community to commemorate peace, and to encourage learning, study and “rational recreation” after the devastation of the First World War. The hall underwent extensive renovation in 2005 and normally plays host to a wide range of events, groups, and activities. In 2020 it was closed for several months but was successfully made into a Covid-secure venue for when restrictions were eased. We hope that in 2021 it will soon re-open, and that again it will be able to offer all sorts of recreation, support and entertainment to the local community and beyond.
249
Eversholt Hall
Bedfordshire
Eversholt Hall, completed in 1989, is a barn-conversion style building replacing an old hall given in 1913 by the then Duke of Bedford as a reading room. It now forms part of this small village’s group of amenities along with a recreation ground, out-door heated swimming pool, cricket and and tennis clubs and the church of St John the Baptist (11th cent) The Hall is run by a charity and is funded by leasing to a catering co. for large events such as weddings and parties etc. This provides income to allow residents to use the Hall at minimal cost. It is used by a number of village organisations and residents, e.g. a lunch club, keep fit classes, yoga, Young Farmers and Parish Council meetings as well as childrens parties and residents bookings. The pandemic resulted in only 4 weddings being booked for 2020 but with the help of grant aid, the committee hope to resume more normal business in future.
250
Eversley Village Hall
Hampshire
Eversley Village hall was originally built back in 1959, the land was donated to the community.Eversley Village Hall was built by the generosity of a resident and gifted to the community for the sole purpose of providing a site for recreational use within our Village.
Many community groups access the village hall including the WI, Parish Council, pilates , dance classes and host social events for the community.
We are very lucky to have a local amenity like this right in the centre of our village
We look forward to opening up again and welcoming our residents and groups back.
251
Everton Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Our village hall was built in 1905, enlarged and renovated in 1982, and it provides the only public indoor space for the community. Throughout its 115 year history the hall has provided community activities for our village for all ages. In more recent times, activities include exercise classes, additional space for the local Primary School, ample indoor and outdoor space for children’s parties, coffee mornings, film shows, and much more. Within the main hall we have a memorial to the WW1 and WW2 fallen soldiers of the village, and items relating to the SOE personnel who served at the local Tempsford Airfield.
252
Everton Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
William Harland Metcalfe, a former Rector and Farmer in Everton and Scaftworth left a significant proportion of his estate in his Will to the Parishes of Everton and Scaftworth. The charity was founded on 23rd February, 1946 and was approved and registered with the Charity Commissioners as The Metcalfe Charitable Trust on 7th December, 1960.
The Charity’s objectives are:
“To operate and maintain the parish institute (Village Hall) and Recreation Ground, Everton, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the parishes of Everton and Scaftworth (includes Harwell and Drakeholes) in the County of Nottinghamshire and apply any surplus income for such other charitable purposes for the benefit of the said inhabitants as the Trustees deem fit”.
Details of Events and Hall use can be found on the Parish Council Website and https://www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk/kb5/nottinghamshire/directory/service.page?id=_YXwa820E3w
253
Exton Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
Exton Village Hall has spent 2021 staying safely open as much as possible for our community including exercise classes, music rehearsals, indoor bowls, afternoon teas for our older residents and fundraising events at a time when community is more important than ever. We look forward to expanding our activities in 2022 and beyond to keep our village healthy and entertained!
254
Exwick Parish Hall
Devon
Our hall is used by many different groups including, a Baptist Church, Messy Church, Friday Friendship, Dog Training, Ball room dancing, Fit Steps, Twirly Tots, Baby Yoga, Forest School, Bingo, Hindu temple,
255
Eye & Dunsden Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Our historic hall was once the village school. The famous WW1 poet Wilfred Wilfred Owen helped run it. Today after a £400,000 renewal programme supported by amongst others Dame Judi Dench it is a bright and vibrant community hub. Two halls, a field and garden host wonderful weddings, yoga and other exercise and art classes and a whole range of social events. We always need new trustees to help ensure a bright future for our lovely hall, so do get in touch!
256
Fairfield Community Hall
Bedfordshire
We’re based in the heart of Fairfield, ideally located for local residents.
The community is our business – the venue where everyone, whatever their age, can come together. It is a fantastic place that we share with the community.
There are two halls – Oak and Chestnut – that are both light and bright with lovely feature windows based on the style of the former Three Counties Hospital – now the Fairfield Hall apartments. They are used for all events, from fitness classes and wine clubs to birthday parties and meetings of the various management companies, and of course, the Fairfield Parish Council who meet here monthly.
Both halls have sliding walls – one is adorned with a mural by a local artist that traces the history of Fairfield from its beginning in the 1850s’ as an asylum to the present day village.
The walls can be pushed back to reveal additional space provided by the Birch Room. And there’s a handy kitchen right alongside.
Our venue also includes the , a spot that can be used for small meetings and interviews, or as short-term office space.
Outside, we’re lucky to be close to Fairfield’s Victorian Apple Orchards – which provide us with a bountiful supply of fruit for the community, especially for Apple Day that is hosted here each year.
257
Fairwarp Village Hall
Sussex
We’re looking forward to all that we’re able to do in the year ahead. Nestled in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, we’ve made improvements and upgrades in the last 12 months and we’re ready to host and support those village events that we’ve sadly missed over the last year. We’re excited!!
258
Farndale Village Hall
Yorkshire
Situated in heart of North York Moors National Park our new hall was completed and opened in May 2019. Alas like most other halls currently closed due to Covid Pandemic, but looking forward until we can reopen.
259
Fearby & Healey Village Hall
Yorkshire
Built in 1927 the Village Hall was gifted to the villagers of Fearby & Healey, near Masham, North Yorkshire, by Lady Elizabeth Alice Masham in memory of her late husband John Cunliffe, 3rd Lord Masham. Originally for use as a reading room for the purpose of recreation “with the sincere wish that it may prove to be a benefit and source of many hours of pleasure and enjoyment to them”. Almost 100 years later, Fearby & Healey Village Hall continues to thrive. In pre-war times it served, amongst other things, as the local bath house and for many years was the venue for the Fearby Annual Sports and Dance - in 1937 staging events such as “The Slow Bicycle Race” and races for “Married” and Single Ladies” offering prize money of 7/6 (seven shillings and six pence - old money) for the winner. Updated and extended over the years with a new roof in 2016 (thanks to a grant from the National Lottery) the Hall continues to offer a blend of some of the old established Village traditions - Old Thyme Dances, Dominoes, Quoits - alongside newer activities such as a very popular and professional annual Pantomime, Speaker Lunches, Concerts, Music Hall, Dance Nights as well as hosting numerous cycling events which have grown out of the popularity of the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France for which Fearby & Healey Village Hall is on the main route. Looking forward the Village Hall will be celebrating its Centenary in 2027 and plans are afoot to mark this very special occasion both looking back over its first 100 years and looking forward to new opportunities to keep the Hall a very valued community asset for future generations.
260
Felpham Community Hall
Sussex
Work started on the new community centre in Felpham in Summer 2015. A ground-breaking ceremony took place as the facility began to take shape.
It is located amongst the new Blake’s Mead Estate, on Meaden Way, Felpham. The large development formerly known as site six and which has now become a series of differently named schemes.
The new centre boasts covered play and activity areas, meeting rooms, changing rooms and hospitality provisions.
The impressive facilities are provided by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes as part of their planning permission from Arun District Council for the housing. Councillors from Arun and other representatives, and Felpham Parish Council members, gathered with Barrett to mark the start of the centre’s building work. Barratt technical project manager Robert Barber said: “These new facilities have been an integral part of our plans since we first considered building new homes here in Felpham. “And this was an important milestone in ensuring the area has excellent facilities for residents of all ages. “We’re delighted our plans are now coming to fruition.
This new community centre will benefit everyone in the area - and we look forward to seeing the facilities being enjoyed by everyone.” He said providing the centre added to the pride his team felt for their work on the extensive and popular scheme in Felpham.
The Hall finally opened in September 2017 and has quickly been put to great use. Already there is a resident Pre School, regular classes ranging from Jive dancing to Yoga and from Karate to Jiggy Wrigglers and Baby Sensory sessions with a host of various fitness classes for all ages to enjoy.
Felpham Parish Council’s members are also settling in to the building, which one member previously described as worth about £1.2m.
Cllr Dave Smart, said the centre has represented a fresh start for the council. “The opening of the centre is a new episode for us. It’s a fantastic new building,” he said. “It’s an exciting time for the council and the community because it’s such a really, really nice building. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for the community of Felpham. It’s not just for use of Blake’s Mead only. It’s for all of Felpham – and we want the people of Felpham to use it as their centre.”
Arun remains responsible for the football pitch, multi-use games area and play area which surround the building. The district council also has control of the changing rooms inside the centre “ Our role is to manage what goes on inside the walls,” said Cllr Smart.
The parish council moved into the new centre from late August 2017. The relocation from its previous base in St Mary’s Centre in Grassmere Close. The council was founded in 1985 and has met at the centre since it became the previous community building to open in July, 1995
Book Felpham Community Hall
Bookings can be made with the Hall Manager, Doug Millen on 07927 032444 or email him on
Main Hall prices range from just £15 per hour (concessionary rate), with smaller rooms from only £7.50 per hour. Suitable for all sorts of events or occasions from corporate training to weddings and birthdays.
261
Felton Village Hall
Northumberland
Felton Village Hall has been the home to our community newsletter team by leasing The Bridge Committee space since 1998. We are eternally grateful for their support as it gives us a base for our printing and distribution teams. This truly makes the hall a central part of our community, long may it last. The Bridge Newsletter team.
262
Felton Village Hall
North Somerset
Gifted to the villages of Felton and Downside in 1931, extended and refurbished in 2000, thanks to a National lottery Charities Board grant, the hall serves the community with a wide variety of regular users. Lockdown has given us the opportunity to execute many internal improvements, so we are ready to go when we’re able. Complete gallery of images on www.Felton village hall.com
263
Fencott and Murcott Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Our hall was originally built and opened in the mid 1900’s and has been a fantastic facility for the community over the years. With support from Acre, the Lottery Fund, the District Council, and our local fundraising efforts we have high hopes, following the most recent improvements, for continuing to be a valuable hub for our local residents for many years to come.
264
Fernham Village Hall
Oxfordshire
A tastefully converted 1860s church which serves all the needs of our rural community
265
Fernwood Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Fernwood Village Hall opened in 2008. It is a wonderful community hub. At the moment, it is quiet due to the National Lockdown caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. But we cannot wait to reopen and have all our activities back up and running including Fernwood Community Church, dance and exercise groups, toddler groups, slimming groups and Parish Council meetings...not to mention all the parties!!!
266
Ferring Village Hall
Sussex
Ferring Village Hall was built in 1924, made possible by the generosity of Mrs Georgiana Alma Henrietta Henty, a local landowning, brewing and banking family member. A surviving photograph of the time suggest the hall was built in a field, with no evident buildings nearby, and a fairly rough track (presumably a precursor to Ferring Street) running in front of the hall. It would have made a striking impression on all observers. The hall was built by a company of local builders - the Tourle family, and subsequent members of the Tourle family attended Ferring Primary School with one current trustee in the 1960’s! The hall was extended in 1929 with a “Club Room”, and a stage to the main hall added in 1939. There may even have been an orchestra pit by the stage at one point. The early management team had a large number of military personnel involved, including a Rear Admiral, `Colonel and Brigadier General. Ferring Village Hall is today managed by elected trustees only one of whom has military connections. The Village Hall has always been a hub for inclusive community activity, and continues to this day to be so, providing an excellent facility for a vast range of clubs, including ballet, dancing, yoga, film, horticulture, history, amateur dramatics, food markets the Women’s Institute and much else. Funds to continuously improve and maintain the hall are generated from a range of sources - individual donations, donations from some user groups, charges levied to current hirers of the hall, fundraising events, and more recently because of lockdown from grants from Government and Local Councils. As Ferring Village Hall approaches 100 years of service to the local community, appetite to both make available this facility and to also make use of this facility, continues.
267
Fifield Parish Hall
Oxfordshire
Fifield Parish Hall began life as a Methodist Chapel in the 1850s and later became the Parish Reading Room. In 1961 a Registered Charity was formed and the building was gifted by a local family to Fifield as the Parish Hall. In 2009 the building was modernised and restored paid for by village fund raising, gifts and grants. It was officially re-opened in February 2010 by the Rt Hon David Cameron - in the year in which he became Prime Minister. Today the Hall is a great asset at the heart of village life. It is used for seasonal and annual events such as the Harvest Supper, the Christmas Party, Parish meetings and local and national elections. It is also home to the weekly Post Office, the Fifield Art Group, a small library of books and popular Pilates classes. It is used for coffee mornings, charity events, private parties, lectures and an occasional touring theatre group. The Hall houses Fifield’s 2012 Jubilee needlepoint, beautifully designed and stitched by residents, and a collection of royal event commemorative plates.
268
Filleigh Village Hall
Devon
Our parish is in the heart of rural North Devon, with a scattered population of approx 250 people. There is no ‘village’ as such but the hall, school and church are within a few hundred yards of each other, most dwellings being further away
Before Covid the hall was used by our primary school plus activities such as badminton, U3A and WI as well as being training centre for DCC and NHS. It is a popular wedding venue.
Pandemic struck during the building of an extension, which was finished during the summer of 2020.
When able to by the varying Tier Regulations we have held individual skittles, small suppers, and Chat & Coffee for 6, which worked well (with face masks etc) in the new room.
Currently, we are generally on full Lockdown, although the blood donation sessions are exempt and continuing on schedule. Our school is not able to use the hall, but another organisation which looks after children that cannot be educated in mainstream schooling is, and their fees help cover necessary running costs. We look forward to wide open doors again
269
Fillingham Village Hall
Lincolnshire
We are a small rural village and our village hall is at the centre of all our community events. Our village hall started it’s life as the village school c1850, before becoming the village hall in the 1960’s. It is a listed building with ogee headed windows along one side.
270
Findern Village Hall
Derbyshire
Our hall is in the heart of Findern Village, set in a good sized area with a nice car park and is in daily use. Rebuilt from a small "institute hall" in the mid 1970's after extensive community fund raising. We have started to refurbish within the hall, beginning with the toilets, heating system, more comfy seating and most recently the kitchen, with the help of a Lottery grant, which was most welcome.
Findern village now finds itself greatly enlarged in size from 750 houses, due to a large housing estate with 1200 houses recently established on the outskirts of the parish.
We look forward to the future in continuing to provide a welcome place for preschool children and also offering a range of community activities for a wider spectrum of people. We are also hoping we may encourage more trustees to come on board and help with the management of this lovely hall.
271
Findon Village Hall
Sussex
Well, we may be “closed for covid” at the moment but we are working with the Parish Council to get the extension finished, converting from a trust structure to a CIO, taking the opportunity to sort out some maintenance issues while we have the opportunity without interfering with normal operation and making sure we ready to resume serving our local community just as soon as we can!
272
Finedon Community Centre
Northamptonshire
Finedon Community Centre is a unique building being a former Methodist Church built in 1905 and acquired on behalf of the Community in 1985. After much development the doors opened in 1988 as Finedon Community Sports & Leisure Centre. It is situated in the heart of this popular Town and is a completely self-funding registered charity run by a small team of volunteers.
After many years of wanting a new heating system we were extremely pleased to be awarded grants enabling us to have Heat Pump Air conditioning installed in both the halls at the end of 2019.
With two floors served by a lift and complete with original stained glass windows, it has a large hall on the First Floor with high wooden vaulted ceiling, servery, toilets and a seating capacity of 200 people for wedding receptions, engagement, anniversary and retirement parties. Also ideal for one off productions and events, concerts, indoor markets, badminton and bowls.
The Ground Floor hall with smaller capacity has serving hatches from the kitchen on two sides. Ideal for meetings, conferences, funeral wakes, keep fit exercising, pilates and yoga. It is also very popular for the under 10s birthday and christening parties.
More information: 01933 398377 or website: http://www.finedoncc.co.uk
273
Finmere Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
The present village hall was funded and built by the villagers of Finmere and opened in 1985.
Since then it has been the recipient of a number of grants and has undergone some modernisation.
It is positioned close to the centre of the village, sharing a field with both cricket and football pitches, and is regularly used by a variety of clubs and groups.
There is also a recently installed children's play area alongside the hall.
274
Fitzhead Tithe Barn
Somerset
The medieval Fitzhead Tithe Barn has been our village hall since 1910 when it was made available to the village for use by the local community. We are a very small rural farming village in Somerset and the Tithe Barn is now the only remaining community hub left in the village where we can meet and socialise, and this helps us to maintain a strong and healthy community. The Tithe Barn is used for various activities such as the craft group, exercise groups, lunch club, coffee mornings, village social events & functions and village meetings etc, and it is available for private hire by the community for parties, weddings, funerals & other functions.
275
Five Ashes
Sussex
Jayne Torvill was the guest of honour at the official
opening of the refurbished and extended village hall in Five Ashes on
Saturday 28 March 2015. Jayne, best known for her gold medal winning performance
with her partner Christopher Dean in the 1984 Olympics, cut the ribbon to mark
the beginning of a new era in village life for the residents where village amenities are seriously restricted.
The village hall was awarded a Big Lottery award towards the
cost of the improvements in December 2013 and work started in March 2014. A
second grant award from Wealden District council ensured that the completed
building was finished to the highest specification. The completion and handover
took place in October 2014.The work included the complete rebuilding of the
Southern end of the hall to provide a much needed second hall along with new
toilet facilities. The building features state of the art air source heating,
LED lighting and photovoltaic cells as well as being built to the latest
regulations for insulation purposes and compliance to disabled user
requirements. We miss all the regular users which include the East Sussex school of dance,rifle club,Short mat bowls,Adult education,Table tennis,Children's parties,Dog trainers,Mayfacs,Creative writers,Weight watchers,Belly dancers,Yoga group ,Stool ball players,Cricketers and Horticultural society and look forward to welcoming everyone back later in the year.
276
Flamstead Village Hall
Hertfordshire
The Flamstead School Room was built in 1861. Although it lacked running water and had outside chemical closets, it was used as a school until 1962. There are families in the village whose parents and grandparents remember going to school there. In 1964 the hall was taken on a lease to provide a meeting place for many village organisations, and in succeeding years improvements were made – including adding toilets, a kitchen and a committee room. In 1969 it was bought with the aid of numerous small loans from villagers, and Flamstead Village Hall was established as an independent charitable trust. Over the years there has been further improvement and modernisation on a regular basis, making the Village Hall a bright, well-lit and warm space which can host a variety of activities.
Although Covid stopped most activities throughout the past year, Preschool was able to run safely there, five days per week in term time, giving very young children a positive time playing and learning. We look forward to the return of more users when restrictions are lifted in the coming months: including Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, table tennis, WI, Yoga, the annual Village Show and the Scarecrow Festival, as well as family celebrations and children’s parties.
277
Fleetville Community Centre
Hertfordshire
As you’ll see from the picture we’ve a old prefabricated building. We hope to replace this with a new centre within the next couple of years, building on the same site and offering a modern, energy efficient building with more user space.
279
Flitton & Greenfield Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Opened in 1969,our village hall has been at the heart of the community ever since and improved facilities recently have encouraged greater use by everyone of all ages. Currently having to be closed, we are taking the opportunity to refurbish the bar facilities.
htpps://flittongreenfieldvillagehall.com
280
Folksworth Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Folksworth Village Hall has just finished a major refurbishment and extension project, which has taken many years to bring to fruition. We were so very disappointed when the hall had to close to the majority of groups, but we made ourselves COVID-Secure (thanks to all the guidance from ACRE) and are very pleased that Preschool is still able to use the village hall during these difficult times, ensuring young families get local support. Our hall is a significant, historic, local building and a vital rural community asset that provides a central link between people of all ages. It will be wonderful when we are fully open again for the village social events, and to welcome all the community groups back through the doors.
281
Fontmell Magna Village Hall
Dorset
During all three lockdowns the Village Hall trustees made every effort to make improvements to the hall in readiness for reopening. The hall was redecorated and ultra fast fibre broadband installed. We are offering our hall as a covid-19 secure venue for those needing access to broadband and work has started on a joint venture with our neighbouring doctors surgery to create a cut flower garden as part of the social prescribing initiative. We know that our regular hirers will be keen to resume their activities as soon as they are permitted. Creating a website is our next challenge.
282
Fortrey Heap Village Hall
Suffolk
Built in The Street in 1850 originally as a School. In 1895 the school was condemned and a School Board formed to build Barnby & North Cove Primary School in 1897/8. Little is known of the Hall’s history between the closure of the school and 1927 when Captain Fortrey Heap of North Cove Hall, after whom it is named gave the “School House” to the villagers as s social club and reading rooms. Over the years many alterations have been undertaken with the last major modernisation in early 1996. Most of the labour undertaken by volunteers with the help of fund raising and grants over four years by the villagers. The village hall is still in constant use by the villagers of North Cove, Barnby and surrounding areas, and is a great meeting place for all ages and hopefully will continue to be so for many years to come.
283
Fovant
Wiltshire
Our village hall is very small and fairly old but is much loved and used by many groups in the village. We have refurbished the kitchen and are now aiming to put in insulation and upgrade the heating system
284
Fownhope New Memorial Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
The only village hall with an automatic adjustable ceiling! 9m height for badminton or a bouncy castle; 4.5m for social events. Because of our versatility we host a wide range of local sports, cultural and social clubs as well as private parties.
285
Foxton Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Our Village Hall & Sports Pavilion moved to the current building in 2002 as part of a complex project including a new Primary School. The building lies adjacent to the recreation ground in the heart of this attractive South Cambridgeshire village. The premises comprises a Main Hall, Meeting Room, Bar/Lounge, kitchen and toilet facilities with a large Foyer. The Sports Pavilion is adjoined but self contained with a generously sized Club room, own kitchen and shower/changing rooms. We have a good number of regular and occasional users for a wide range of events such as Pre-School, Parish Council, sport and fitness activities, interest group meetings, fundraisers and social events.
286
Fradswell Village Hall
Staffordshire
We are a vibrant community hub
at the heart of our tiny village of Fradswell (approx 170 residents).
We provide local opportunities
to meet, socialise,
learn, share
and shop.
Our village has no amenities other than our hall. We run regular coffee mornings, a monthly lunch club, a monthly community shop, cafe and repair shop, as well as a regular Pop-Up Bar night and various events.
We now have a number of what have become annual local ‘traditions’ which our community looks forward to every year.
Our annual Apple festival, ‘Frapfest’, at which we chop and press local apples, supplied by our community, using the extracted juice to make Fradswell cider, with the apple pulp going to local compost heaps and local pig food!
Our annual ‘Wassail’ event. A spectacular family evening of flaming torches, singing, banging of instruments and saucepans, all to Wassail and ‘wake up’ our community apple trees and encourage a good crop of apples later in the year for our cider!
Our free summer barbeque is always a popular evening, celebrating Fradswell community and our lovely village hall.
Throughout the 2020/21 pandemic, we have had a team of volunteers ready to help anyone needing shopping, prescriptions etc, or even just a chat. Our free weekly exercise class has continued to run online, via Zoom, keeping community together and healthy! We’ve also distributed Boredom Buster bags to many in our community struggling with isolation.
Our hope for the future is to keep our wonderful community engaged, welcoming, caring, sustainable and forward-looking -and as special a place to be, as it is now.
287
Frank Wickham Hall
Derbyshire
The Frank Wickham Hall in Etwall consists of a main hall and a smaller room to the rear which overlooks the village bowling green. The main hall is used by Etwall Pre-school and local societies most weekdays but is available for hire for parties etc at other times. The small room is also available for hire when not in use by Etwall crown green bowls club. The hall has recently been refurbished with further improvements in the pipeline.
The booking clerk can be contacted via the Parish council website.
288
Freckenham Village Hall
Suffolk
Our village hall is at the heart of the community used for farmers markets, film nights, theatre, music and other live entertainment. As well as weekly activities, bingo, quiz nights, coffee mornings, private parties and celebrations, even training events. We look forward to when we are able to open up the hall again with Government Guidelines in place.
289
Frilsham Clubroom
Berkshire
Great to be opening up again after a difficult year for all.
290
Fringford Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Our ‘new parish room’ was built and presented to the village by Mr H.J. Chinnery in June 1900 on land given by the parish squire, Mr E. Slater-Harrison. “It was to be used for many purposes, both religious and social, and also as a cricket pavilion.”
The presentation of the parish room was made to over 130 villagers during an ‘admirable meat tea’. Mr Chinnery said, “he hoped there never would be any dispute in the room and in it there would be parish meetings, mothers meetings, guild meetings, concerts and sing-songs, in short, everything that would tend improvement of villagers”. It was reported by the local paper, that the parish room has begun its work in fine style and it has those behind it who will be careful to see that it does not fail in its mission.
Later, the Parish Council became the owners of the building and a charity was established to lease and manage the building. It was extended in the 1960s and then completely refurbished in 2015. It continues to be well used with exercise classes, dance classes, Women’s Institute, Whist, puppy training, mindfulness, pre-school, coffee mornings, parties and many more diverse activities. Being on the village Green, its also at the centre of our community fayres and gatherings such as the celebration of The Battles Over in 2018.
The Trustees, with much appreciated support from ACRE and CFO, made the hall COVID secure in 2020. It was used by a small number of allowable classes which could socially distance. We hope to welcome everyone back during the second half of 2021 and continue the traditions and mission set out in 1900.
291
Frosterley Village Hall & Institute
Durham
Frosterley is a small village in Weardale, County Durham. Its village hall opened in 1909 to provide for the leisure needs of the local quarrymen. In the mid-19th century, the population of the village more than trebled with the start of commercial quarrying to extract the limestone deposits that surrounded the village. The Hall was built by the quarrymen, who all contributed a penny a week from their wages towards the cost. The owner of Rogerley Quarry, Valentine Rippon, donated the land for the Hall, while the Darlington Pease family who owned other Frosterley quarries donated the bricks and also helped meet the cost. The Hall belongs to the village and its residents, and is run and maintained for the benefit of the local community. It operates as a charity and is run by a Board of Trustees, all of whom are volunteers.
The Hall is used for a wide range of activities, including craft classes, exercise groups, educational talks, public and community group meetings, live music events, charity fund raisers, choir recitals, weddings, theatre performances, children’s parties, martial arts classes, elections, funerals, snooker and pool, exhibitions and school concerts.
Over the years, as the needs of our community have changed, the Hall has been refurbished and updated. 2021 has seen our latest refurbishment project take place. This is converting a former disused caretaker’s flat on the ground floor and joining it to an existing meeting room at the rear of the Hall to create a more accessible community space. The meeting room is having double bi-fold doors installed which will open on to the Hall’s garden and bathe the new space in natural light.
These improvements have been made possible thanks to funds raised within the community, kind donations, and generous funding from ACRE, the National Lottery, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Councillor John Shuttleworth’s AAP Neighbourhood Budget and the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.
As and when Covid restrictions permit, the Trustees are doing essential maintenance work, including giving the Hall’s garden a make-over. Many of our regular users have missed the social life that our Hall facilities, and the Trustees are keen to welcome them back!
292
Froyle Village Hall
Hampshire
Please have a look at our website. You’ll find lots of detail, plenty of pictures and news of what we have been up to.
293
Galloway Hall
Lancashire
We are excited to return to normal and welcome old and new groups and activities back to the community in Fulwood, Preston.
294
Garthorpe & Fockerby Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Our village hall really is the hub of the village, especially now we’ve lost our Post Office, Shop & Pub.
The hall has been extensively modernised featuring underfloor heating , double glazing, Acoustic ceiling, Modern toilets & kitchen.
We offer a wide range of classes for all ages ranging from bowls, yoga, floristry, cooking & history talks
Even hosting a pop up eatery every week.
It’s a lovely room to hold parties for all occasions & make those precious memories.
Our hall helps us connect with other neighbouring villages as well as our own.
It’s the heart of the village that helps bring people together.
295
Gawsworth Village Hall
Cheshire
Our Village Hall is well used and loved by our sociable Gawsworth community. It is a great venue for clubs and organisations including the Parish Council, WI, mums and toddlers etc. and hosts a daily pre- and after-school club which has continued, when possible with COVID precautions during the pandemic. Cheshire Rural Touring Arts promote well attended events here and our pantomime, music and other arts events are nearly always a sell-out. Gawsworth Village Hall is also a popular venue for children's and family parties. In 2017 the Village Hall underwent a £50,000 internal refurbishment supported by a grant from WREN. Locally raised funds recently paid for a demountable stage and stage curtains and we have plans for further improvements to the fabric and facilities.. Our hard working Village Hall Committee runs the hall on behalf of the Parish Council.
296
Gestingthorpe Village Hall
Essex
Originally the village school built in 1856. The school closed in 1965 and subsequently given to the village for use as a community hall and run by a management committee comprising of elected residents and representatives from the Church, Parish Council and other village groups. Over the last few years substantial improvements have been made to the building and facilities within the hall which has been financed through a programme of fund raising events, donations and grants. The hall is used for village events and is available to hire offering a fully stocked kitchen, disabled toilet and baby changing facilities, tables and chairs and free WiFi.
297
Gilchrist Thomas Village Hall
Berkshire
In the heart of Littlewick Green is the Gilchrist Thomas Village Hall . From Cricket matches, Art Classes, Birthday parties the hall has been an integral part of the hall for over 200 years
298
GIlsland Village Hall and Reading Room
Northumberland
The hall is an import place for local people of all ages and normally has a full diary of children’s dance clubs, youth group and yoga but especially important is its groups attended by many older residents this includes craft and gardening clubs and an over 60’s social and support group which have all sadly had to stop. We do however still host the Outreach Post Office service which has been essential during the Covid pandemic as they bring items and orders from their shop and are a lifeline for those unable to travel far. Although some members of the hall committee have been unable to go out during this time some have helped set up and run a local Covid support group for collecting shopping and prescription’s. We have also used our Facebook page and hall notice boards to share helpful information regarding support and care services and details of businesses willing to deliver to the village during the pandemic.
299
Glasson Dock Village Hall
Lancashire
A space for the local community to use to meet, celebrate and access the outreach Post Office service
300
Glastonbury Town Hall
Somerset
While the Town Hall has been mostly closed during the COVID 19 restrictions we have been busy giving the rooms a new look . Currently when restrictions allow holding a small market inside the main hall which proves popular with the local residents. To help during these unprecedented times (and after) a community fridge was opened which is supplied with kind donations from local supermarkets. We look forward to welcoming all of our events back at the Town Hall when able to do so.
301
Glenridding Village Hall
Cumbria
Originally set up in 1913 as Reading Rooms for the village’s mining community, our Hall now offers a light and modern meeting place for local groups, wedding and birthday get togethers and music and theatre evenings. We have recently hosted fashion shows; our Big Breakfast; a Burns Supper; ceilidh evening; folk and modern music; theatre productions. And we have plans for 2021 and beyond.
302
Godmersham & Crundale Village Hall
Kent
We can trace our origins back to a gift of land for troops coming home after WW1 for education and recreation
303
Gorefield Community Hall
Cambridgeshire
Unfortunately, like lots of other halls, Gorefield Community Hall is closed but we are pushing on with a major building project to expand and improve on what we can provide for the community. Funding was achieved during lockdown but with everything else in place we were ready to go and work started in October. This means that as we enter 2021 it is well advanced with completion in early April so time well spent during such a challenging period.
304
Goring & District Community Centre
Oxfordshire
We host 2 Lunch Clubs for the elderly and vulnerable, have an information centre and medical transport and medical equipment service. Rooms are let out for band practise, bridge clubs, singing and other activities. The building was a village school and headmaster’s house.
305
Goring Village Hall
Oxfordshire
We have three rooms and are busy with after school classes, mother’s groups, social gatherings, lectures, amateur dramatics, comedy and jazz clubs and many more functions. Sometimes its hard to get enough free time in the building to make any changes or improvements!
306
Goseley Community Centre
Derbyshire
The community centre opened in 1997 and has brought the community together providing facilities for Scouts, Lunch clubs and afternoon teas for over 50s. The local church is involved providing meals in the school holidays for children and parents. Weekly Tea Dance and many other activites.
307
Gotham Memorial Hall
Nottinghamshire
Our hall is at the hub of our community. We have lots of regular users from WI, History Society, Parish Council, lots of different classes and a toddler group. We are also home to the Doctors Surgery and Inspire Library Service.
308
Goxhill Memorial Hall and Recreation Grounds
Lincolnshire
Originally built 96 years ago as a memorial to the men of the village who fell in the First World War, this building has been at the heart of village life and recreation ever since. It is served by a lively group of volunteers, who put on Craft Fairs, Village Shows, Photographic Competitions, Auctions, Dances, Musical performances. The Hall also provides for other local organisers to offer children’s and adults activities such as Parents and Toddlers, Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga, Short Mat Bowls, Martial Arts and dog training. With so much local support the future of this veritable old lady is lovingly assured.
309
Great Bowden Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
The Village Hall was the idea of John Henry Stokes, the famous Edwardian breeder of hunters, and commemorates the Coronation of Edward V11 in 1902 . There have been several improvements to the hall over the years the most recent being an award winning extension and refurbishment in 2007. When the Congregational Church closed in the village in 2003 the 1st and 2nd WW Memorials were rescued and are now displayed in our Meeting Room They are registered with the War Memorial Trust. The Covid epidemic has affected our bookings with the loss of 2 major users but we have subsequently taken on new groups including an Ante-Natal class, which is a first! Having only recently launched a website we are optimistic for the future.
310
Great Doddington Memorial Hall
Northamptonshire
Great Doddington Memorial Hall was built for the benefit of all the residents of the village and surrounding area. The Hall has just ‘celebrated’ its 60th Anniversary .It is run by a small committee of volunteers, is self-funding and an independent registered charity.
It is an ideal venue for parties, dances, concerts, and a variety of fundraising events. The Main Hall includes a fully equipped kitchen, separate male and female toilet facilities and a theatre-style stage.
The Elliott Room, with its own small kitchen and disabled toilet, is ideal for smaller groups.
Both rooms are used on a regular basis by a variety of groups.
311
Great Gaddesden Parish Hall
Hertfordshire
Great Gaddesden Parish Hall is a modern facility with easy accessibility and plenty of parking, that is well supported by the many people it serves. Regular home to Baby Sensory supporting new parents & their babies, Track City giving toddler families a chance to play with a giant train track in a mini world & a weekend Laser athletic group for older kids; Hemel Hempstead Cycling Club, Table Tennis & Tring Wargamers; various dance, photography, conservation & environmental groups, as well as a venue for a variety of indoor sports & well-being activities, music practice, photography and a mix of social & family events. It is also the local Polling Station, is used for public meetings and the Parish Council, and its car park by local walking groups and Open Garden charity days.
A charitable trust run on a non-profit basis. The land and facilities were leased to the rural community for a peppercorn rent by a collective of local dignitaries in the 1950’s and latterly the freehold gifted in the 1970’s as a catalyst to creating a centrally active hub in this picture-perfect Area of Natural Beauty ‘with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants’
312
Great Haywood Memorial Hall
Staffordshire
We’re continuing to keep links with our community this year despite the problems!
ghmemorialhall@gmail.com
313
Great Hinton Memorial Hall
Wiltshire
The original hall with its corrugated iron walls and roof was erected in 1922 as a memorial to those from the Parish of Great Hinton who died in the First World War. In 2000 it was replaced with a brick-built construction with the cost being covered by the accumulation of funds from village events, especially the “Agony Runs”, and grants from the Landfill Tax Scheme and the National Lottery Millennium 21st Century Halls Fund. It is now maintained and managed by trustees “for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Great Hinton .... without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, including the use for meetings, lectures and classes, and other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.” In normal times, the hall has been used by a number of village clubs and groups of an artistic, sporting or social nature. The Parish Council has used the hall for its meetings and makes a financial grant to the running costs of the hall. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, the hall has been closed. It is hoped that use of the hall will return to pre-pandemic levels during the course of 2021 once Government restrictions on public life are permanently lifted.
314
Great Staughton Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Our Hall is used everyday (Covid excepting!) and has groups for all ages from Youth Club to Friendship Club (for over 80s). Other groups include dog training, badminton, bowling and pilates. We are also used for lots of parties and celebrations! It is the centre of our village life.
315
Great Yeldham Reading Room
Essex
The original Reading Room building is believed to have been built in 1898 by the Rev. William James Earle M.A and his family, in memory of his wife and in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was originally known as the Jubilee Reading Room. For a period of time you could borrow and return your library books there.
Nowadays, the hall is used for a variety of activities, including - Line Dancing, Keep Fit, Mothers and Toddlers Group, Carpet Bowls, Youth Club, Dancing Classes, Ladies Club, Band Rehearsals.
We also hold occasional Quiz Nites and Race Nights (usually organized by the Ladies Club).
The first Cottage Garden Society in the country was founded in Great Yeldham, Essex in 1854 by the Rev. John Cripps, and is still going strong to this day, with meetings and the Annual Show being held in the Reading Room.
Unfortunately, this last year has been written off with all the restrictions, due to Covid-19. Hopefully as lockdown eases, we will be able to return to some kind of normality and resume all activities, which are of great benefit to our community.
316
Gristhorpe & Lebberston Village Hall
Yorkshire
We are looking forward to welcoming the local community back as soon as possible. The Committee are busy planning new and exciting activities to get everyone together once again. Behind the scenes we have undertaken a re-decorating project so the hall is looking all fresh and lovely. We are a Covid Safe village hall and proud to be following all the government guidelines.
317
Grittleton, Sevington & Leigh Delamere Village Hall
Wiltshire
Grittleton, in North Wiltshire, has had a village hall since 1949, also serving the nearby villages of Leigh Delamere and Sevington. The present building, picturesquely situated on land formerly belonging to the Neeld Family who lived in the manor of Grittleton House, was opened in 1988. The cricket club, which has existed for more than 150 years has its pitch and pavilion on the land. More recently a children’s playground and multi-use games area have been added, making it a very popular venue.
We greatly look forward to resuming our indoor activities after the pandemic, and thank ACRE for all their help during this difficult period.
318
Groombridge Village Hall
Sussex
Groombridge Village Hall was built in 1913, on land donate by the Misses Saints in 191,1 after raising funds from the local population. enabling the Club Room to be built. In 1954 the hall burnt down and was replaced with the Main Hall and Club Room was renovated. In 2000 with the help of a lottery grant and donations from local councils, charities, businesses and local people. the New Hall was added together with a New Kitchen, Toilet Block, rear car park and frontal area remodelled. The hall is well used by many local clubs, exercise classes, dramatic society and Pre-School
319
Grove Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Grove Village Hall was built by the villagers on land donated by the Parish Council and was opened in 1966. The Hall is used every day, morning noon and night, and is maintained by a small committee of 4 villagers.
320
Guiting Power Village Hall
Gloucestershire
2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the current Village Hall at Guiting Power.
The Hall is on the site of the old Concert Hall and on completion was gifted to the Village in 1961 by Raymond Cochrane. He acquired Guiting Manor and set about restoring the character of the village eventually setting up the Trust which continues to this day. He married Sally Latimer shortly after and with the villagers built the current Village Hall as a project with his new wife. Sally was an actress and director of some repute and we owe the stage and theatre setup at the Hall today to her inspiration.
Sally organised her friend and protege Carryl Jenner owner of the Mobile Theatre, to open the new Hall with a staging of “Thunder Rock”. This marked the last ever performance by the Mobile Theatre which found a permanent home becoming the Unicorn Theatre for Young People.
The Hall continues to provide a focal point for the village offering a meeting place, indoor sport and exercise, venue for the fete and fireworks as well as a venue for live music theatre and pantomime.
The Hall is managed by a small committee of volunteers and is available partiess, wedding receptions and commercial hire.
321
Gunnerton - St Christopher’s Church and Community Hall
Northumberland
St. Christopher's Church Gunnerton is the only public building in the village and whilst its primary function is as a place of worship in the Anglican Benefice of Chollerton, it has since restoration in 2003/4 provided an additional function as a public place for meetings and gatherings of all types. It has a small kitchen with electric cooker and washing up facilities, a disabled w/c and separate disabled entrance and ramp. Regular functions are held such as a monthly lunch club, monthly afternoon teas and meetings of various local groups.
The building is of the Arts and Crafts period with carvings influenced by that movement, and designed by John C. Hawes who became an ordained priest. The design is in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. There is a magnificent stained glass W window installed in 2005/6 to a design by Tees-side artist William Tillyer. The building won a Hadrian Architectural Award in 2007.
322
Hadfield Hall
Derbyshire
Given to the people of the surrounding area by Edward Platt JP, a mill owner and local dignitary, the hall, which also houses Hadfield Library, is a well-loved centre for a wide range of community activities. Sadly our rooms are closed at the moment but we have high hopes for the future.
324
Hailey Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Hailey Village Hall stands in the middle of a village of about 1250 residents, next to a well-used playground and recreation ground. Like many others, in 2020 we have been hard-hit by COVID-19, not only in loss of income but also in the loss of our meeting place for regular monthly lunches and coffee mornings, much missed by our older residents. The hall is also the focus for many family celebrations – both happy and sad. We had the usual mix of regulars, cookery classes, keep fit, dog training, special interest groups including radio-controlled cars, plus business meetings and hobby groups, quizzes, bingo and jumble sales – the hall was used every day. Looking forward, we have made improvements and are currently excitedly awaiting the arrival of internet, hopefully giving us access to a different variety of hirers as we rebuild the business. In January a small, family-run business successfully transferred part-time into the hall, allowing us to partially re-open. Opened in 1963, the current building is showing its age and in 2019 a project was started to consider rebuilding. Unsurprisingly 2020 brought more barriers than successes so we look forward to better progress in 2021.
325
Halberton Village Hall
Devon
Halberton Village Hall is a friendly and welcoming hall with a suite of rooms which is available for hire seven days a week. The completely modern facilities comprise a Main Hall, the Jubilee Room, Committee Room and Library Reading Room. The Hall has ample parking, disabled access and toilets, a large fully-equipped kitchen, excellent central heating, and wi-fi internet. There is a modern PA system and flexible staging in the Main Hall. The newly refurbished Jubilee Room boasts a full-size snooker table, recently restored to high specification.
What is the Hall doing and providing?
The Hall provides a wide range of activities including clubs, eg the over sixties luncheon club, meetings, fitness activities, musical and theatrical performances, parties and corporate hires. We are particularly proactive in providing facilities for the elderly and disadvantaged in our community and surrounding area.
What difference is the Hall making?
The Hall’s facilities are used by all ages in our community. Wider community functions, birthday parties and children activities bring families and communities together. The Hall facilities enable the elderly, isolated and most disadvantaged in our community to benefit from health and wellbeing clubs; forge new friendships and feel part of our community.
What are our hopes for the future?
After most of the country is vaccinated we hope that parishioners will want to once again hire and use the Hall facilities similar to pre-pandemic times. A major drive for the future will be to better accommodate larger functions like weddings and community gatherings whilst being mindful of minimising our environmental footprint.
326
Halstock
Dorset
Artsreach performances in our hall give a great boost to the well-being of the community and surrounding areas. Looking forward to the end of covid restrictions and our next show.
327
Halton Gill Reading Room
Yorkshire
Hall for the use of residents of the parish
328
Hambledon Village Hall
Surrey
Hambledon Village Hall was built in 1902 as the Hambledon Institute and has been serving our small community in the Surrey Hills ever since. It provides the village with social activities such as the flower and produce show, the village quiz, the Christmas dance, fashion shows and more. Arts activities include regular performances from touring theatre groups (some through NRTF) and regular cinema evenings and in 2019 we held our first professional art fair. The hall is a social hub and support for children and parents through the toddler group and Cubs and it keeps the village active with Bowls and Pilates. We had to close during the first lockdown and activities such as Parish Council meetings and last year’s art fair, went online. With ACRE’s advice and support (and the hard work of our caretaker) we put Covid-secure measures in place and were able to re-open in September for most of our regular groups. We used the quiet time for repairs to the roof and some redecorating and we will soon be replacing the windows with double glazed ones to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the comfort of the hall. We have been completely closed since Christmas but with our active, enthusiastic and supportive village, we are looking to the future with optimism and are keen to resume our usual activities when we can.
329
Hambridge and Westport
Somerset
Situated overlooking the Somerset Levels and Burrow Hill, The Hambridge and Westport Village Hall must be in one of the most beautiful locations in Somerset. The playing fields surround the Hall and provide the opportunity for the Hall to be the centre of the community. We have a close association to the adjacent school, and a great team of volunteers preparing for the new dawn when public bookings can resume. The COVID situation has been used to update and improve the amazing achievements of the previous generation who concieved, built and maintained the Hall over forty years to the present day. A true community achievement.
330
Hampstead Norreys Village Hall
Berkshire
located on Dean Meadow, Hampstead Norreys
331
Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall
Yorkshire
Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall was established to give thanks to residents who returned from two World Wars and to honour those who did not. The current hall was built in the mid-60’s to replace timber ex-army camp huts which, following a Herculean effort by local residents, businesses and landowners, had been established there in the early 1950’s. It is the main community centre in the village and the only one large enough for major events with car parking space and multi-room access.
Broadband Wi-Fi access has enabled IT based meetings and courses to be hosted and a fully equipped proscenium stage with recently upgraded sound and lighting systems can attract as many as four productions in a year. Provision of digital film projection and the establishment of a regular Film Club has been particularly beneficial for the more elderly because the infrequency of local public transport services precludes their visiting main cinemas and theatres as often as they would like
2020 has been a difficult year, and for most of it the Memorial Hall has been required to be closed, but thanks to the excellent advice given by ACRE, we were able to put in place the necessary resources and procedures to meet the requirements for a Covid-Secure Venue and continue some activities. During the Covid lock-downs, Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall has supported volunteers by operating as a base to assist the storage, preparation and distribution of aid. Hampsthwaite is blessed with a team of well organised volunteers, located throughout the community, who help to ensure all those in need of support are able to access it.
Covid precluded a planned VE Day 75 commemoration but the Hall worked with local volunteers to organise a “Stay at Home Street Party - Decorate your House in Red, White & Blue and enjoy a picnic in your front Garden”. A group of elderly residents living on their own were identified as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘Party Packs’ were delivered to them from the Hall. During the day, the Memorial Hall, positioned in the centre of the village, broadcast 1940's music to create an appropriate atmosphere during the afternoon.
Throughout the year we have been pleased to provide a convenient and central location for the Ripon Mobile Post Office service which has proved to be a much needed asset following the recent closure of our local Post Office. During the current lock-dpwn, the hall kitchen is being used by a local small business to provide a popular and affordable take-away food service for the community.
Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall is operated entirely by volunteers guided by a Management Committee to which every village group or organisation is entitled to nominate a representative. The hall is required to be completely self-financing and derives its income from modest hire charges plus occasional very welcome (and essential!) grants for special projects from various outside bodies. Looking to the future we aim to improve the existing accommodation and expand the range of community activities available. Currently we are seeking support to refurbish wash-rooms and kitchen and work is in hand planning for an extension to include practical facilities suitable for arts, crafts, model making, antique restoration and similar activities.
332
Hare Hatch Village Hall
Berkshire
This Hall benefits the local community as it is used every day as a Montessori nursery school, and 4 days a week in the afternoons and evenings as a Ballet and Dance School for girls until their mid teens.
333
Harling Old School Village Hall
Norfolk
Harling Old School Village Hall is in the village of East Harling, Norfolk.
There used to be a Workhouse, on the site of the Village Hall, this was replaced by a school in 1837. By 1983, a new school had been built and the school building was converted to a village hall, complete with stage and dressing room. The hall is run by a very enthusiastic Management Committee of volunteers. Major renovations took place in 2008, with new roof, flooring, kitchen, cloak room, and storage space, followed by new toilets and a sound system and screen, in 2013. Until the onset of the Coronavirus, the hall was in use nearly every weekday and most weekends. Events include Tea &Tots, Baby Clinic, Carpet Bowls, W.I., Gardening Club, Brownies, Parish Council Meetings, Pilates, Keep Fit, Circuit Training, Film Club, fortnightly Lunch Club. The Management Committee have a coffee morning and lunch, every month, plus other fund raising events. The hall is hired for Parties, Quizzes, Theatre Group, Craft Fairs and meetings etc. The committee have worked hard on getting the hall Covid-19 secure, so when we are allowed to re-open we are ready!
334
Harrold Centre
Bedfordshire
The Harrold Centre sits at the centre of the village of Harrold in North Bedfordshire. Formerly known as the Harrold Institute, the original building was opened in 1902 and the main hall added in 1911. The village of Harrold has a long association with the leather industry and The Institute, as it was then, was built by a local philanthropist and leather factory owner Charles Pettit . The building was to be a place for everyone, for recreation and to enable the men of the village to learn new ideas and skills and that original purpose continues, in an updated form, to this day. As a tribute to its origins, the Centre hosts a small permanent exhibition of historic leather artefacts borrowed from the National Leather Collection.
The Harrold Centre has permanent snooker room hosting the Harrold Snooker Club, and also possesses land around, encompassing a children’s play area, a car park incorporating a bottle bank/recycling area, and two tennis courts leased long-term to the Harrold Tennis Club.
After some years of decline, in the early 1970s a new trust was set up to manage and improve the facilities. More recently the trust undertook an wide-ranging expansion and refurbishment which was completed in 2017. The Harrold Centre, the centre of village community life, now offers extensive, modern facilities and hosts many local groups including dance groups, toddler groups, amateur dramatics, keep fit, film nights and many others, as well as hosting private parties and celebrations. In addition, the Centre underpins the annual Harrold Pit run, a fun run raising funds for local organisations.
Sadly the Centre has been more or less closed since April 2020 due to the pandemic and like every Village Hall we hope to be able to resume our full range of activities as soon as is safely possible.
335
HARTING COMMUNITY HALL
Sussex
The Hall provides a wide range of activities and events plus pre-school and toddler groups. The Hall is a modern building and is a central part of our community and is very well supported. A great venue for any occasion! Please see our website for full information.
336
Hathersage Memorial Hall
Derbyshire
Hathersage Memorial Hall community facility has been in use for almost a hundred years. Although we have had to close during the lockdowns over the last year we usually provide a facility for a wide range of local community activities. These include major amateur dramatic performances three times a year, choirs, horticultural shows, jumble sales, receptions and parties celebrating life events. We also host a wide variety of local community activities, clubs and societies including badminton, brownies, a Film Club and U3A classes.
We and the adjacent famous outside swimming pool provide a focus for the village life. We look forward to being able to resume our activities as soon as we can safely do so.
337
Haughley Village Hall
Suffolk
From its central location in the village of Haughley this charming period building, previously a Maltings and drill hall, opened as a village hall in 1907. The hall has had extensive refurbishments over recent years including the complete renovation of the Green Room funded by National Lottery, repairs to the Maltings and Main Hall roof and the complete replacement of the Main hall flooring. Both the roof repairs and flooring replacement receiving substantial capital grants from MSDC. Haughley is an active vibrant community as the halls regular users show with a Pre-School, WI, Tai Chi, Disco Dancing, Arts & Crafts, Haughley Hoofers clog dancing and Haughley Amateur Theatrical Society. The hall has run a monthly Film Night from 2019 and started a Community Cafe in August 2021, it also hosts an annual Spring Quiz and Ploughmans Supper as well as events run by other community groups and is used as a Polling Station. The halls 3 halls are all available to hire privately for parties, weddings and other events.
Haughley Village Hall webpage at Haughley.org.uk
338
Havers Community Centre
Hertfordshire
Havers Community Centre offers two rooms which can also be joined into one large room with shared kitchen facilities, wifi and car parking. There is also a committee room for small meetings/lessons. The Centre usually has many users who host a variety of activities from Brownies/Cubs sessions to St John’s Ambulance Training, and many other private functions and events, such as a diverse array of exercise classes to wedding receptions and family parties. Its larger hall can normally accommodate up to 70 people and its smaller hall up to 40. The centre has been made Covid-secure, and remains open for the NHS to use free of charge twice a week during this Global Covid-19 Pandemic. The centre is an important part of the Bishop’s Stortford community and usually offers regular church services, mother and baby groups and other social gatherings such as an annual international lunch event, where people from different countries come together to celebrate community connections and get to know one another a little better. We look forward to re-opening further and re-engaging with the local community, as and when we can, in line with the latest Government Guidance.
339
Haxby Memorial Hall
Yorkshire
Our village hall started as a school built in1876. With the old school headmasters house now used by the caretaker. We are registered as a wall memorial and a charity run hall woth trustees from the local community. We have around 10 groups hiring the hall weekly. We have had a tough year as many but we have supported local communities around us throughout the pandemic including setting up community hub, support group and a foodshareproject feeding over 100 people. We rent part of the building to the parish Council and local business.
340
Headcorn Village Hall
Kent
Our new modern Village Hall was opened in 2006 which also incorporated into the design the original Church School (built 1870). This has provided us with a very versatile complex to meet the needs of all our residents from the very young to the elderly, with a wide range of clubs, societies and support groups available on a daily basis.
341
Headon-cum-Upton Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Headon-cum-Upton Village Hall was originally the village school, built by Me E Harcourt-Vernon of Grove Hall (the owner of all the land in the village) to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The school opened in 1899 and closed in 1959. When the Grove Estate was sold in 1946 village residents clubbed together to raise the asking price of £500. The Hall was extended and refurbished in 2000 and was officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal in 2002.
The judges’ comments when we won RCAN’s Best Run Village Hall in Nottinghamshire Competition in 2009 are still valid:
· A first class Village Hall for a place of this size
· The bar and cinema are brilliant community features with a number of strong community events
· The centre of village life
The Committee has continued to build on this success by further developing community activities, making this hall a vibrant centre of the community.
342
Heath Village Barn - Heath & Reach Community Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Our Hall was once the agricultural store and stables for the farm that stood adjacent to it, now 2 private properties. It is approximately 150 years old and is a wonderful calm, quaint space for so many local activities, groups, clubs and private functions. It has been home to many for decades, such as the Heath Band and Leighton Buzzard Children’s Theatre. War time minute books are an interesting read and back through the decades it has hosted many a drunken Christmas party; Tales of blacked out windows throughout the war and the birthplace of a much needed Pre-school for village children that has helped families form life long friendships in the community. The Hall and it’s grounds are used annually for community events which bring the whole village together to celebrate, usually going on into the night with lots of laughter and many memories made. We have made many positive changes to the building over the years, a new kitchen and roof, decorating and new equipment, all made possible with regular fundraisers that provide the local community with some fun activities and memorable nights out! Our hope it to continue to improve and refurbish the building: outside stabling will be renovated and used for dry storage, new flooring and maybe even disabled access and toilets over the coming years. We have set up a Website and Facebook page for the Hall which have proved very popular ways to enquire and book the Hall. The Committee is made up of enthusiastic local volunteers who are all committed to continuing the good work and ensuring the building will be the heart of village life for many generations to come.
343
Hebden Ibbotson Institute
Yorkshire
The Village Hall was opened in 1902. It was first used as a Reading Room where the local residents could come to read the daily newspapers. It has been the heart of this small community for nearly 120 years. It is used for many activities and supported by the village residents which has enabled the Institute to thrive and hopefully be still an important asset for many more years.
344
Heddon Village Knott Memorial Hall
Northumberland
The Knott Memorial Hall was built in 1936 for the benefit of the residents of Heddon by Sir T Garbutt Knott, in memory of his parents, Sir James and Lady Margaret Annie Knott.
The site upon which it was built formed part of the Church Banks; this had been, for many years, an unofficial playground for the village children. The Hall has a spacious stage with a green room on it’s north side which is 55ft long and 30 ft wide and an annex currently known as ‘the supper room’ The original floor was of polished birch and inlaid to mark out a badminton court.
The Hall has a well-furnished kitchen, ladies and gents cloakrooms and toilets. and is the location for a Public Access Heart Defibrillator.
It is currently used by various recreational and activity groups and is also the venue for the annual Heddon Village Show, the Ad Murum Singers’ Mid-Summer and Christmas Concerts, St Andrews Church Fetes and The Village Christmas Market.
345
Hellifield Institute
Yorkshire
Hellifield Institute, built originally as a school and Church facility in 1864, has served as a community hall in the middle of the village since 1915. It complements a network of village buildings and businesses that serve our community and are mutually supportive. Currently, it is constituted as a charity overseen by a voluntary board of trustees, who are recruited from the village, and provides a base for the Parish Council.
The Institute aims to provide a low cost venue for indoor events such as plays, concerts, children’s parties and celebrations. It hosts three sporting clubs, regular Saturday morning charity coffee events, meetings of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Institute, Parish Council and North Craven Flower Club and attracts a variety of occasional business activities. We are also used as a polling station and for pulmonary rehabilitation classes.
The Trustees are always looking for opportunities to engage as many villagers as possible in using the Institute (often referred to as the village hall) and are keen to encourage the younger generation to see the benefits of having a village secular facility that provides a large meeting and entertainment space.
346
Helmdon Reading Room
Northamptonshire
Helmdon village hall was built in 1887 by Charles Fairbrother as a Reading Room for the village. At that time a “reading” room was a public room where newspapers were provided with occasional lectures and public readings. Membership by subscription entitled people to use the room as a club, to read, talk, and do whatever else the membership decided upon. It had been managed with varying degrees of success by the church, the WI and volunteers from the working men’s club, until in 1979 it was registered as a charity and managed under a scheme drawn up by the Charity Commission. In 2020 the charity decided to adopt a new constitution and became a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) having greater powers to organise events and to co-operate with other village businesses.
The hall is still the hub of village activity with a regular weekly café running alongside an outreach Post Office and a book and DVD swap library. Birthday parties are popular, and we occasionally enjoy visits from rural touring drama and music groups suitable for all ages. Pre-Covid… there were very popular monthly lunch events for the elderly, fundraising suppers, four age groups of girl guiding, a sewing group, the WI, womens’ group, events for the Retired Fellowship and a film club. Groups are now returning to meeting in the hall on a regular basis and a grand village festival is planned for August to re-unite the whole village through fun activities, music and food. We should like to expand the range of events on offer to the village to include much more fitness and activity-oriented sessions for all ages.
We should dearly like to have some outdoor space attached to our hall to provide the flexibility for a greater variety of outdoor activities and sporting events ….. so more plans (and funds) are needed.
347
Helpringham Memorial Hall
Lincolnshire
Built in 1956 the Memorial Hall serves as a focal point for the village and surrounding area. Many clubs and societies meet there and a variety of events are put on to encourage community engagement. It serves to ease loneliness and encourage inclusion of all in our rural community. This important work will continue in 2021 when we shall relaunch all aspects of our activities from exercise classes to lunch club and festivities.
348
Henstridge Village Hall
Somerset
Our hall was built in the 1970’s it is of wooden construction and feeling it’s age. The Parish is now starting the process of building a new hall. In normal times we have many groups and activities using the hall and during the lockdown the local Primary School used the hall for PE lessons. For fundraising we hold monthly Car Boot and Table Top Sales and bi-monthly films and many other fun functions. Our Hall is at the heart of our community.
349
Henton Village Hall
Somerset
Henton Village Hall is run bay and for Henton and surrounding villages. It showcases green energy technology and sustainable planting with a community herb garden for all to use. Pre-Covid it was well used by local clubs, exercise classes, Headway support groups twice a week and for functions. Now made Covid safe Headway is restarting its support group and other essential services may hire the hall as well
350
Hernhill Village Hall and Playing Fields
Kent
The Hall, Playing Fields and Playground area have been available to Hernhill Residents and the surrounding Communities for over 70 years. Its beautiful setting, with far reaching views is only rivalled by its excellent facilities in the hall that can accommodate a wide and varied range of uses from Home Schooling, Fitness, Dancing, Childcare, Society Meetings, Art Classes, Music Practice, Needlework groups and Village Fete. Whilst outside its playing fields host local football and cricket teams covering all ages with full changing facilities available as well. The playground provides a good area for children and parents to meet after school or from the Childcare Centre next door throughout the year.
351
Herringswell Village Hall
Suffolk
Herringswell Village Hall was built in 1917 and extended in the 1960s. Apart from the Church it is the only facility in this small community and we hope to reopen again in the not too distant future.
352
Hesketh Bank Community Centre
Lancashire
The Trustees celebrated making their dreams of a brand new hall a reality this week! We have been proudly serving the residents of Hesketh Bank, Banks, Tarleton and beyond since 1944 and in 2019 marked our 75th birthday, whilst campaigning for funds to redevelop the site. With the support of The National Lottery, West Lancashire Borough Council, Hesketh Bank Parish Council and many more grants, gifts and donations - and not to mention blood, sweat and tears - this new, purpose built and eco-friendly facility will ensure that we continue to be a focal point for the well-being of generations to come.
353
Hewish and Puxton Village Hall
North Somerset
Hewish and Puxton Village Hall was built in the 1960s by the community. We completed a major refurbishment last year with the help of an ACRE grant so now we have a modern attractive space with a large car park. The Hall is a Covid-secure building, and has been open as much as possible during recent restrictions. We look forward to opening fully and welcoming back a wide variety of activities, dance classes, band practice, Scouts, dog training, WI, parties and more. There is also a meeting room ready for when Zoom is no longer the norm.
354
High Legh Village Hall
Cheshire
High Legh Village Hall in Cheshire was opened as a primary school building in 1905 and purchased by the Parish Council in 1981. It is now leased to the High Legh Community Association, a registered charity set up 1985, and is run and managed by the HLCA whose constitution aims are to provide a Community Centre for the education, recreation and leisure of High Legh residents.
The Hall has had several major refurbishments and improvements which have been made possible with grants, fund raising and contributions from the Parish Council and now has a well equipped hall and two meeting rooms, new toilets and a modern kitchen.
The Hall hosts village clubs, exercise classes, local community meetings, Social events including Sunday Teas, a monthly Coffee and Friendship morning, private parties and is an attractive and valuable amenity for the Village.
The Hall closed in March 2020 but with a lot of hard work and valuable advice from ACRE it reopened in September to a small number of exercise classes before closing again in December. We now look forward to reopening later this year to host community events and welcome back our many customers.
355
High Wray Village Hall
Cumbria
Our village hall is the place where local people and members of the wider community can gather, entertain, educate and support each other.
356
High Wych Memorial Hall
Hertfordshire
High Wych Memorial Hall was dedicated to the memory of Bishop Johnson of Colchester, a former vicar of High Wych, and to the officers and men of High Wych who gave their lives in The Great War 1914 - 1918. Since opening in 1923 it has been a centre for many village activities and cultural events ranging from The Women’s Institute to an Internet Cafe as well as hosting music events, fundraisers and wedding receptions! Unfortunately closed at present due to the Covid 19 pandemic, our outreach Post Office has continued to serve the community throughout both lockdowns. We look forward very much to re-opening and welcoming everyone back, hopefully in 2021.
357
Hilmarton Parish Church Hall
Wiltshire
Our present hall was built on a piece of land donated by the then Lord of the Manor in 1914. A prefabricated hall was built on the site in 1934 and as we come up to it’s 90th Anniversary, it will be replaced by an eco friendly hall to enable us to continue the many village activities taking place including the Community Cinema, Gardening Club, Indoor Sports and other ‘Get Togethers’.
No website available
358
Hinderwell Village Hall
Yorkshire
Set in the picturesque North York Moors National Park, near Whitby. Our old wooden hall which served the community for over seventy years was replaced in 2004. The new hall cost over £500,000, and was considered innovative at the time, including many sustainable energy features - rockwool insulation, photovoltaic cells, solar hot water system, passive ventilation etc. It continues to be used by fifteen to twenty local groups each year, as well as a venue for many private functions and fundraising events.
We intend to ask the community if there are any new activities they would be interested in attending, and hopefully attract younger members to join the committee.
Www.hinderwellvh.co.uk
359
Hindmarsh Hall
Northumberland
Here in Alnmouth on the Northumberland coast, our village hall began life 250 years ago as a granary for the busy C18 grain port. Today it is the hub of the community, hosting events nearly every day in pre-Covid times from Beach School for kids to the Seniors’ lunch.
We have turned the threat from Covid into an opportunity to complete extensive renovation work whilst the Hall is closed work and make the Hall. The aim is to conserve an historic Grade II listed building and make it more environmentally friendly and comfortable for users. So we are busy raising £120,000 of which we now have almost half.
Everyone misses the activities the Hall offers in the village and so we have made extra efforts to keep folk informed about the work with newsletters and posters.
A thriving village hall can be the glue that holds a community together.
360
Hixon Memorial Hall
Staffordshire
***The Memorial that lasts***
The Memorial Hall before the co-vid pandemic hit us, was busier then ever, with the village constantly growing, it still fulfils its original purpose, of providing a central meeting place for organisations and groups of all ages to come together and grow as a community. Instigated by Wilmot Martin , the local farmer whose touring concert parties raised the money to build the hall. He must have been a very proud man on 17th December 1926, when the hall was officially opened, and was to become a living memorial to those who served and lost their lives in the First World War.
Over the years fashions and trends change, so has the type of events held in the Hall. From being sustained in the early years by rummage sales and weekly Whist Drives, now the list of events includes, film nights,wine tasting, live music and more recently a very successful Comedy Night. As well as being used every day of the week, for various groups such as fitness class’s, Fortnightly luncheon club, Community cafe, History Society and Parish Council Meetings, and not forgetting Jelly Beans for the under school age. So the Memorial Hall goes from strength to strength, run and maintained by a volunteer Management Committee, and long may it continue.
361
Hodsoll Street and Ridley Village Hall
Kent
The hall has been closed during the lockdowns but the old telephone box next door was re-purposed as a community larder. The local residents kept the larder topped up with food and other domestic products and everyone helped themselves to items they needed. The larder has since developed into more of a book, puzzle and games swop. Over Christmas the village joined in our local parishes’ enterprise to decorate a window to represent a christmas carol. Hodsoll Street was given “God rest you merry, Gentlemen” and a fine display was placed in one of the Village Hall windows for all to see. The outside of the hall was festooned with christmas lights and a christmas tree was placed in one of the other windows as a sign of hope for the future. We are looking forward to restarting all our activities when the time is right.
362
Hognaston Village Hall
Derbyshire
Until Covid we ran Litebites, a monthly lunchtime get together, which was affordable and gave the villagers a chance to meet up , chat and get the latest gossip.
363
Holbeton Village Hall
Devon
Our Village Hall is one of the centres of Village Activities. We host Twinning exchanges with our Twinned Village in Brittany, Film Club, Lunch Club, School Indoor Games, Dance classes, Guitar tuition, Aerobics, Pilates and Yoga and Tango
We have Toddlers Stay and Play, an Active Drama group and we host the Annual Garden Society Show.
Recently we have redecorated throughout and are in the process of replacing the old heaters with lovely new Infra-red heaters and all the lights are now LED.
We have plans to improve the Garden space.
364
Holford & District Village Hall
Somerset
Following a complete refurbishment in 2019 we are now ‘fit for the future’ with all the modern facilities you could wish for. Our community was delighted with the result. It’s so sad we are currently all experiencing the Covid lockdown. Let’s hope for brighter things to come.
365
Holmfirth Civic Hall
Yorkshire
Holmfirth Civic is run by our community for our community.
366
Holyport War Memorial Hall
Berkshire
Everything we do is about “Bringing Holyport Together”, and right now a sense of community has never seemed more important. That’s why, despite the challenges of lockdown, we have been making lots of plans for the future. As well as welcoming back all our regular activities we are going to reconfigure part of the building over the coming year so that we can cater for a bigger and wider range of interests requested by the community, including support for local businesses and hireable facilities for home workers. We can’t wait!
367
Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground
Sussex
We are a village hall and recreation ground in the centre of Horam. The residents and groups rely on the hall for activities close to home, to make friends, to host and take part in community events. The recreation ground has been an invaluable open space for exercise throughout lockdown and the subsequent months of uncertainty with a massive increase in visitors as well as fitness groups seeking a new outdoor venue. Once we can re-open we have two new activities - a choral society and yoga to promote physical and mental wellbeing in this time of personal burdens that the community is experiencing as a result of Covid-19. We have have been able to respond to the changing needs of the community by providing two new activities - firstly a repair shop which is a wonderful community hub - friendships are formed, information about repairs are passed on and the skills of local volunteer repairers are on display, many of whom make their living from them. Secondly, we have recently installed two table tennis tables on the recreation ground, adding this outdoor pastime to encourage people to enjoy nature and the surroundings which has become increasingly more relevant with restrictions on meeting indoors. We have spent the last 5 years refurbishing the hall through fundraising and grants and installed a new playground, outdoor gym and skate park. Our vision for the future is to become carbon neutral.
368
Horham and Athelington Village Hall (The Old School)
Suffolk
Horham and Athelington Village Hall (known as The Old School), hosts coffee mornings, yoga, art and craft activities, exhibitions and talks, parties and quizzes, provides free computer tuition and has a licensed bar. We miss all of this and are looking forward to more normal times.
369
Horncliffe Memorial Hall
Northumberland
Horncliffe Memorial Hall serves a small parish in North Northumberland and provides space for several clubs, exercise classes and private parties. The Committee organises a wide range of activities from coffee mornings to themed dinners, workshops, music evenings and theatre. The aim is to bring the community together for relaxed, social gatherings and to hopefully provide something for everyone in order to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. We look forward to a return to business as usual at some point in 2021.
370
Hough Basford and Chorlton Village Hall
Cheshire
Founded is 1966 through the fundraising efforts of the community and the generosity of a local land owner, the Hall has evolved to meet the needs of changing user requirements. These have occurred as the Village has developed from a small rural cluster of properties to a larger more mixed environment. Prior to the effects of the pandemic, the Hall was running at near full capacity, still within the buildings erected for its opening, and plans were in process to rebuild the Hall to meet the customer and environmental expectations of the 21st centuary. Although currently on hold, this project will progress as soon as the conditions allow.
371
Houghton Regis Memorial Hall
Bedfordshire
A Hall in the heart of the community
372
Howick Village Hall (Copley Hall)
Northumberland
The Hall was originally built circa 1876 as a reading room for the village residents and employees of the Howick Estate and is formally named after Mary Copley, the wife of the 3rd Earl Grey. It later became the village shop, part of the Howick Cooperative Society which had outlets as far north as Belford. It is owned by the Howick Trustees, who run the Howick Estate, and has registered charity status. As the Village Hall it provides a focus for the local community our entertainments programme and private functions and regular groups: the Craft Club, Coastal Choir, Howick WI, Film Club, an Art Group and also plays and musical events put on by the Highlights Company. The Hall is very well supported by residents of outlying areas. In recent years it has undergone a number of improvements to keep the hall a welcoming place for all ages without spoiling its old fashioned village hall feel. The Hall is also used by the Howick trustees as a training facility for it employees and is registered with Northumberland County Council as part of their Emergency Community Assistance Plan.
373
Huby Memorial Village Hall
Yorkshire
Huby Village Hall stands in the centre of Huby near York. It is a much loved and well used asset for the Village. The building was donated after the end of WW2 by the Canadian Airforce who were based at RAF Linton on Ouse, where it had been used as a classroom. The Hall has been improved and modernised gently over the years and still serves the Village very well today. The hall will continue to be looked after by a dedicated committee to be used by every age group in the Village for activities to include: exercise, social gatherings, parties, scouting, dog training, martial arts and messy church. We hope this will continue for many years to come.
374
Hunsdon Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Hunsdon Village Hall Hall is a Grade II listed building, located at the heart of the community in the centre of the picturesque and historic village of Hunsdon in East Hertfordshire.
History
Hunsdon Village Hall was originally believed to be a house called Harlowes, owned by John Harlowe in the 15th Century. By 1806 the building was being used as the village school with Mrs Calvert of Hunsdon House assisting the schoolmistress. The Calvert’s extended the building in about 1817 by adding the two adjoining cottages for teachers accommodation. The building continued to be used as a school until 1927 when a new school was built in the village and the hall was then bequeathed to the village in a Trust which is now a registered charity. In 2010 the halls facilities were improved by the addition of a new annex extension which included accessible toilets, a meeting room, a health consulting room and a well-equipped modernised kitchen with an integral Internet Café and storage rooms. The construction also resulted in a self-contained rear garden.
Current Day
The hall serves the local and surrounding communities as a function venue and activity centre for all ages. We host clubs like Scrabble, Carpet Bowls and History Society for adults, as well as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts for the young and Mother and Toddler for the very young. In addition we hire the hall out for private parties and celebrations and commercial classes like Pilates, Yoga and dance. The rear garden is an especially attractive setting for weddings and other receptions and has in turn become a social network for the gardening club who over the year have worked as a team to tend and improve it. The building also acts as an assembly place for village hall, Parish Council and community meetings. Three mornings a week we have a much valued GP/nurse surgery and a weekly prescription service for those who find it difficult to travel to the health centre.
We are always looking to extend club activities and social offering and will be undertaking a survey to find out what the community most want. It is planned to work with the social subscribing teams to ensure we are joined up with peoples mental and physical health needs.
375
Huntshaw Parish Hall
Devon
With a new committee in place for the start of 2020, we were all systems go! Village Halls week set us off with a fantastic Open Day which was swiftly followed by a very well attended Skittles night. WE can’t wait to get started again in 2021 after our short stint before Covid. Really looking forward to getting our community back and more involved once again!
376
Hurworth Village Hall
Durham
Hurworth Village Hall is a lively and well used building offering the people of Hurworth on Tees a meeting place for exercise, crafts, socialising, learning and family gatherings. The Hall was built in 1864 for the Temperance Movement in Hurworth. It now has a varied programme of classes and is available for private hire. Hurworth Village Hall is a registered charity, being incorporated in 1960. It is run by the Trustees and the many wonderful volunteers who give their time and energy to making this an inviting community resource. We look forward to re-opening our doors after the Covid-19 pandemic and seeing our friends across the Hurworth area once again.
377
Hutton le Hole Village Hall
Yorkshire
Located in the beautiful North York Moors village of Hutton le Hole our village hall opened in 1939. It is regularly used for table tennis, pilates, dance fit, film nights and is our local polling station. Many entertaining evenings are held here - plays, music gigs, dances and quiz nights - it is also often hired out for caravan clubs, running and cycling clubs for their annual events. We are, sadly, currently closed due to the on-going pandemic but are hopeful and eagerly looking forward to re-opening as soon as we possibly can.
378
Ickleford Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Our hall was opened in 1925, when it was felt a Village Hall was needed since there was a sizable local community who needed a hall in which to hold their events. By Dec 1925 the Hall was complete and it arranged communal activities such as weekly dances and whist drives. In 1927 the annual children’s party was attended by 180 children. The small hall was opened in 1931 and was originally intended to provide Woodwork and Cookery teaching facilities for the school. When school meals were introduced, the main hall was initially used as a dining hall for the school.
More recently the Hall has become the focus for various groups rather than being organised by the Hall itself. Some of these such as the WI, Scouts and Brownies are longstanding national groups, but local groups such as Ickle Drama (drama classes mainly for children), pilates, keep fit and various dancing classes have become very popular. The Hall is also the ‘go to’ venue for children’s parties at the weekend.
We are looking forward to welcoming these activities and more back to our Hall in 2021 and also celebrating our centenary in 2025.
379
Ide Memorial Hall
Devon
Ide Memorial Hall is the main community hall for the village of Ide which is just outside Exeter. The Hall was built early in the 1900s and gifted to the community by the Church Commissioners after WW2. It has recently undergone a major refurbishment with community and grant funding. Under normal circumstances it is used for many different activities including communal social events, dance and fitness classes, village meetings, elections, children's parties, mother and toddler group, twinning events, educational classes, receptions etc. During lockdown when the Community Shop has been particularly busy the Hall has provided extra storage for stock. The photo shows a visiting group from our twinned village in Normandy. We look forward to continuing with all these activities as soon as possible. There are also plans for a village youth club.
and Ide Memorial Hall on Facebook
380
Ide Memorial Hall
Devon
Ide Memorial Hall is the main community hall for the village of Ide which is just outside Exeter. The Hall was built early in the 1900s and gifted to the community by the Church Commissioners after WW2. It has recently undergone a major refurbishment with community and grant funding. Under normal circumstances it is used for many different activities including communal social events, dance and fitness classes, village meetings, elections, children's parties, mother and toddler group, twinning events, educational classes, receptions etc. During lockdown when the Community Shop has been particularly busy the Hall has provided extra storage for stock. The photo shows a visiting group from our twinned village in Normandy. We look forward to continuing with all these activities as soon as possible. There are also plans for a village youth club.
381
Idmiston Parish Memorial Hall
Wiltshire
The Memorial Hall was built in 1958 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the World Wars, since then it has been at the centre of the community, hosting all sorts of happy events from the village fetes, the flower & produce shows to jumble sales and amateur dramatic productions. In recent years it has hosted a screening of the “Secret Spitfires” film , the village quiz and the starting point and tea tent for the “Open gardens”. All these events have been organised by volunteers within the community, have proved hugely successful and have helped raise funds for various charities and for the hall itself.
It is the venue for clubs and activities for all ages from Baby & Toddler to Over 60’s, Beavers & Scouts, Dance groups, Art clubs, Badminton & Short Mat Bowls , Pilates, the parish council meetings, the WI and a Day centre for the elderly. It is a great space for parties, childrens’ parties, christening celebrations,discos, “Big birthday” parties, wedding receptions and funeral teas
Once covid restrictions are lifted we hope to welcome many of our regular clubs back and host the following events:
Open gardens - held in early June on alternate years (fingers crossed for 2022)
Village Quiz - last Saturday evening in November (fingers crossed for this year)
Jumble sale - a joint venture with St Nicholas School ( fingers crossed for later this year)
382
Ingham and Cammeringham village hall
Lincolnshire
We are currently only open for the local PreSchool but we are really looking forward to being able to open again really soon and being able to offer some exciting events like we were before
383
Inglborough Community Centre
Yorkshire
We host the Community Library, Post office and Tourist information Centre. This is alongside welcoming groups for all ages including Parent and toddlers, W.I., over 60`s keep fit, ballroom dancing, line dancing, scottish country dancing, indoor bowls, archaeology group, Theatre Group, Village band and craft sessions. We also run lunch clubs and coffee mornings and local groups fund raise via regular Jumble Sales. During the pandemic we have become a call centre for delivery of prescriptions, shopping & library books. We have also operated a vaccine transport service to get people without transport to their appointments. The phone is always manned for anyone needing advice both during the pandemic and at “normal” times. The Community Centre is known as being the hub of the village.
384
Ingleby Barwick Community Hall
Tees Valley
Ingleby Barwick Community Hall was established as a charity by Trust Deed on 4th August 1993. It was constructed as a purpose built community hall and transferred to Ingleby Barwick Town Council (formerly Parish Council) under the conditions of the Trust Deed and is managed by a Management Committee consisting of members of the Town Council, Elected Members and User Group Representatives. The hall is hired out to groups for many different recreational and leisure activities for the benefit of the inhabitants of Ingleby Barwick and is open seven days a week, playing a very important role in the community. However, because of the coronavirus pandemic the hall has been closed for almost a year since March 2020 but is looking forward to re-opening when restrictions are lifted.
385
Iver Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
The old Village Hall was opened in 1881. It had a stage and was used for a large number of events – concerts, fund raising sales, meetings, parties and wedding receptions. It was demolished in the 1960s to make way for redevelopment. A Steering Committee and a Fund Raising Committee were set up to help organise the re-building of a new village hall. The County Council allocated land at West Square which was previously the site of the Garibaldi pub, Bakers Garage and F W Jones (carpenters and undertakers). The new complex would house the Iver Infant School, Kings Church and the village hall committee rooms. The Hall itself would be a shared use facility with the School and is managed in conjunction with the School and the County Council. On 13 June, 1979 a public meeting was held at Iver County Combined School (now the Junior School) to approve the Constitution of the Iver Community Association and to elect a Management Committee for the new Iver Village Hall. The official opening of the new village hall took place on 8th July 1980. One of Iver’s most distinguished former residents, HRH Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy SCVC who used to live at Coppins in Bangors Road and who was held in great affection by many Iver people who remember her as a little girl shopping in the Village, officially opened the new West Square complex. The main hall is large with a floor area of 30ft x 50ft plus a stage of 30ft x 14ft with back and front access and stage lighting. There is a hatch leading to a large kitchen with a large gas cooker, hot water, fridge / freezer, dishwasher, twin sinks and plenty or work surface. China and cutlery are available for hire. Two committee rooms are available for hire. Light weight tables of various sizes and chairs are available for use in the Hall and Committee rooms. 20th Anniversary of official opening. HRH Princess Alexandria returned to the Hall to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its opening on Saturday 22nd July 2000. The Management Committee have recently overseen a refurbishment of the premises after nearly 35 years of use. New floors, windows, paintwork, hall curtains, toilets , hall chairs and other works – some of which are ongoing – have been done
386
Iwade Village Hall
Kent
Iwade Village Hall was opened in 1957 and has served the village very well. During the COVID-19 restrictions we have only been able to open for one of the local Nursery groups but look forward to being able to welcome back the numerous regular hirers such as Scouts, Cubs, Brownies etc. as well as all the villagers who hire it at weekends for birthday and anniversary celebrations.
387
Jubilee Hall, Newton-on-the-Moor.
Northumberland
The Village Hall was built in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, hence the name. We play an important role for the local community who enjoy coming to Coffee Mornings on the second Saturday of the month. We also have Folk Music concerts and Ceilidhs, wine-tasting evenings and the hall is used by various groups including Carpet Bowls, Accordion Club, Fiddle Group and Pipers. The hall can be hired for private functions. During lockdown we have completely refurbished the kitchen and look forward to welcoming everyone back!
388
Jubilee Hall, Winsham
Somerset
A lovely building, gifted to the village by Lord Bridport, originally as a reading room, to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, becoming a charitable trust in 1965. Serves a small community of about 750 residents, and is kept very busy. Hi-tech facilities include wi-fi links, broadband, digital projectors, and a modern sound system. Located in the centre of the village.
389
Jubilee Park Hall, Bloxham
Oxfordshire
Jubilee Park Hall is one of three halls in the village of Bloxham in North Oxfordshire. It is the only one that is owned by the Parish Council and was completed in 1980 to commemorate the Queens silver jubilee in 1977.
It was extended in 2019 to provide separate sports changing rooms at one end and a smaller training/meeting room to complement the main hall. It is a popular hall for children's parties as well as regular Pilates, yoga and keep fit classes. It is also a regular meeting place for Bloxham WI, History Club and Flower Club.
390
Katrina Bell
Lancashire
Pilling Village Hall is a brand new Village Hall built during 2020. It replaces the old Memorial Hall which was a central part of village life. We are very much hoping that this up to date facility will soon find its way into the hearts of the people of Pilling and surrounding areas, providing a much needed place to revitalise village life following the Covid 19 pandemic. We can’t wait to open our doors!
391
Keele Village Hall
Staffordshire
A small vintage building in the heart of our community. Simple facilities but a homely venue for parties for all ages and a place for community and social groups to meet. Owned by the parish council and managed by volunteers.
392
Keevil Village Hall
Wiltshire
Providing a hub for the village to hold classes, provide entertainment and generally socialise. Also accommodate a Post Office one afternoon a week.
393
Keinton Mandeville Village Hall
Somerset
Built in 1998, the hall is so well used we are now considering adding an extension.
394
Keyworth Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Keyworth Parish Hall houses four meeting rooms and a Recreational Ground is located immediately outside. The Village Hall is regularly used by 38 different organisations, many supported by the Parish Council via reductions or waiver of fees. Part of the recreational ground is shortly to receive a peace garden in recognition of those who lived locally and died in the two World Wars.
395
Kimpton Memorial Hall
Hertfordshire
Hall used for a wide variety of uses by whole village community from exercise classes to wedding receptions, Community group meetings, plays and concerts. Currently closed due to COVID restrictions but is a COVID secure venue.
396
Kingsclere Village Club
Hampshire
The Kingsclere Village Club is run entirely by volunteers, managed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for decision making and the day to day running of the building. The Club was originally built as workers cottages in the mid-1700s with significant alterations to the frontage in 1832. It was donated to the villagers by the Holding family in 1921, so this year we celebrate our centenary.
Maintaining the fabric of the historic building, a significant part of the Kingsclere Conservation Area, and maximising its use for the benefit of the Kingsclere community are the focus of the Board's work. As well as the original building, we have a modern hall, patio and garden. We are currently updating the facilities through the provision of WiFi, improving the heating system and developing the garden.
The Club holds a variety of classes, has a dedicated therapy room and is home to several local clubs and associations. We also hold our own events such as talks and live theatre. There are rooms of different sizes available for private hire, including kitchen facilities. In addition, there is a Police Office, the Parish Council Office and the Community Library (which is run by a separate group of dedicated volunteers).
Though much of our normal activity is on hold in the current circumstances, we are continuing to serve the people of Kingsclere by offering remote classes and events.
398
Kingston Seymour Village Hall
North Somerset
Our hall is a fantastic hub in the village. We have no pub, so our licensed bar is a huge asset. As is our busy skittle alley.
399
Kingswood Village Hall
Surrey
The Kingswood Village Hall is operated by the Kingswood Village Community Association (KVCA) and is available for regular and one-off bookings. It has a main hall, raised stage with lighting, dressing room, foyer, kitchen and toilets. The main hall can seat 120 cinema-style and up to 72 seated at tables. It boasts a versatile audio-visual system, which can be hired at a small extra charge, and also WIFI and video streaming. There is also a good upright piano. The kitchen is well-equipped with a large oven and hob, a microwave oven and a small fridge. Both cutlery and china are available at no extra charge. The Hall has an adjacent car park with space for up to 18 vehicles. The Hall is an ideal facility for drama, concerts, lectures and presentations, local association meetings, exercise groups (for example yoga, Pilates, tai chi, fitness) and dance classes. It is used very successfully for quizzes, wine tastings, coffee mornings and has hosted toddler playgroups and table tennis. The Hall is also very popular for private parties for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and other celebrations.
400
Kirk Deighton Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our village hall is 8 years old and is in a village just outside Wetherby. It’s normally very busy with exercise classes, u3a groups, Guides, children's groups and parties. It’s a meeting place for villagers and is much loved.
401
Kirklevington and CastleLeavington Memorial Village Hall
Tees Valley
After the end of the Second World War, there was a growing realisation that the parish required some form of community hall and to this end, various groups set about fund raising. A host of different events took place to raise enough money and a parcel of land was purchased from the Hearse Trust for £25 in 1949. In 1955, the hall’s management committee, a charitable trust, was drawn up and formally registered. This body was responsible for raising money for construction. After the war, building materials were in short supply and the initial structure was made from poor quality wood with a corrugated asbestos roof.
Essentially this early hall comprised two main buildings. The larger, on the north side, adjacent to Forest Lane, was the major hall, having a stage, toilets and a small annex on its north side. To the south of the main hall was a smaller building which served as a kitchen and a general purpose facility. The present car park was surfaced with cinders and grass. Heating, where there was any, was by wall mounted electric fires. It was all very basic but functional, needing ever increasing repairs over the passing years.
In the 1970s the population of the village had grown. A new school was built and at the same time, the need for a totally new, brick built hall became evident. There was not enough money available to construct the entire structure as seen today, but instead the work took place in two phases. In order to have continuous use of the main wooden hall, Phase One involved the demolition of the kitchen on the south side and the construction of the present “small hall”, kitchen, bar area, entrance hall and toilets. Two points of access were cut into the old wooden hall to integrate it temporarily with the start of this new build. Gas had yet to reach Kirklevington, so heating continued to be by means of wall mounted, electrical fires.
In the early 1990s, more money was raised by the village by means of rentals and social functions. Also, various relevant grants enabled the Second Phase of work to start. The old wooden hall, still attached on the north side of Phase One, was taken down and the previous points of access were permanently integrated to enable access between the two structures. This Second Phase now comprised the present “large hall”, snooker room, Pump Lane exit and stairway to the upper balcony. Much easier access to the storage rooms above the “small hall” was now possible. Gas had now arrived in the village and became the new means of heating. The carpark was properly surfaced also. During the 21st century there has been an ongoing process of additions and improvements throughout.
402
Kirkwhelpington Memorial Hall
Northumberland
Kirkwhelpington Memorial Hall
The church in Kirkwhelpington dates from the 13th Century although little of the original fabric remains as this area of North West Northumberland suffered badly in the border wars and the subsequent border reiving. Today the parish of Kirkwhelpington has a total population of under 400.
In September 1921, a committee formed to build a village hall in Kirkwhelpington approached the Duke of Northumberland for a suitable piece of land. Their intention was to erect a wooden hut and they negotiated with Mr Papillon, the Dukes agent at Barrasford over the land. Having established the site, it was agreed that it should be leased for 1/- per annum. In 1925 the land was gifted to the Trustees.
There was much discussion over whether the building should be wood or stone and the Ladies Committee proposed that it should be a Memorial Hall. The decision for stone must have been made and £450 had been raised by March 1923 when an architect, Mr. Stanley Brinton, was appointed to draw up plans
The finished hall was opened in 1927 by the then Duke of Northumberland. A fantastic achievement for such a small community. There was a main hall, a small room known as the supper room and a small kitchen. There was no electricity in the village when the hall was built so it was heated by open coal fires and lit using acetylene gas from a generator and then in 1937 changing to oil lamps
In February 1946 there was a request for the village school to be able to provide school dinners in the hall. It was agreed to allow the Education Authority to build an extension to the kitchen which would revert to the hall when no longer required. Other improvements had been made over the years. The hall was wired for electricity in1952 and central heating installed. The hall was a great asset for the village and had been particularly famous for its dances and Christmas whist drives.
At a Public Meeting on the 19th March 1997, it was suggested that a good way to celebrate the Millennium, which would benefit the whole village, would be to rebuild the hall kitchen, which was way below modern standards.
A meeting was held with Kate Duckham of the Community Council to consider ways of raising the necessary funds and she suggested applying to the 21st Century Halls for England Fund. She also suggested that we should perhaps consider pulling down the jumble of buildings at the back of the hall and build a proper extension.
The idea made sense but seemed very daunting. A Village Survey was carried out to see what improvements people would like to see. Using the results from the survey, plans were drawn up for a proposed extension and provisional estimates for likely costs were obtained.
To cut a long story short the application was approved by 21st Century Halls for England and matching funds obtained. Although the millennium deadline was missed, the official reopening of the hall took place on 24th June 2000. The hall now has an annex opening off the main hall, which can be closed with an acoustic partition and a modern kitchen with serving hatches to the annex and the main hall. Toilets including an internal disabled toilet and a public disabled toilet accessed externally. Indoor storage space was created with an external store for maintenance equipment. A new boiler and under floor heating was installed and a new entrance lobby built with wheelchair access and giving separate access to all rooms and facilities.
Since 2000 the management committee have continued to invest in the hall with a high level of maintenance and refurbishment. A significant development occurred in 2003 when it was agreed that the village post office, previously run from a private house, would be accommodated in the village hall and the supper room was repurposed for this. It is the only full time Post Office covering a huge area of Northumberland and provides a great service. It has the added advantage that the hall is open 6 days a week during Post Office hours as well as opening for all the usual hall activities. The Post Office has remained open throughout the pandemic, when in addition to providing all the normal post office services, it has been a hub for milk, bread and vegetable deliveries. Few small villages have had such easy access to the necessities of life during the Corona virus crisis.
We are all looking forward to being able to resume the many activities, which took place in the hall before lock down. youth club, carpet bowls, yoga classes, music nights, meetings, dances, birthday and wedding parties, wakes, whist drives, concerts and theatre performances. When all Covid19 restrictions are lifted, it will be Kirkwhelpington Memorial Hall that will be the venue for a big village celebration.
403
Kirton & Falkenham Village Hall
Suffolk
The Village Hall sits on the boundary of the two villages of Kirton & Falkenham, approximately 3 miles from Felixstowe in Suffolk.
Kirton & Falkenham Village Hall was gifted in Trust, to the two villages by two local land owning families (Ernest Prettyman, Viscount Newport and William Paul) and was opened by Lady Beatrice Prettyman on May 23rd 1906. The Trust holds charitable status and has been overseen and managed by users and residents of the two villages since opening.
Land owned to the rear of the Village Hall was used to establish a bowls green in 1921 and continues in active use.
In the past the Hall has been home for a variety of users including: Parish Council; British Legion (Men’s and Women’s sections); Football Club meetings; Over sixty Club; Village reading room.
This century, the Hall has become home to the local preschool playgroup during weekday school term time, with an outside fenced play area created to the rear.
The current regular users of the Hall are: Preschool Playgroup; Whist Drive; Women’s Institute; Gardeners’ Club; Short Mat Bowls; Thursday Club; Quilting Group. It is also used for ad-hoc parties and other celebrations.
Both the Women’s Institute and the Bowls Club are celebrating their centenary years in 2021.
Alterations were made to the building in the mid 20th Century to add a kitchen and toilets. This addition was enabled by adding a lesser sloping roof partway down the main rear roof to create a slightly increased footprint. The Hall had been heated by two fireplaces, and water heated by an associated copper boiler, however the fireplaces and chimneys were removed during these changes, and two large gas heaters installed. This century our plans are to improve the facilities by upgrading the facilities (toilets, kitchen, and storage/office space) to ensure it retains its appeal to current and future residents of Kirton and Falkenham.
404
Kirton In Lindsey Diamond Jubilee Town Hall
Humber & Wolds
From Prison to Pillar of the Community. The Town Hall has been at the centre of the community for over 120 years but its history is very different; it was once the Sessions House of Kirton Bridewell (prison) and was in a different part of the town.
When the prison closed in 1872 it quickly became ruined and the townspeople decided to use some of the stone to create a community building in the Market Place on the site of the old and dilapidated Greyhound Inn.
The money was raised by public subscription and the foundation stone laid on 16th June 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The hall formally opened in 1899 amid great pomp and ceremony. It is now a registered charity (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) run by a Board of Trustees
The building has been the focus for a wide range of activities ever since and has seen activities as diverse as wedding receptions, land auctions, film shows, indoor sports and exercise classes, dances and live music, and a community cafe. It is also the home for many local societies and interest groups and the Town Council.
It is an imposing building of great interest which dominates the Market Place and in 1985 it was given Grade II Listed Building status by English Heritage in recognition of both its current architectural features and its unusual origins.
Apart from 2009/10 when the hall was closed for a year for refurbishment and extension, it has been available for community use ever since it opened but now it is closed until the Covid crisis is over. As the hall supports four part-time jobs, this is a particularly challenging time but we have survived and are looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming people back.
405
Knowbury Memorial Hall
Shropshire
The Memorial Hall was officially opened on Saturday 29 November 1958. The origional trust deed stated that represatives on the committee would be all the village organisations such as church, chapel,Parish Council, WI, British Legion etc. Prior to that there was a small parish room which belonged to and attached to the churchused by the village for socials as well as church activities. A number of villagers felt at the end of the war, it would be appropiate to build a hall as a memorial to those village menwho fought and those who gave their lives during the war. A public meeting was held ihn the Knowbury Chapel on 6th June 1944 where there was a unaminus vote by 36 members present to build after the war, a permanent memorial to lads of this village and for those who did not return. It was decided to call it the Knowbury Memorial Hall fund. Fundraising dances, whist drives were planned as was a subscription list for the penny a week fund. The origional wooden structure was replaced by the present brick build in 1997. The hall prior to the lockdown was used by the mother and toddlers group, WI, Church fundraising, musical evenings, pantomimes, weddings and other functions booked by the public. The field adjacement to the hall is privately owned and we organise every November a bonfire night, B-B-Q with bar, stict regulations are enforced as required by our insurance company.
406
Lady Alice Memorial Recreation Ground and Village Hall
Somerset
The existing hall was built in1976, however as the years progress so do the number ofpeople using the hall. With the change in the type of activities using the hall andnumbers of differing groups wanting space, this has put pressure on the availablefacilities. Also the maintenance has increased in monetary terms and complexity withsuch an aging structure. We completed a Community Survey to all villagers and endusers. This provided a clear indication of what the community wanted - a new hall. A sub-committee was formed to compile a Client's Brief which would capture all that thecommunity and end-users had communicated to us. This document incorporated manyof the ideas and suggestions from the Sport England web site together with many RIBAsuggestions. We then investigated Architectural Practices with a track record in Village Hall design and asked four of them to provide us with quotes up to Stage 1 RIBA. We then chose two from the four quotes and interviewed both practices, to see if we couldwork together to fulfill the communities wishes and aspirations. The Aim of the Trustees is to provide a central amenity that provides adequate facilitiesfor ALL. That includes maintenance and enhancement to an aging building, with facilitiesnot in the 21st century. Our objective is to upgrade the existing facilities, possibly by building a small extention and reconfigutre the internal areas, to encouragemore end users and enhance the experience for existing users. Over the next 12 months we would like to obtain planning permission for our plans, and receive tenders for the building work. Whilst this is progressing we hope to raise sufficient funds to enable the buildinging work and fitted out. Our intentions are to manage the existing building whilst the work is achieved. Thus maintaining good relationships with existing users and providing a constant facility for ALL.
407
Lamorna Village Hall
Cornwall
Lamorna Village Hall began life in 1881 as Lamorna Church of England School, to serve local children and the children of the Lamorna quarrymen. The building was purpose built and designed so that it could also be used as a church. Due to poor funding and a decrease in the number of pupils after the quarry closed in 1911, the school failed to thrive and closed in 1921. During the 1960s a group of enthusiastic people transformed the redundant building into Lamorna Village Hall, which has served the community ever since. The Hall offers a variety of events, concerts, lectures and classes throughout the year and an informal carol service at Christmas. The Committee organises an annual series of autumn and winter talks, plus a popular Christmas Fair. The Hall is used as a polling station and as a meeting room for the St. Buryan, Lamorna and Paul Parish Council. It is also available for private hire.
The building itself was beginning to show signs of old age, the kitchen needed modernising and the toilets making more accessible. With this in mind the Committee spent several years of hard work fund raising. Consultation evenings were arranged to enable local residents to have their say and make suggestions. Many fund raising events were arranged, including an auction of paintings, where Penzance auctioneer David Lay gave his services free of charge and a very successful classical concert was given by Duo Lamorniana. The local community supported all these events with enthusiasm and contributions to the renovation fund. Meanwhile the Committee was busy completing and submitting applications to various bodies who offer grants to help keep rural communities to continue to thrive.
The target amount was finally reached and in 2020, in the throws of Covid, renovation work on the kitchen and toilets began, and new, draught-proof windows were installed in the Hall. This work completed, the Hall could not reopen until the Covid regulations were relaxed, as it is such a small space. Finally in July 2021 the doors were opened to the public and a celebratory on opening event was held in conjunction with an art exhibition by the Lamorna Kerr Art Group.
408
Lanchester Community Association
Durham
Founded over 50 years ago, the association's function is to facilitate local groups and organisations to educate, entertain and develop interests in activities across the community. We also provide various rooms for social events. We have a gym open to anyone who wants to improve their fitness. The centre has been used for diverse events from baby and toddler groups through to meetings including a judicial public enquiry on the development of the village. Learn to sew, play table tennis or bridge or sing with our male voice choir, we have a suitable venue for you.
lanchestercc.co.uk
409
Landford Village Hall
Wiltshire
Whilst our Village Hall may not be the prettiest in Wiltshire, it was built to serve a purpose and it certainly does that, in normal times of course. After years of hard fund-raising, the Hall was finally opened by our then MP, Robert Key, in December 1993. The decision had been taken to provide a hall suitable not only for social events, but for a variety of indoor sporting activities, and that has proved to be an excellent choice. An additional meeting room and large store room was added and opened in 2010. The Hall is regularly used for Badminton (there are 2 courts), Short Mat Bowls (room for 4 mats), Table Tennis, children's Gymnastics, Yoga, Pilates, Cheerleading, Martial Arts, and also by a painting group. The New Forest C of E Primary School uses the Hall for PE when they cannot go out-of-doors, and for the normally annual Christmas festivities. The local Churches use the Hall for the annual Christingle Service. There are also regular charity fund-raising events held in the Hall. There are 2 separate meeting rooms, and Landford Parish Council uses one of them for their meetings. The Hall has proved more successful than the committee ever dared to hope. All those years of fund-raising have paid off! The current management committee and all the regular users look forward to the day when the doors can be opened for business once again. At this moment, like so many Village and Community Halls, the future is somewhat uncertain. However, as and when life returns to normal, I am confident that the members of the management committee would agree with me that the future for Landford Village Hall on the scale of 1-5, is a resounding 5.
410
Langcliffe Village Institute
Yorkshire
We are in a small rural village on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and we have no school, pub, or shop. The institute is the social hub for all for our community, as have many other halls, we opened and had lettings when able..even managing to run a covid secure charity bake sale for a local cancer charity. Whilst closed to hirers we did provide music from the hall for our VE day celebrations and the grand switch on of the village christmas lights, that had been organised by our village covid 19 support group. We are incredibly grateful for the govt covid 19 support grants, as without them we would be in dire financial trouble. We look forward to reopening and welcoming locals and visitors back for music, keep fit, dog training snooker, table tennis, short mat bowls, lectures and our famous homemade sunday teas..
411
Langford Parish Hall
Wiltshire
Our village hall was donated to the parish by a generous benefactor 110 years ago. It is the hub of our village and in normal times offers a space for meetings, coffee mornings, pop up markets, keep fit, table tennis, youth club, parties, film nights and live musical events. During lockdown 1 we used it as a depot for pre ordered fresh bread deliveries. We are now offering a work hub as a break from working from home and a rehearsal space for individual musicians.
412
Langford Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Village Hall adjacent to King George Memorial Playing Field. The hall was built with monies raised in the village in 1976. There is a main hall, small hall, bar facilities, stage and changing room, which are hired out to regulars, and for weddings, birthday parties and other gatherings. The hall is on land owned by the Parish Council but run as a Charity by a Management team of volunteers.
413
Langham Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
The hub of the community for over a hundred years and still going strong. Weekly Post Office continues during these difficult times and we are using the downtime to continue with our refurbishment project
414
Langley Village Hall
Kent
Opened in 1974. We now serve a much wider community with a lot of new housing being built just over a mile away. Thanks to grants received during the pandemic we have been undertaking repairs and a bit of a refurb. Just had news that Ballet and football will be back mid April ! Things are looking up.
415
Langwith Bassett Hall
Derbyshire
Leased from the Duke of Devonshire and renovated with a lottery Heritage Grant in 2005, a lovely asset to rural community life.
416
Lawshall Village Hall
Suffolk
In comparison to some of the villages listed, our Hall is relatively modern. It has a large, well fitted out kitchen with a dishwasher, a large hall with a curtained stage and a smaller room with a large hatch to the kitchen with a further smaller room which is generally used as storage for additional chairs. There is further storage in a room at the side of the stage as well as underneath it. There is also outdoor space where a marquee could be used. We have an assortment of groups using the hall ranging from a Gardening Club, Dog Training, Pilates, Karate an Over 60’s Group and a Ladies Club as well as a Young Farmers Club to name but a few. The Hall is also booked for Parties and the occasional Wedding. We have held MacMillan Coffee Mornings and various entertainments at Christmas. The Village Hall has recently obtained a Projector and installed WIFI to encourage business groups to use the Hall. During the recent Lockdowns, the Village Hall Committee instigated a Wednesday Market in the Car Park. Traders pay a small fee to the Village Hall and the Market is quite well attended as we do not have a shop in the Village. We have a Fruit and Veg Stall, A Cheese and Pie Van, A Meat Van and a local resident collects pre-ordered bread from the nearby Town to be collected. Alongside the Market a recently retired lady from the Village has started a Community Cafe with help from volunteers within the Village. It is hoped that this will go on to serving light lunches. We also have a Fish and Chip Van stop in the Car Park on Tuesday evenings. Like most Villages, we cannot wait to get out of the awful situation that we are currently in as a Country and have normality return to our Village life.
417
Lawton Memorial Hall, Church Lawton
Cheshire
Lawton Memorial Hall was built to commemorate residents that gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars. It was officially opened in October 1953 by Mr R.G Lawton. After a well used community hall for many years, the wooden shaling was no longer able to meet the demands of building legislation. From heroic fund raising and a contribution from the National Lottery Fund a new purpose built brick building opened in July 2000 to provide residents of Church Lawton and surrounding areas, a facility for organisations and groups of all ages and interests to meet. Lawton Memorial Hall is a versatile venue perfect for a wide range of events. We are located on the Cheshire East / Staffordshire border, with excellent public transport links and free car parking. Set in a lovely countryside location, Lawton Memorial Hall is tastefully decorated and has a welcoming atmosphere. We have various rooms available to hire, from meeting and treatment rooms to the main hall. We are looking forward to opening up to the public again and our regular hirers and their clients are keen to return post lockdown.
418
Laxton Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Laxton Village Hall is a registered charity housed in a new building which was completed in Spring 2013 thanks to funding from . There is a large main hall with an adjoining, well-equipped kitchen and modern toilets. With the lifting of COVID restrictions we are now able to hold our monthly coffee mornings. Various groups regularly use the hall including a reading group, Pilates group and an art and craft group. We now have high-speed fibre internet via Gigaclear through their community hub scheme. In the next few weeks we hope to install a community defibrillator.
419
Lea Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Lea Village Hall Lincolnshire is a 1938 Women’s Institute Hall, managed as a charity by a Trustee Management Committee. The hall offers lots of activities run by regular user groups, and is also available for private hire. We always looking for new members, who live locally, to join us on our Trustee Committee.
420
Leconfield Village Hall and Recreational Club
Yorkshire
Leconfield Village Hall covers the villages of Leconfield, Arram and Scorborough and during the Covid closure, both the club and hall have undergone renovations, which is still on going, the recreation club bar being completely redecorated and the toilets updated including disabled facilities. The whole premise has a new fire alarm system , as well as a medical room with first aid and covid protection equipment, and with the help of the Governments Restart Grant plans are in hand to provide an up to date kitchen with cafe to compliment the meeting rooms and large hall that presently accomodates many parish activities, such as indoor bowls, badminton, WI and Girl Guides.
421
Lee Memorial Hall
Devon
Lee, and the associated village of Lincombe, are located on the North Devon coast, a few miles to the East of Ilfracombe. Founded in 1923, our village hall was built as a memorial to those who served - and in many cases died - in the Great War. The hall is at the core of the community and in ‘normal’ times hosts a range of events from Spring Fair to Christmas Candle lit dinner, with flower shows, crafts workshops, playgroup, wedding receptions and myriad events in between. Lockdown has provided an opportunity to lay a new floor and replace the childrens’ play area, thus completing a range of refurbishements since 2010.
422
Leeming Village Hall
Yorkshire
We are a small rural village hall serving 4 communities, making us very busy at times. We offer dog training classes, children’s dance class, cookery lessons, brass band practice, Art Group, Craft group and community coffee morning, as well as hosting Parish council and other meetings and private party functions. During the lockdown closure we took the opportunity to replace floorings throughout and refurbish toilet facilities, so look forward to welcoming everyone back to a new look hall when restrictions are lifted in 2022.
423
Leigh on Mendip Memorial Hall
Somerset
Erected in 1956 but with a modern extension our hall hosts various excercise classes, meetings for the WI, Parish Council, toddler group and the over 50’s Active Living Centre, private celebrations and is the local voting venue, just to mention a few of its functions.
424
Leigh Park Community Centre
Wiltshire
Now on our 3rd lockdown we have been working behind the scenes to establish a new way forward to make our community feel safe. Online networking has become the new normal of saying hello and seeing how others are coping and to share information. We are very much looking forward to re-opening and re-uniting with our visitors old and new. Stay safe everyone :)
425
Leigh Village Hall
Dorset
Our Hall was built in 2008 and has been an amazing success. Before the Covid meltdown the Hall was used everyday and sometimes twice a day.
426
Lesbury Village Hall
Northumberland
Lesbury Village Hall is a Grade 11 listed building. We have a full repairing lease, but try to keep our charges as low as we can. So far, our income from hiring the building and using it for community clubs and events has enabled us to cover our general running costs. In the last four years we raised funds, mainly through grants, to enable us to refurbish the hall completely. The hall is a much loved community venue and, under normal circumstances, it is fully used every week day, as the “what’s on” link shows on our new website. There are special events at weekends and the hall is available for parties, weddings and exhibitions. During the pandemic we have done all we can to keep our community together. We are a designated “Warm Hub”, and as a result many of our events include the provision of food. We have managed to continue to provide a regular lunch bag for members of our lunch group, all of whom are in the 85-98 age group and live alone. Thanks to grant funding sourced by Community action Northumberland (CAN) we have also been able to provide equipment and have trained several members of the lunch group to use zoom. There are designated zoom sessions with food twice a month and chats twice a week. We now have one lady in the group who is able to set up meetings herself and she organises chat sessions with individuals, picks up any urgent requirements to let us know about and also helps others in the group to set up meetings. It has been a real life line for this group. The Garden Club and Photography Club hold zoom meetings and the members of the Art and autumn Club keep in touch in the same way. Now that we have refurbished the building and have a full programme we are looking to the future. We want to run broadband in the hall and make it a digital hub, although given our other overheads and the wish to keep hire charges low it is providing to be too expensive at the moment. We feel that many people who are very elderly will find the journey to the hall quite difficult after being virtually housebound for a year or more and we want them to be able to participate in as many events as possible. We also want to explore green energy and we would like to provide electric charging points close to the hall. Most of all, we want our hall to meet the needs of its community and to continue to grow the support we offer.
427
Liddington Village Hall
Wiltshire
In 2019 we celebrated 25 years since the hall opened and being at the centre of village life
428
Little Gransden Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Set on the site of a World War 2 WAAF building our village hall was started with money from the unused Spitfire Fund in 1959. Since then we have extended and improved the building as one generation of Trustees succeeds the last. Used to being busy and active and a host for numerous activities and local groups, the current situation has left us feeling a little lost and helpless. However, we have made sure our community knows we are there for them, this week and always, with a colourful display in our windows.
429
Little Hadham Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Little Hadham Village Hall was built in 1971 and is of wooden construction. It is our 50th anniversary this year and we will be celebrating with showing off our new cinema equipment and kitchen all achieved in lockdown. We will continue our efforts by moving forward with our major refurbishment which will be to replace our old windows and floor and build a new storage facility. The past year has indeed presented us with challenges which our volunteers have responded to brilliantly. Through the pandemic we are now resetting how we support our community needs with Health and Wellbeing and social connections including digital technology
430
Little Milton - Pine Lodge
Oxfordshire
Our current village hall, plus post office and shop in Little Milton, near Oxford, were built about 15 years ago following a Herculean fund raising effort by the community which has given us arguably one of the best halls in the area (we are of course biased).
With us all missing the ability to gather and let off steam we did our best in 2020 to quickly reopen between lockdowns when possible for exercise classes and clubs to gather (with excellent support and advice from ACRE). However it has of course been a quiet year for us all.
This has given us time to think how the hall could be improved, and also for us to develop some new ideas for programs and activities that we could offer the local community in the future. Top of the list right now is planning for a post Covid summer Big Bash (we may need to find a catchy name!). The big unknown of course, is when to hold it...
431
Liverton Village
Yorkshire
Liverton Village Hall has won many awards for the initiatives and projects which have brought it to the heart of the community as well as surrounding villages and towns. We run regular events including Scarecrow Festival, Cider Festival, Murder Mystery and Comedy evenings. We organised Walks of Contentment and many mindful activities to ensure there is always something to look forward to in our lovely little part of North Yorkshire.
432
Long Ditton Village Hall
Surrey
Long Ditton, once a Saxon settlement recorded in the Domesday Book, is no longer a rural village but a thriving residential suburb with many amenities and good transport links. Yet the much-loved Village Hall, built by public subscription in 1888, remains at the heart of the community. Extra halls, one with a stage, were added in 1907 and 2016 to meet local needs. The Hall is a registered charity managed by voluntary trustees whose aim is to maintain and modernise it to a high standard while keeping hire charges to an affordable level. People of all ages and abilities enjoy a wide range of classes, clubs and indoor sports and it is also a popular venue for children’s parties. Donations from income are made to local good causes and community events are sponsored. An external, unlocked defibrillator is available for anyone to use in an emergency.
2020 was a challenging year. The Hall was made Covid-secure during the first closure and was ready at all times to welcome back permitted activities. Sadly, following government directives, it remained empty for long periods and is closed at the moment. Most established users are planning to return when restrictions are lifted but some clubs and classes inevitably became victims of the pandemic. Spaces have thus become available for new ventures and we are optimistic for the future. Trustee meetings, which continue by Zoom, focus on what more can be done for the community by making the use of the Hall even more inclusive.
The Hall was temporarily closed when it suffered extensive wartime bomb damage, but it recovered and will do so again. Mindful that village halls are vital for the well-being of the communities they serve, we hope that all will open again soon.
Support and guidance from ACRE, always appreciated, became invaluable in 2020.
433
Long Furlong Community Centre
Oxfordshire
Originally built in 1988 as a Guide headquarters, the community centre was extended in 1993 to the current building. The centre has two halls, named Olave (after Olave Baden-Powell of Guiding fame) and Badger (so named due to a Badger sett being on the land near the hall when it was built- the local school next door has the Badger symbol for the same reason). The halls are well used by regular hirers for a range of activities including Guides, puppy training, toddler groups, line dancing, and the local Church groups, to name but a few. We look forward to those groups restarting after COVID restrictions and for the halls to again be filled at the weekend by children’s parties for those on the local estate.
434
Long Lee & Thwaites Brow Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our community hall provides clubs for art and crafts, dance classes and community cafes. We also host a before and after school kids care company.
We are hoping to expand to offer more services to our local population very soon.
435
Longhirst Village Hall
Northumberland
Longhirst Village Hall was built by the Lawson family in 1847, as a reading room for the village. It then became the first school building in the village and later, the St. John’s Church Hall. In 2002 it was leased by the Church for a period of 99years to a new charity (The Longhirst Parish Association) set up for the purpose refurbishing, developing, and maintaining the Hall for the benefit of the whole community.
Longhirst Village Hall is well equipped with efficient heating and lighting, disabled access, disabled toilets, fully equipped kitchen including cooking, dishwashing, coffee-making, and hot-water geyser, full-size but not full height badminton court, projector screen, hearing-loop sound system. A certain amount of off-road parking is available both in front of and behind the Hall for bona fide users of the premises.
436
Longhorsley Village Hall
Northumberland
Originally built in 1988, since its refurbishment was completed in 2009 Longhorsley’s village hall has come to be the centre of village life, providing events and regular group activities that cater for all ages across our area. It has a large main hall, a smaller side hall and a well-equipped kitchen, 28 parking spaces and full disabled access. One unique feature is our Millennium Wall Hanging, created by the village’s Embroidery Group which initially formed in May 1999 for the purpose of making this beautiful parish map. A triptych which now hangs on the main hall’s wall, this montage represents the buildings, activities and areas familiar to all parishioners. In ‘normal’ times the W.I., Film, Art, Embroidery, Keep Fit, Yoga and Bowls groups meet here regularly and weekly ballet classes are held. During the 2020/21 COVID pandemic the hall has remained open as the venue for the weekday playgroup and the three outreach post office sessions per week.
We thank ACRE, Community Action Northumberland (CAN) and Northumberland County Council for their support during this difficult time and look forward to when we can fully re-open.
437
Longhoughton Community & Sports Centre Trust Ltd
Northumberland
Longhoughton Community & Sports Centre is a modern and spacious community venue in the heart of Longhoughton village on the coast of North Northumberland. This pandemic has shone a light on our indomitable community spirit. 2021 continues to bring its challenges to our community but despite our continued closure we have been able to maintain and encourage lots of community spirit through our amazing volunteer group who are on hand to help out anyone in the area who needs support and practical help. We are busy planning our reopening event with hope and enthusiasm for brighter days to come for all of us!
438
Lothersdale Village Hall
Yorkshire
We stayed open during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide a safe, warm and protected exercise space for a vulnerable single user with mobility problems. All other bookings were cancelled. We cannot wait to bring back our Over-50s group, luncheon club, playgroup, Yoga, Young Farmers, birthday parties, jumble sales and Pantomime.
439
Lowsonford Village Hall
Warwickshire
Set in a picturesque location on the banks of the Stratford on Avon canal in a pretty, small village in South Warwickshire, the Hall, originally built in 1936, serves the local community proudly. Recently it has been fully refurbished and modernised and is well set to serve the community in the future.
440
Lurgashall Village Hall
Sussex
Lurgashall Village Hall is a ‘mere’ 106 years’ old, having been conceived by the villagers themselves in 1911 as a suitable way to mark the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, with building completed in 1914 for the princely sum of £976. In 2014 we celebrated the centenary of the Hall with many special events for the community, along with the publication of a booklet about its first 100 years called ‘The Walls Have Talked’.
Like most village halls, we’ve had our ups and downs over the years, but the village is grateful to the Hall’s Management Committee and teams of volunteers for pushing forward with new ideas and improvements. In late 2019, many locals turned out for a topping-out party to open the new extension to the Hall comprising a much-needed storage area and a new side room for small meetings which doubles as the new village Archive of our local history.
In 2020, while the Hall ‘lay fallow’ because of the virus restrictions, we took the opportunity to give it a top-class makeover, inside and out, with the help of three decorator brothers who were born and grew up in the village. It is now looking smarter than ever and ready for future village lunches, teas, film nights, pilates and dance classes, meetings, horticultural shows, wedding parties, bingo evenings, music events, children’s parties and a host of other events for our community.
Here’s to the next 100 years!
441
Lustleigh Village Hall
Devon
Lustleigh is a small village nestled in the picturesque Wrey Valley on Dartmoor and is home to a Village Hall whose history stretches back to 1911, when it was known as the Constitutional Hall, later becoming the Conservative Hall. It was taken over by the Parish Council in 1976 and was completely rebuilt and extended in 2005. The Hall is run by a dedicated group of trustees and volunteers, being the centre for many village activities and is unique in housing a rifle range thus providing a home to the Lustleigh (Home Guard 1944) Rifle Club. Covid-19 saw in an abrupt halt to most activities bar only the Pre-School which operated (when permitted) throughout, although we now see our calendar filling up for May 2021 onwards.
442
Lychpit Community Hall
Hampshire
The Lychpit Community Hall is a Grade II listed building in what used to be called Little Basing. Originally Lychpit Hall was the North Barn. This fabulous historic building has the most wonderful wooden framed ceiling, deep brick walls with the original vertical vents now glassed to provide daylight. The spacious hall is kept warm using under floor heating and the vaulted ceiling is complimented by individually adjustable lighting. The entire hall has lovely wooden flooring (suitable for yoga and pilates classes, and of course dancing!).
443
Lydbury North Village Hall
Shropshire
Lydbury North is a small village set in the South Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The original village hall was a ‘temporary’ structure erected in 1928. After a lot of hard work from parishioners, an incredibly generous bequest and a very welcome grant from the Big Lottery Fund our temporary hall was finally replaced with a beautiful new one in 2014!
Although activities have been curtailed during the coronavirus pandemic, throughout the past nearly 100 years the village hall has been the social and entertainment centre of our village and the wider community hosting live music, Flicks in the Sticks, theatre performances; hobbies, interests and exercise pursuits. Community lunches, annual garden shows, school plays, weddings, christenings, funerals and big birthday bashes have all taken place down the years.
The village hall has been at the heart of so many great memories and will be again for many, many more to come. Once the pandemic is defeated there’ll be dancing in the street again as the whole community gets together to party at the village hall!
444
Lydford on Fosse Parish Hall
Somerset
Lydford Parish Hall has been so altered and modernised that there is little if any visible indication of its 15th Century medieval origins apart from the remains of the original roof trusses. In 1604 it was said to have been the Church House which would have been maintained by the Churchwardens for festivities, and the brewing and consumption of church ales. From the diary of John Cannon (Born 1684 in Lydford Fairplace) it seems likely that this was where he attended school as a small boy.
Given to the Rector of West Lydford in 1827 and by 1841 described as three poor thatched cottages, it was converted into a day and Sunday School by the Reverend Colston. There were two small rooms above for the teacher. In 1873 a new Village School was built in the High Street, and by 1912 the properties had become a dilapidated liability for the Rector who conveyed their ownership to the absentee Lord of the Manor. He, in 1920, subsequently conveyed the hall minus the end two cottages back to the Rector and Churchwardens in trust. Used as a hall from then on it became known as the Lydford Parish Room. In 1952 the thatched roof was replaced with tiles
In 2003 when it had again become apparent that an injection of funds was needed and that grants would only be forthcoming if the Hall was managed on a secular basis, the building was let on a long lease; the new Management Committee raised £140,000 and in 2006 the west gable wall was rebuilt, the roof was reinforced with a steel frame and the interior was gutted and extensively modernised.
Lydford on Fosse Parish Hall is now held on a 99 year lease (expires 2102) by the Parish Council in the capacity of Custodian Trustee and is run by the Parish Hall Management Committee who are the Charity Trustees responsible for all aspects of the Hall’s management. The Management Committee is made up of four elected members together with representatives appointed by the various user groups.
445
Lympstone Village Hall
Devon
Hard times in 2020, but our hirers can’t wait to get back. Some nearby halls have closed for good, so we’re expecting to welcome ‘refugees’
446
Lyons Community Centre
Bedfordshire
We are a brand new community centre in the centre of a new housing development. We currently have an alternative education group using the centre, but hope to be open again soon so we can also welcome back our regular exercise classes, children’s groups and support groups.
The hall is managed by a full time Trust Manager who is supported by the Board and a committee of resident volunteers who help organise community events, more virtual events in the last year.
447
Maer Village Hall
Staffordshire
Maer Village Hall is nearly 100 years old and is the only community building in our very small, but hugely historic village. It has been a school, army hospital and working mens club in its time. It has had several refurbishment programmes including rennovation after a flood courtesy of the beast from the east a few years ago. This a new porch entrance and equipment paid by the Covid grant allowed to become Covid secure and open as often as we were allowed. During this last year it has never seemed more important in bringing the community together and despite restrictions the hall became a great focus for all the activities and events. We look forward to the time when we can open the doors fully and enjoy community activities again. ACRE and the work of the support officers has been invaluable for providing support and advice and helping us to keep in touch with all the other fabulous village halls of Stafforshire.
448
Malborough Village Hall
Devon
Our Hall was built in 1975 after many years of fundraising by the local community. Our village primary school use the Hall on a weekly basis for PE and dancing. We have 2 great theatrical groups involved with our Hall which each undertake 2 large productions each year, one being the local Pantomime and another a production for local youngsters. With many diverse groups using the Hall for exercise, fun, celebration and learning, the Hall is a very important part of the Parish of Malborough. It is the centre for the biennial Village Fete with alternate years holding the Village Scarecrow Trail. The building is situated on land owned by the Charity of Malborough Village Hall & Playing Fields Association with a Children’s Play Area, Football and Cricket Fields, Skateboard Park and Adult Gym Equipment. The Charity is run by a team of volunteers.
449
Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton
Cambridgeshire
Opened in July 1914 our village hall, within a few weeks, became a Red Cross Hospital. During the 1939-1945 war the Americans from the local air base were much in evidence at the Saturday dances. It has always been the centre for the local community benefiting from several extensions since then including a second smaller hall added in 2009. The main hall has. a modern commercial kitchen a stage with lighting and sound, a separate bar area, and efficient modern heating. Both halls are used by local clubs and for private functions. Bingo, cinema and a cafe are run by the trustees on a regular basis. During the pandemic, the Hall has been eerily quiet and we look forward to the return of our many supporters.
hhtp://e-voice.org.uk/themandevillehallkimbolton
450
Manningford Memorial Hall
Wiltshire
Our village hall was originally built in 1922 by the Grant-Meek family who were the Lords of the Manor, Manningford Bruce. The hall was replaced in 2001 by a completely new purpose built building with funds raised by the Parish Council and the Lotteries Grant and is available for private hire as well as hosting a number of village events each year. With a capacity for 100 standing guests or 56 seated it is a suitable size for most occasions.
We have a comfortable, well equipped venue for all types of activities & social interactions. Regular activities such as Pilates, HiiT & Yoga classes, dog training, Still Life drawing, together with children’s parties, pop-up coffee mornings etc will continue once the pandemic is brought under control via vaccines in 2021 and normality, in some form, is restored. We can then look forward to hosting events & functions to bring together all parts of our local community. One thing this past year has made us all realise is that social contact, in any form, is vitally important.
451
Mapledurham parish hall
Oxfordshire
Our hall was built by local residents in 1926, with many upgrades over the years.
452
Marcham Centre
Oxfordshire
The Marcham Centre is the name for all the new community facilities on the Anson Field in Marcham. It is run by Marcham Community Group. The 100-year old village hall in Marcham has been closed for 15 years and the new village hall was completed in 2020. It provides facilities for all the residents of Marcham (Oxfordshire) and the adjacent villages of Frilford and Garford, and the wider area. As well as the village hall, there is a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a football pitch (as well as a new junior pitch) and cricket pitch.
It also provides space for other local users such as businesses who are looking for conference and training facilities, and for weddings, functions, concerts and theatrical performances.
453
Maresfield Village Hall
Sussex
In 1926 the small brick building that was the Maresfield Reading Room was purchased by the Trustees on behalf of the village. It was extended and improved several times over the years and was renamed Maresfield Village Hall. During the Second World War documents show that it became the centre of social life for the soldiers stationed at Maresfield Camp, who attended numerous dances there. Regular users now include village clubs and societies, a toddlers group, dance classes, Pilates lessons and a well attended monthly lunch club. It is available to the residents of the neighbourhood for events, meetings and family celebrations. Covid Secure Guidelines have been adopted to allow limited permitted activities to continue between lockdowns, but the committee is looking forward to the time when the hall can be fully open again.
454
Markwell Pavillion and Elsie Barrett Clubroom
Hertfordshire
The Markwell Pavillion and Elsie Barrett Clubroom is conveniently located at the heart of Bishop’s Stortford, and can be found in the Town Centre’s park, near the picturesque Castle Gardens and Sworders Field. This Centre has 2 halls with attached kitchens. Usually its many users host a variety of activities for the U3A, Salvation Army and many other private functions and events from diet clubs, exercise classes to wedding receptions, weekly tea-parties for the elderly and children’s parties for the younger generation. Its larger hall can normally accommodate up to 70 people, and its smaller hall up to 40. Although we have worked very hard to ensure the Centre is Covid-secure, it was closed during the National lockdown. However we look forward to re-opening its doors again and re-engaging with the local community, as and when we can, in line with latest Government Guidance. The Centre is set to undergo some exciting changes in the future and will undergo some major modernisation.
455
Marsden Mechanics
Yorkshire
In 2020, we obtained funding to refurbish our lift, and we are currently working to obtain funding to secure the fabric of the building for the future. We are definitely looking forward to welcoming people back into our building and library, and we will be introducing some new social sessions, and taking over the organisation of others where the organising groups have stepped back. We have already started taking bookings for our pantomime for Christmas 2021-22.
Our photo shows us lit up in red to show support for the performing arts organisations.
456
Marston St Lawrence Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Built 1939 and in the heart of the community, especially after a recent major refurbishment “The Next 80 Years”.
457
Marton and Gate Burton Parish/Village Hall
Lincolnshire
98 years ago a dwelling with outbuildings and land was donated to the residents of Marton and of Gate Burton for the purpose of being a village hall. Many parties, harvest suppers, quizes, dances, wedding receptions, caravan meets and summer fayres (to name just a few!) have been enjoyed by many over these years and continue to do so. Regular activities include a Grub Club, art and craft groups, bowls, dog training, karate, yoga, toddler group... Many longterm friendships have been made and continue to be made through attending these events. The playing field provides extensive space for all ages and dogs to let off steam, along with the play park for younger ones. ACRE’s support with ever changing regulations and leglislation have been invaluable to us and we look forward to many more years of support - keeping us on track via our membership with Community Lincs. The future: to be able to continue providing a good quality premises for use of our community and hirer. Happy 100th
458
Marton and Normanby District
Yorkshire
Our hall serves a small rural area of North Yorkshire
459
Mavesyn Ridware Village Hall
Staffordshire
Mavesyn Ridware Village Hall is the hub of the community. It came into being in 1986 thanks to a generous donation by Miss Mary Lucy Derry, a local lady who bequeathed the land in memory of her late parents, with the proviso that a Village Hall would be built ‘for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Mavesyn Ridware in the County of Stafford...without distinction of political religious or other opinions including use for meetings lectures and classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.’
This ethos has allowed the Hall to develop, offering a variety of classes, from Tai Chi to Flower Arranging, from Dog Scent to Art. A drop in coffee morning operates two mornings a week plus annual events including Halloween, children’s Christmas party, and the ever-popular Tinsels and Trimmings run by the local WI. In its history it has hosted the village fete, pigeon shows, barn dances, local bands, weddings receptions - and many themed evenings. It also provides a useful Post Office facility and operates as a polling station when needed.
460
Maxey Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
The old village school is now our village hall, so lots of history. Through many years and the hard working of volunteers, with the help of grants, the hall is now a very attractive, welcoming place, which still retains plenty of character. Outside of Covid 19 lockdowns, the hall is in use most days of the week with regular users and one of hires. In summary, a delightful, essential community hub for Maxey villagers and others.
461
Melbourne Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our lovely village hall is at the heart of the village & community. It is used by a variety of groups of all ages. It is a popular venue for children’s birthday parties and other celebrations, as there is lots of inside space, easily accommodating a bouncy castle, a fully equipped kitchen and cafe area with a safe grassed area outside and plenty of off street parking. The Covid19 pandemic saw the loss of the monthly auction sales and essential income. The trustees are working hard to raise the profile of this valuable community resource to ensure it remains viable - this will a real challenge as life returns to normal. In the short term we are seeing people booking the venue as they don’t want to go into larger towns and the city of York, so we hope once they use the Hall & see how lovely it is, that they will book again. Our single hope is to retain this wonderful facility which makes up part of the fabric of our lovely village.
462
Meltham Parish Church Hall
Yorkshire
Unfortunately closed due to Covid but hope to open for the community benefit in the Spring.
463
Mepal Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Like many village halls, our building at the heart of the village was the school until 1968 when it was bought by public subscription. In recent years with the aid of generous grants from various sources we have carried out many improvements and refurbishments, adding a new toilet block, completely refitting the kitchen by DIY labour, and installing a new floor which will enable activities like carpet bowls to take place once we are able to re-open and welcome all our local friends again..
464
Merriott Social Venue
Somerset
Merriott Social Club was established in 1844 for the community. Hall, skittle alley , small kitchen and bar available. we have had to remain closed during lockdowns but our committee have supported many community needs, making scrubs and scrub bags, and refurshing laptops for use by local schools.
465
Merriott Village Hall
Somerset
The Hall was built in 1924/25, and along with a house for a caretaker, was a donation to the village by Robert Blake, in memory of his wife Dorothea. He had been a successful farmer in the Falkland Islands, and also donated an adjacent car park and recreation ground to the Parish Council which can be used by Hall users.
The Hall is an independent charity managed by a group of volunteers. It provides a valuable role in hosting a range of community interests including short mat bowls, badminton, yoga, pilates, dance, bridge, mental therapy support and pre-school activities. Normally there are quiz nights and occasional entertainment to raise funds.
Over the years improvements have been made so that now the Hall is heated by air source heat pumps, has double glazing throughout and full disabled access. Last year a solar array and electric storage batteries were installed which are providing at least 80% of the electricity normally used with some being sold to the Grid.
The Trustees look forward, once the covid pandemic is past, to being able to fully open the Hall and allow the villagers to enjoy their usual social activities
466
Merton Hall
Northumberland
Merton Hall was opened in 1964 in response to concerns that elderly gentlemen were sitting on village seats in all weathers with nothing to do!
By 2020, Merton Hall, in Ponteland, was attracting 10,000 visits per year from people of all ages before the lockdowns.
The first building on the site, which was located near the former Ponteland railway station, was a wooden hut used as a reading room before the current facility was built.
Today Merton Hall Recreation Centre, to give its full name, is a registered charity run in the interests of social welfare. It still has a popular reading room with an extensive library containing more than 500 books.
But Merton Hall has many other community uses. In the event of a flood in Ponteland, the venue is registered as an Emergency Evacuation Centre.
Merton Hall has staged many different events such as fashion shows, Christmas Fairs and a weekly country market selling homemade food, home grown plants, hand knitted garments and jewellery. Brunch & Bingo, held fortnightly, is a popular group.
The hall is hired by a range of organisations and clubs including: art; bridge; wine tasting; cyclists; photography; WI; Lions; slimmers; floral; triathlon; U3A; Ageing Well; Carers and the visually impaired.
Rooms can be hired for the morning, afternoon and evening from only £6 per hour for Ponteland residents for weekly bookings. The morning refreshments are another draw – tea and coffee is served Monday to Friday from 9am to 11.15am at only 30 pence per cup.
The low costs for room hire and refreshments are made possible because the hall, which also has free Wifi, is staffed mainly by volunteers.
If you are looking for a warm and welcoming place to meet old friends and make new ones, or you want to set up or host a group, Merton Hall is an ideal venue.
Ideas for new uses are welcomed so why not come in and have a look around after the hall is allowed to reopen after Covid-19?
Contact Merton Hall
Tel: 01661 872917 and leave a message.
Carl Rawlings, Chair, Merton Hall 03 02 21
467
Merton Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Built in the 1960s, extended and then refurbished in the intervening years, Merton Village Hall offers a sizeable meeting area and kitchen area. Within the building, although not accessible via the hall, are changing rooms for sports teams that use the attached playing field. The hall is accessible and has toilet facilities for the disabled as well as the standard facilities.
468
Metheringham Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Our Village Hall is proud to be at the heart of our community. The management committee have worked tirelessly to ensure the future of the hall, so villagers for generations to come have a place to join together and celebrate our wonderful village and those that live there.
469
Mickle Trafford Village Hall
Cheshire
Part of the Hall was the Village School till 1906. Part was used as a Chapel in winter before heating was installed in the 1970’s. The large room was used as a rifle range in World War 2. The building, recently refurbished, is used by many local groups including Church, child care ,bridge, educational, keep fit and model railway groups. It also hosts private parties and the Village Club
470
Mickleham Village Hall
Surrey
Going since 1902
471
Middleton & Todridge Village hall
Northumberland
The start of Covid in 2020 coincided with a substantial refurbishment which included the building of a new extension as well as a fully accessible toilet. The changes have added much to attract users and it seems to have worked because 2022 had record numbers using the hall. New activities included two regular weekly Pilates sessions, a weekly Yoga session and four all-day training sessions booked by Northumbria Primary Care. We also hosted two wedding celebrations. These were in addition to the meetings of the newly formed Wansbeck Natural History Group and the popular weekly Table Tennis sessions. Other activities included three performances from Highlights Rural Touring. Returning users included: Hartburn Community Project’s Film Nights, Cambo Young Farmers, Middleton Leek Club’s annual show and two cycle races.
472
Middleton St George Community Centre
Durham
Our Community Centre was built around 1930 as a Pumping Station with four reservoirs on the site, and although not a listed building, it is considered “a non-designated heritage asset” by Darlington Borough Council’s Planning Department, and regarded as a “handsome” building.
When the Pumping Station was no longer needed, the area was converted into the Water Park for leisure activities, and the Pump House became a new village hall, filling a much needed void. The freehold was sold to the Middleton St George Community Association by the Parish Council on 23 December 1980, for the sum of £15,000. The Parish Council and community members put £5000 into a bank account to cover necessary improvements. On 19 May 2006, the property was placed in trust with the Official Custodian for Charities on behalf of the Middleton St George Community Association.
Run and managed by a small number of voluntary Trustees, it offers a central hub for classes and activities from multiple hirers; the perfect venue for private parties; plus a full time day nursery. A delightful place, which benefits the residents of the village and beyond.
Working in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, the Trustees are thrilled to be able to take part in the community COVID-19 mass testing programme, currently offering asymptomatic testing at the centre. A very positive service in what has been a challenging year for us all.
473
Milborne St Andrew
Dorset
Usually our hall hosts Ladybirds Playgroup in the mornings and some afternoons, and a big range of activities in the afternoons and evenings, including, to name just a few, yoga, line dancing, gardening club, and the Parish Council’s monthly meetings, as well as film nights.
474
Milford on Sea Community Centre
Hampshire
Milford on Sea Community Centre provides a focal point for all ages with activities aimed to enhance the lives of those residing in the local area. Our plans for 2021 are to return, as soon as it is safe to do so, to the wide-ranging activities we have spent the last 10 years creating and developing.
The Centre sponsors and supports the Seahorses playgroup and its own Youth Club, plus some activities for its more vulnerable groups - for example, the Alzheimers Society, the Stroke Survivors Group and a monthly Sunday Lunch Club aimed at local people who live on their own. There are also many exercise and dance classes, for all ages and abilities.
The Community Centre reached its 10th Anniversary in September 2020 and continues to be in great demand. Many local and national charities and interest groups use the Centre to meet and are also welcome to hold events to reach their fundraising goals.
Regular events run by the Centre include movies, live screenings, Folk Club, Jazz/Swing evenings, Blues Nights, Comedy Nights, poetry and play-reading groups, and live entertainment, often in cabaret style with supper included.
The success of the Centre has been thanks to the dedication of a huge number of volunteers who provide vital support to the running of the Centre. They help run the bar and the box office and help in the kitchen, the café and the Charity Shop and, most importantly, they guarantee a warm welcome to all.
475
Milton Village Hall
Hampshire
Once the local library which I attended as a child, it became a community centre in the late 80’s. It is now a thriving, popular hub for the area. Can’t wait for it to reopen to welcome all our friends & neighbours back! P.S. Huge thanks to ACRE for fantastic support during these difficult times!
476
Milverton Victoria Rooms
Somerset
The Milverton Victoria Rooms, consisting of a Main Hall, a Reading Room and a kitchen, toilets and storerooms, were built by public subscription in 1887 on land gifted by the Broadmead family. This much-loved Victorian building has been the centre of our village and parish life ever since and we believe it to be among the earliest purpose-built village halls in the country. The hall is home to a monthly community market as well as to a variety of local organisations and societies, including music, drama, dance, keep fit and bridge. It is also available for special occasions and private parties - many a community or family event has been celebrated there. Maintaining any building - especially one of this age - is always an ongoing project and, during the coronavirus lockdowns, the trustees have taken the opportunity to carry out external improvements, redecorate internally and install some new heaters, as well as making the building Covid-secure. We look forward to re-opening as soon as possible, so that we can once again serve our active and vibrant community.
477
Minety Village Hall & community Shop
Wiltshire
We aim to act as a focus for community groups and activities for all of our residents and have assisted in the opening of a new community shop which has proved invaluable during the current COVID crisis. We look forward to welcoming our regular users back in the near future
478
Mistley Village Hall
Essex
Able to undertake a full redecoration and refurbishment during lockdown
479
Mobberley Victory Hall
Cheshire
Our village hall was built by the men of Mobberley in 1921 as a memorial to those who had lost their lives from the village. It has been the focus of the village ever since. In recent years a new Trust Deed Committee was formed that has put an enormous and successful effort into making it fit for the 21st Century. It is an iconic black and white wooden structure within our conservation area, limited in potential insulation potential but we have recently replaced the exterior with modern composite materials, re roofed with lightweigth composite tiles (removing the layers of heavy felt), installed doubled glazed wooden framed windows, completely renovated the toilet area, redecorated the interior and had the electrics brought up to scratch. It’s such a shame that the only group currently able to use it is the pre-school and we long to get it back for all the local groups that used to meet there before the lockdown.
480
Mollington Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Mollington Village Hall was opened in 1968 having been built by residents of the village. It was used by the village school, until it was closed, for lunchtime meals and is currently used by Scouts, table tennis club and other organisations. It is the focus for all village social events and get togethers
481
Mollington, Backford & District Village Hall
Cheshire
Our village hall has been serving the communities of Mollington, Lea-by-Backford, Backford, Chorlton by Backford and Caughall now for over 70 years.
We are currently rebuilding our 70-year old hall with funding from The National Lottery and other funders, opening should be in early June 2021.
482
Moorland & District Village Hall
Somerset
The current hall was built in 1981, and refurbished in 2014. It is used regularly for sport and social activities, and hosts most of the iconic Village events - the annual Produce Show, Harvest Supper and Christmas Fairs. It is also available for hire for private family celebrations, such as birthday parties and wedding receptions. It is equipped with facilities for those differently abled, and we hope to install a hearing loop in the near future. We have users from all age groups in our community, and our aspiration is to increase the appeal of the hall, and the events, even wider to secure the future for our marvellous hall.
483
Moorland Hall
Somerset
Wheddon Cross now has one of the most modern village halls in the country. The Moorland Hall provides a large room seating 150 which can be partitioned and staged, it is served by a full audio system and hearing loop. Other rooms include a smaller conference room seating up to 20; a handicraft/creche room, and a physical and social therapy room. Supporting services are provided by a modern commercial standard kitchen; full toilet facilities including for the disabled, and baby changing. It plays a very important part in village life.
We hold meetings and fund raising events here. These events range from wedding receptions, play groups, fashion shows, bingo, dances and much more
484
Moreton Say Village Hall
Shropshire
The Clive Memorial Church House is at the heart of Moreton Say village, offering a large well equipped community space.
485
Mortimer St Johns Village Hall
Berkshire
The Hall was built for the local church and was bought for the local community about 50 years ago and established as a charity. It is about 140 years old and used most days. It has been well maintained and facilities improved, we are improving the appearance of the forecourt at the moment.
486
Morton Village Hall
Derbyshire
Built in 1690 the hall was completely refurbished in 2019 with grant support from Viridor Credits, Foundation Derbyshire, The Princes Trust. During 2020 all classes paused but the hall was converted into a Covid Community Hub proving much needed food and essential items for the community. Post covid planning is underway which includes a community cafe and digital workshops.
487
Mountfield Village Hall
Sussex
The hall came into being in 1928, and is dedicated to the memory of Mabelle Annie Egerton. It is operated as a charity which is run by a small committee of volunteers. The committee are governed by a 1965 trust deed which states that it is for the purposes of a Village Hall for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Mountfield and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex or of political, religious, or other opinions, and in particular for use for meetings, lectures and classes, and for other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. It offers a good sized multi-functional hall for about 80 seated and 150 standing, a stage, state of the art audio-visual facilities for presentations, a well equipped kitchen, disabled toilet facilities and car parking for 18 or more cars. It is regularly used by local groups for activities such as painting classes, the weekly blind club, Parish Council meetings and is available for private hire for parties, wedding receptions, etc. We have come out of the Covid period feeling positive, with the support of local authority lockdown grants keeping us in a good financial position.
488
Muston Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our hall was opened in 1929, a newspaper reported the event. “The Institute, as it will be known, was opened on Friday afternoon by Lady Sykes, of Sledmere, an excellent muster of villagers and people from Filey and district being present. The hall is a wooden structure with a covering of asbestos on the outside. It is 60ft. by 21ft., and a part can be partitioned off to form a small room.” Our hall is still going, it’s a struggle to maintain and raise funds but it’s getting done. Let’s hope it will keep going for a good while yet. “Support your Village Hall!”
489
Nedging with Naughton Village Hall
Suffolk
Our hall was originally the village school up until the 1930s. Adjacent to the hall is a playing field with play equipment. Hopefully in 2021we will be able to reintroduce regular events including quizzes, games evenings and a summer BBQ. The parish is quite large and the hall provides a central point for villagers to socialise.
490
Neen Savage Parish Hall
Shropshire
Neen Savage is a small rural parish. The Hall is the only community facility in the parish and is the important centre for all Parish events. The hall was built in 1986 in a beautiful quiet location next to the Parish Church.
491
Netherton and District War Memorial Institute
Northumberland
Erected in 1921, in commemoration of the Great War, from old First Aid Huts housed in Alnwick, Northumberland, prior to, and during the period 1914 - 1918. The Hall was opened by Lord and Lady Armstrong. This year sees the centenary of the Hall and we await coronavirus improvements before trying to hold some form of celebration. Currently only used as an ‘Outreach’ Post Office during the pandemic, we hope to return to some normality in the future, to continue to provide a centre for the residents of two rural parishes.
492
Nettlebed Village Club
Oxfordshire
Built for the community in 1913
493
Neuadd Dyfi in Aberdyfi Wales
Somewhere else :)
We are a community hall/theatre in the coastal village of Aberdyfi. Over the last 20 years we have refurbished developed improved and extended the building. It is now a very flexible well used and loved venue. Weddings, theatre, conferences, pantomimes, community lunches we do it all on a grand scale Or I should say did as we have been in suspended animation since March 2020 till time of writing. The future is very uncertain my main concern is around the confidence that folk will have to gather together . We might be allowed to run events but will folk want to come?
494
New Hartley Memorial Hall
Northumberland
mainly providing free food to those in need and limited activities. Hoping to broaden the delivery to include hot meals and support the needs of the community
495
Newbald Village Hall
Yorkshire
Since being built in 1970s, NVH has transformed into a vibrant community hub fit for the future, with new toilets, kitchen, community room. office and entrance. We can accommodate 120 people in the main hall and 40 people in the community room.
496
Newbiggin Village Hall
Cumbria
Situated on the edge of the Lake District we opened in 1956 and were rebuilt in 2010. Since then we have gone from strength to strength and have taken the opportunity of the Covid-enforced closure of 2020 to add an additional function room to meet increasing demand.
497
Newchurch Village Hall
Kent
Newchurch Village Hall has been at the heart of our community for over 30 years. It has spacious facilities, a good kitchen, plentiful car parking, Wi-Fi and accessible toilets. It is also home to the Newchurch Social Club, with its bar and snooker room. A large number of clubs, groups and societies use the hall or smaller rooms regularly, including a weekly Post Office. We welcome regular and one off bookings, offered at a very competitive price, via our dedicated booking phone number 07749 369861.
498
Newton and Bywell Community Hall
Northumberland
The Newton and Bywell Community Hall is located on the edge of Newton Village. Situated on the north side of the Tyne Valley, the village and Hall have sweeping southerly views over the Tyne Valley. Originally the Newton Women’s Institute Hall it was first used by the Women’s Institute in 1930. In 2003 the Hall was embraced by the wider community and the Newton and Bywell Community Hall Trust was formed and the Hall was rebuilt, re-opening in 2007. Throughout its history the Hall has been supported by the hard work and generosity of the local community without whose dedication it would not exist. The Hall is used for many different purposes. It houses a community library, is used for a variety of different classes from upholstery to pilates, is available to host a myriad of social functions including fund raising events, community social events and private parties, and of course is still used to host the meetings of the Newton and Bywell Women’s Institute . During lock down improvement works have been undertaken to the Hall and everyone is looking forward to it re-opening and welcoming visitors old and new.
499
Newton St Cyres Parish Hall
Devon
Our Hall was opened in 1926 in a converted cider barn donated by the Quicke family, major landowners in the village. It has two meeting rooms and in normal years has around 600 bookings. During 2020 the Hall closed from 16 March and has only been re-opened for two short periods on a restricted basis. However, throughout this period a detached room in the Hall has continued to be used for on outreach Post Office service for two periods of two hours weekly and this has made an important contribution to our village community. The Hall much appreciates financial support provided by MidDevon District Council through the pandemic
500
Newton Tony Memorial Hall & Recreation Ground
Wiltshire
Set in the Wiltshire countryside our village hall reached it’s centenary year in 2020. Although we had ambitious plans with a diary of activities to happen throughout the year, COVID put a stop to such ideas. In normal times we see our hall and recreational ground as the heart of our village community and would usually hold events throughout the year as well as offer the premises and field for private events. Such events would include the annual cricket match, a fete, quiz nights, film nights, coffee mornings, and interesting lectures. We look forward to kickstarting events hopefully in 2021.
501
Ninebanks Church and Community Hall
Northumberland
Our Hall is located in a small, rural village in South West Northumberland in the heart of the North Pennines and was built in 1934. A local farmer donated a piece of land to extend the Reading Room that had been built in the 1800s for the lead miners. The building was funded by local people with subscriptions and fundraising events including whist drives, bring and buys, barn dances and sports days. The Hall is where all the local events happen: bingo nights, ceilidhs, harvest suppers, keep fit classes and social evenings to mention a few. It is the venue for birthday parties and wakes, the polling station and a public meeting place. In addition to the main hall, the building has a kitchen and small meeting room that we are hoping to refurbish in the near future to bring the kitchen facilities into the 21st Century and to make the meeting room a warm and cosy place for people to get together. We are being guided and supported in this project by CAN (Community Action Northumberland). We are looking forward to re-opening after the pandemic, re-starting activities and to meeting friends and neighbours again.
502
North Barrow Village Hall
Somerset
North Barrow is a tiny village near Castle Cary. The hall serves several nearby villages including South Barrow, Lovington, Alford, and Babcary. It was built in 1998 and has recently had some much needed refurbishment. There are usually many classes, events and other activities, so we are keen to get going again.
503
North Bradley Peace Memorial Hall
Wiltshire
The Village hall has been in place since 1945, the land and hall site was gifted to the community for returning service men from the second world war. The hall is a real community space with many weekly clubs and groups using the hall on a regular basis. With lottery funding we have improved the hall over the years and its a very versatile space. We are a registered charity, we hold regular events across the yearly calendar to secure funds to maintain the hall and the local park, the committee are all volunteers from the local community, we strive and encourage the village to support us in all we do.
504
North Ferriby Village Hall
Humber & Wolds
Our hall began life in early 1914 built as a meeting place for estate workers and is now a popular location for community events, clubs and activities for all ages and private functions.
505
North Hall Loxwood
Sussex
Loxwood village hall – North Hall – was the culmination of a project driven and largely funded by a local benefactor, Major North. The foundation stone was laid in 1937 and the hall finished before the outbreak of war.
It served as a popular gathering point during the war and hosted many Saturday night “hops” attended by locals and servicemen of British, Canadian and American origin.
When the peace came it continued to serve as a popular meeting point for Loxwood residents and served as a home for Mother’s Union, Women’s Institute, and various indoor sporting activities. The grounds in which the hall sits have been added to in the intervening years making a current total of about three acres and there is a long tradition of a village fete held annually in June.
In 1962 we were granted charity status and in 1967 produced a Governance Document which is still the guiding light for the management committee. The Parish Council is our Custodial Trustee and we have nine Management Trustees who bear the responsibility for the day-to-day operations and long term projects to keep the hall fit for purpose.
In recent years the hall has been extensively refurbished to bring kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms up to 21st century expectations and to extend the accommodation and storage facilities.
We now host weekly table tennis, ballroom dancing, mothers and toddlers, performing arts for children, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, the North singers (village choir), dog training, badminton and bridge.
Monthly events include a lunch club for the elderly, a film club and a jazz club which brings fans from all over the home counties.
Annually we have our village fete, which we try to keep as traditional as possible, and the LoxFest in May. This is another occasion for families to gather and enjoy rock and similar music from an open-air sound stage whilst picnicking and sampling some of the many locally brewed beers on offer.
506
North Holmwood Village Hall
Surrey
North Holmwood Village Hall was formerly St. John’s Primary School and the old parts of the building date back to the mid 1800s. The new parts were constructed at the rear in 1992 followingh closure of the village school. We currently have two halls and a committee room in use, plus a former classroom that we plan to renovate and turn into a ‘studio’ for the arts and for use as a comfortable meeting room. Under normal circumstances our halls are used for a wide range of activities including Ballroom & Latin dancing, fitness, pre-school, toddlers groups, beavers, cubs & scouts, bridge club, yoga and wellbeing as well as children’s parties and village events. The village hall is at the heart of the village opposite the village green and NT Holmwood Common in the Surrey Hills AONB.
507
North Wootton Village Hall
Somerset
North Wootton Village Hall is in the heart of this small Somerset village. Originally built as a Church Room, and opened in 1906, it was leased to the village in 1963, and since then has been run by a committee who raise funds to maintain it; village events such as quiz evenings, talks, Harvest Home lunch and competitions, Easter egg hunts, Christmas gatherings and New Year bonfire and fireworks. These events encourage a strong community spirit in the village. The Hall provides space too for the church to offer refreshments, children’s messy church, and other events organised throughout the year. A venue for the weekly village café, for a toddlers group and a Home schooling group add to the important role the Hall plays in village life. With hire fees from individual and group activities, funds raised from the village events, generous donations and the generosity of grants for specific work, the Hall is well maintained and an important hub to the village. In 2000, as part of the millennium campaign to establish new village greens, part of an orchard opposite the Hall was donated as a Village Green. This is maintained by volunteers, and is a beautiful space with cider apple trees; a space to just sit and enjoy beautiful views, with some open space to play games and for events too. It is open to all, and is a great venue for the New Year bonfire and fireworks and the annual Harvest Home event, and has hosted village weddings and parties too. We are privileged to have a village hall and thank all the volunteers over the last 60 years for their dedication in maintaining a Hall for everyone’s benefit. Contact:
508
Northchapel Village Hall
Sussex
Northchapel Village Hall is located in the village of Northchapel in West Sussex, within the picturesque setting of the South Downs National Park. Positioned at the edge of the village, the Hall is surrounded by lush farmland and enjoys extensive rural views. There is ample parking immediately adjacent to the Hall. The Hall was built in 1971 on Parish Council freehold land - permanent conveyance from Leconfield estate. Hall Trustees lease building on 35 year renewable lease. The Hall was fully renovated in 2008 when the Hall Development Committee undertook to raise approx £180k through local fundraising and grants from Big Lottery/District Council & misc. and Charitable trusts. Following the refurbishment the hall now has a new, hard wearing wood effect floor giving a solid foundation to enable it to be adapted for a wide variety of functions. It has a large, fully equipped kitchen and folding tables and chairs plus crockery and cutlery to cater for 100+ people seated. It has modern toilets including baby changing and disabled facilities. The hall has easy disabled access.
509
Northcourt Centre
Oxfordshire
There has been a Hall on the site since 1947 when the land was bequeathed to the Trustees by Miss Tatham and was known as Northcourt Tatham Memorial Hall. A new building was erected in 1966 and became known as Northcourt Centre.
Up to the start of the Covid19 Pandemic it was in regular use by some 20 local groups, ranging from Ballet for young children to various activities for the older generation such as Scottish Dancing.
Looking to the future we are hoping that, when possible, the Groups will return and continue their activities as before. We are planning some events in the hope of encouraging greater usage of the Centre.
510
Northmoor Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Northmoor is a small village with a big heart, and the hall sits at the centre of community life. The existing building replaced a 1970’s timber structure in the late 1990’s and this has seen further modernisation in the last 3 years. We enjoy hosting yoga, puppy classes, a lunch club for elderly residents, regular markets, meetings, parties and fundraising events. The 2019 Christmas Quiz in particular generated much needed funds for the village church (St Denys) and the hall. Our recently upgraded kitchen, extended storeroom and other improvements make Northmoor Hall an ideal multi-purpose venue and we have plans for further exciting changes in the very near future! 2020 certainly brought its challenges but the hall is ready and waiting to open again as soon as possible. Thank you ACRE for your support and guidance. Bring on the next 100 years :)
511
Nowton Village Hall
Suffolk
Nowton village hall is a fantastic place bringing the community together.
512
Nuneham Courtenay Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The village hall was a gift to the people of Nuneham Courtenay from Lord Harcourt. Weston on the Green was having a new hall so Lord Harcourt bought it and had it brought from there to the village on an ox cart during WW1.
513
Oake and District Village Hall and Recreation Ground
Somerset
Our current village hall opened in 2003 on a larger site replacing the smaller but well loved ‘tin shed’ dating from 1927. Until the pandemic forced closure, we hosted a mini-day centre, various exercise classes including bowls and badminton, along with whist and bridge. Our Parish Council and WI hold their meetings here and it has always been a popular venue for family celebrations. Our new purpose built village shop and Post Office which opened in August 2020, adjoins the village hall and the recreation ground has been busy since it reopened in May - while the hall site has many visitors everyday, we look forward to opening our doors again to the community.
514
Oakhanger Village Hall
Hampshire
Oakhanger Village Hall is a pretty, traditional village hall located in an attractive spot on the village green. Run by a volunteer committee of villagers, the bright and airy hall was recently extended and renovated to include a break-out space and spacious, modern kitchen. The hall is a wonderful asset to Oakhanger’s active village community, and there are events held in it throughout the year. Check out our website!
515
Oakley Village Hall
Bedfordshire
The residents of Oakley gathered on 28th June 1943 – in the middle of WW II - to form the Oakley Village Hall Building Fund, with the aim of purchasing land ultimately to be used for a Village Hall. They were successful!
In 1995 the original Hall was replaced with a larger and much-improved building which has a large room with stage, a committee room and a good kitchen – great credit to the various Hall committees and fundraising groups who have worked on this over the years.
Annual events include the well-supported Oakley Show, with displays of produce, baking and art from village residents. The biennial Oakley Carnival brings excitement to the Hall and its surrounding land, and, of course, we are the local polling station. Our regular hirers include classes for ballet, Pilates, bowls and other activities; children’s groups; lace-making; and the WI. The Hall is also a popular venue for quizzes, events and parties. It is run as a Charity by a volunteer team of Oakley residents.
516
Oare
Wiltshire
We modernised our village hall in Oare, updating the kitchen, heating and more. We so look forward to being the hub of the village community again, as well as welcoming guest bookings
517
Odcombe Village Hall
Somerset
Odcombe is a small village with approximately 350 households a few miles out of Yeovil in Somerset. Following many years of negotiation and fundraising by the community the village hall was officially opened on 25th September 1971. It has been successfully run by a variety of community members who have volunteered their time and energy over the years to ensure that the hall is a welcoming place for all members of our community. It is used for; life events - birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals; social events - Movie Night, Luncheon Club, Community Café, Baby & Toddler Group, Short Mat Bowls, Whist, Knitting & Craft Groups, Sequence Dance; exercise - Football, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi; fundraising events - Easter teas, Flower Show, Quiz Nights, Bingo, Fetes; Theatrical Performances, Lent Lunch, Harvest Festival, Village Carolers; pioneering events - Pop-Up Eco Supermarket, weekly outdoor food market and enablement of a 24/7 Milk Vending Machine; business events - it is hired out to councils and local businesses for training events. All this and more plus it houses our Post Office two mornings a week. In short our village hall is the hub of the community where you meet neighbours and make friends. During our enforced closure due to Covid-19 we have taken the hall out to the community by holding events such as Easter, Flower Show and Halloween Trails in the village; spearheading VE Day Celebrations and Christmas Lights events to keep everyone involved. Our Facebook page has advertised local businesses; jobs; helplines in the village; online exercise classes and generally tried to keep everyone involved. In this more than difficult year we have advertised successfully for new volunteers, with younger community members stepping up to take on roles such as Treasurer and Booking Secretary. Our Trustees are varied in ages and skills ranging from 30s to late 80s as are the pool of volunteers that help at events, the one thing we all have in common is that we want the hall to thrive and grow for the community to enjoy for many years to come.
518
Offenham Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
We are a very busy hall with many groups using the hall. The trustees hold a very successful coffee morning every Thursday. We continually look for ways to improve the hall and the way it is run. We have solar panels with battery storage and an electric car charging point.
519
Old Barn Hall, Great Bookham
Surrey
An ancient barn given to the village in 1906 as a village hall has been extended over the years and now provides three halls with a full stage and kitchen facilities. It is home to many local organisations providing education and leisure activities for local people.
520
Old Girls’ School Community Centre & Tearoom
Yorkshire
Built in the late 1800’s, the building closed as a school in 1978 and was used for a while as offices by Social Services. When they moved out in 2013, a group of local residence formed a group to save the building and open it for community use. After being totally renovated, the Centre was finally opened on 1st September 2018 - and the Tearoom opening a week later. It is a multi room building, and offers a wide range of community activities. The Tearoom has proved very popular.
521
Old Headington Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The hall was opened in 1959 by the Bishop of Dorchester and we celebrated its 50th anniversary in March 2009. The hall has had various names during its history: St. Andrew’s Parish Hall, Headington Parish Hall and now Old Headington Village Hall.
522
Old Warden Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Available for Parish Council meetings , seminars , clubs and society meetings , village socials , dinners , wedding receptions , wakes and children’s parties. Bookings by email;
523
Ollerton Jubilee Hall
Nottinghamshire
A lovely main hall with a separate bar area and a newly refitted large kitchen. Home for various exercise groups the W.I. and U3A and great for parties and events.
524
Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall
South Gloucestershire
“At last we have a Parish Hall, the want of which has been felt for many years.” With these words the Vicar of Olveston the Rev J E Vernon began his description, in the Parish Magazine, of the opening of the Parish Hall in Tockington by her Grace the Duchess of Beaufort on October 31st 1901. The Duchess was presented with a bouquet of violets and lilies of the valley. After the Duchess had been thanked for opening the Hall the proceedings closed with a recital by the Bristol Cathedral Quartet. In the evening a Dance was held which was ‘largely attended’. Admission to the opening ceremony was by ticket priced at 2s 6d - the average wage for a working man then was about £1 per week.
The necessary funds for the building of the Hall were almost wholly provided by public subscription and the profits from a number of special events. Accounts rendered at November 1st 1901 indicated that the Hall with its outbuildings cost £549 to build. Four plots of land had been offered for the development but the final choice was a plot centrally located between the two villages of Olveston and Tockington.
The Hall was reckoned to accommodate 320 people (today the fire regulations limit total attendance to 150). The Hall soon became the venue for village flower shows, lectures, concerts, dances and evening classes on first aid. The Small Room - sometimes referred to as the Committee Room - was opened as a Reading and Recreation Room for men and youths over the age of 14. Smoking was allowed!
In 1911 the coronation of King George V was marked with the commission of a memorial lantern which was placed outside, over the double doors of the front entrance. This lantern is still in use today.
After serving the community well for over a hundred years the hall was in need of a complete refurbishment, building and repairs. This was major work both to plan and to finance. Nothing escaped the builders and decorators - from new look Ladies loos to a purpose built extension to house the ever popular Pre-School. The regeneration of the hall took several years to plan and a year for the work to be carried out. It was formally opened in May 2011 by MP Steve Webb and the Reverend Roly Bain.
To commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee funds were raised by public subscription for a Jubilee Clock. This was installed on the frontage of the Hall and was then unveiled by June Lyons, Chair of the Parish Council, as part of Olveston & Tockington’s Jubilee Celebrations on Monday 4th June 2012.
We are very fortunate that the Parish Hall has a full stage with wing access, proscenium curtain and facilities for complete stage lighting.
The presentation of the Musical “South Pacific” by the Olveston Parish Players was the last major event at the Hall in 2020, before lock-down was imposed. Our regular Dance and Keep Fit sessions and the U3A cinema performances had to stop. Over the summer, we took the opportunity to carry out a thorough redecoration of the Hall and introduce ‘Covid-secure’ precautions. In the Autumn, Keep Fit classes restarted in the open air in the car park and a number of small groups began using the Hall for musical rehearsals and video productions, before lock-down was again imposed. Throughout the winter months, we were able to support the local Pre-School who used the main Hall as an overspill from the Pre-School annexe.
When the crisis ends, we are hopeful that our regular bookers will return and that some of our new users will continue to use our facilities. The Parish Players have booked their Show Week for February 2022!
525
Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt
Essex
The Orpen Memorial Hall was built from money left in the will of local beneficiary Osmond Orpen in 1938, extended in its early years, and in 2003 to the rear with the construction of the John Lampon Hall as an extension to the original building.
West Bergholt is a small rural parish located to the north west of Colchester, Essex, comprising an area of over 900 hectares. Dating back to the 11th century the village was known as Bergholt Sackville, after the Sackville family who held the manor from the early 12th century to the 17th century. Indeed, the village is recorded in the original “Domesday Book”. It was finally named West Bergholt in the early 20th century to distinguish it from East Bergholt in Suffolk!
The landscape surrounding the village is attractive and undulating and is bounded to the south and west by the sloping valleys of the river Colne and St Botolph’s Brook. The north and east are arable farmlands with small woodlands, carpeted by bluebells each spring.
The Orpen Hall is suitable for a variety of functions and the John Lampon Hall is able to be divided into two by a moveable partition. The Hall has a well-equipped kitchen, servery, stage and disabled facilities, being served by a large tarmac paved car park.
During the day a preschool uses both halls, whilst at the weekend and each evening a social club occupies part of the Orpen Hall. Many local clubs/organisations make use of the hall, the local concert band, youth club, Women’s Institute, amateur dramatic society, flower club, badminton, indoor bowls, history group, Parish Council and gardener’s association all hire the halls during weekday evenings, with private functions and stage shows often filling the halls at the weekend. The halls are also the indoor base for the annual Village Fete and Produce Show.
https://westbergholt.org/
526
Orton Market Hall
Cumbria
Orton Market Hall was built in 1864 to provide an indoor venue for the local butter market. Today, as well as providing a public hall for the parishioners of Orton, since 2001 it has hosted a monthly farmers’ market.
527
Osgodby Village Institute
Yorkshire
Our hall has been the hub of our community since 1930. It has undergone alterations/refubishments over the years. During the COVID pandemic the Trustees were concerned that due to the numerous temporary closures we had to have, some of our regular hirers would not be returning.... we need not have worried..... they are/were itching to get back. Local residents miss the monthly social coffee mornings, bingo and quiz nights, not to mention the Annual Horticultural Fair, Annual Family Halloween Bash, and the Annual Xmas Fair. In 2020, we organised a village VE Day “We’ll Meet Again” Singalong and it was great to see our community sat in their decorated gardens singing Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again. We delivered cake boxes to all our octo-nanogenarians - who really appreciated their treats. Everyone is waiting for the Big Village Reunion to be organised, and the Village Institute will once again be the corner stone of a community event.
528
Otford Village Memorial Hall
Kent
We have just completed a 4 Year Upgrade Project. This has led to our Hall becoming a vibrant and well used facility for Otford & District Residents and Guests. We have live theatre, concerts, fetes, fairs, private functions including wedding, children’s parties, U3A Groups, Table Tennis, Bridge, Short Mat Bowles, Cricket Club, Dance Classes for both adults and children, coffee mornings, a lunch club, Toddler Groups, and Exercise and Fitness Groups.
529
Otley Village Hall
Suffolk
Otley Village hall was built in the early 1960’s and to this day serves our community well as a centre for entertainment, education and exercise.
530
Otterhampton Village Hall
Somerset
Otterhampton Village Hall serves the rural villages of Combwich, Otterhampton and Steart. It was bequeathed to the community in the 1940’s and was a former Malt House. It is a well-used community hub situated in the centre of the village of Combwich, hosting coffee mornings, fitness classes, monthly village market etc. (Obviously, these are currently all on hold due to COVID.) The facilities offered include a hall and stage, skittle alley and short mat bowls, there is also a social club. The Committee are currently finalising the details for an exciting and extensive refurbishment of the village hall including improved disabled access and energy savings, hopefully to commence very shortly.
531
Oulston Village Hall
Yorkshire
Oulston Village Hall began life as a Wesleyan Chapel in the 1870s and became the Village Hall in the 1960s. It is a small building in the centre of the village of Oulston, in the Howardian Hills of North Yorkshire. The village is a community of 40 houses with a population of circa 100. There is no church, shop or pub and therefore the village hall is the social and cultural centre of the community. The well-attended monthly coffee mornings allow neighbours to meet up and are a great way to ensure that people moving to the village are welcomed into to the community. Each year there are usually additional events such as 'Soup & Pud’ lunches, quiz nights, plant sales, a summer village picnic and the annual Christmas Carol concert. With such a small building, the social distancing requirement due to the Covid pandemic would be impossible to achieve and has meant that we have not been able to re-open for any events since March 2020. Instead the village hall has been used as a place for quiet study for young people from one family in the village while they undertake home schooling. Tables and chairs have been made available to equip temporary home offices and have been loaned to the local library to help them to put on free outdoor events.
The planned ‘Open Gardens’ fundraising event in June 2021, which is centred around the village hall, has been postponed due to concerns about what social restrictions may still be in place, so the government grant of £10,000 has been an especially welcome source of income to cover our running costs.
Whilst it has not been possible to have any events at the village hall, the social bonds that have been made as a result of its existence have enabled our community to support each other throughout this challenging year. This has mean that meals are prepared and shared with those living alone, shopping and prescription orders collected and it has even been possible to have village ‘Curry Nights' where due to the number of households ordering, a restaurant in York has been able to justify delivering takeaways so far from town. If anything, this pandemic has demonstrated the true value of our village hall and we hope that it will not be too long before we are able to open its doors again and welcome everyone inside to a celebration of our community.,
532
Oulton Village Hall
Cumbria
I hope we can get the support and backing of the community to repair and refurbish our village hall to keep it going for further generations. The building was bought and erected by the Oulton community in 1924.
533
Over & Nether Compton Memorial Hall
Dorset
Due to Corona restrictions we had to close our hall for the time being but supported our community with a weekly prescription pick up and delivery service and some shopping. Despite COVID the development team is working hard towards our planned hall improvements. Plans had to be adapted and work will be phased around the fundraising, which is challenging in these times. We are looking forward to re-opening our much loved and well used hall and are optimistic that we can make the planned improvements.
534
Ovingham Reading Room
Northumberland
Ovingham is a small village in the Tyne Valley, and the Reading Room is a major focus of community life, used by all ages in regular organised activities as well as special events and private bookings. It has a welcoming atmosphere, and modern facilities which make it accessible to everyone, whilst also being a historic building.
The Reading Room was funded through a generous donation of land and money from the vicar of the time, and through community efforts. It was first opened in 1894 for use by men only, for playing billiards and chatting, as well as reading (there were no public libraries then).
Like many other village buildings, it was used to billet soldiers after the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Following some years of only occasional use, the Reading Room was extended, refurbished and reopened in 1971. In 1984, land donated by Frank Atkinson enabled us to extend the building again to give us an additional room (the Blackett Room), which is used for small-scale events and meetings.
The Reading Room committee has also been central to the revival of Ovingham’s traditional Goose Fair.
Let’s hope that the Reading Room will continue to be well-used and enjoyed during its next century.
535
Oxborough
Norfolk
May 2020 saw us install a new kitchen to replace the original 1976 one. It was our first attempt at fund-raising and we achieved the required £15,000. Of course this meant the rest of the hall looked old so the committee and friends set about using lockdown to revamp the hall with new lighting, painting, new blinds, new doors and a new range of fire extinguishers and alarms. Sadly in November 2020 we lost a wonderful view across the field we overlooked when the farmer replaced the broken small fence with a two metre new one. This field had for many years been where cricket was played and we fear it may soon end up with housing on it. Red kites, barn owls and green woodpeckers are often seen in this field. We fear that a housing development may end up there. Time will tell.
So we were grateful for the time, the haitus and the funding we received which really helped us. S
536
Pagham Village Hall
Sussex
Pagham Village Hall was formally opened by local racing driver, Derek Bell, on 16 September 1998. As long ago as 1952 a Trust was set up to raise funds for a village hall for Pagham. In 1989 a formal referendum of all Pagham electors voted in favour of provision of a Village Hall.
With renewed impetus, a new Pagham Village Hall Fund charity was set up in 1989 and took over the £5,000 raised by the original Trust. By 1997 it had boosted the fund to just over £40,000, through various events including welly-throwing, dances, coffee mornings and buy-a-brick.
Meanwhile, mandated by the referendum result, Pagham Parish Council had taken on the project. The Council purchased a greenfield site at Church Barton Farm, Pagham Road, where the current Hall now stands.
In addition to the Trust Fund, the Parish Council raised money from ratepayers and also took out a loan from the Public Works Loan Board (since repaid) to fund the project, which cost £400,000. The Hall was designed by local architect, the late Geoff Evans, based upon the appearance of a traditional Sussex Barn. Two local schoolchildren laid the foundation stone in April 1998 and the new Hall opened for business in September.
A new fund-raising group, the Mulberries, continues the tradition of the previous charities and raises funds for the Village Hall and other local charities through quarterly dance events.
The Council set up the Pagham Village Hall Trust as a charity to maintain and manage the Hall. The object of the Trust is to manage Pagham Village Hall and associated facilities in the interests of the residents of the parish, for their benefit and enjoyment as a Village Hall, and to seek thereby to serve the recreational, leisure and social needs of local people, on a fair and equitable basis, regardless of age, creed, class, religion or politics.
The bright and airy Village Hall has been a great success, and in normal times it is used by over 40 regular groups, as well as one-off events such as wedding receptions and children’s parties. It is hosts a pre-school (the only activity continuing in the current Covid-19 lockdown) and the parish council office.
The Trustees have carried out many improvements, yet the Village Hall remains financially very healthy. The first major project was to replace the rough and pot-holed surface of the car-park with a proper tarmac surface.
In 2014, the Hall was extended by the addition of a 50-seater Small Hall and a kitchen and toilets for the Village Station Pre-School which meets in the upstairs room.
At the end of 2019, 87 solar panels were installed. The Hall has a large south-facing roof and is situated on the edge of a town with the best sunshine record on the English mainland – ideal for solar power. The Trustees decided to invest some cash reserves in a sustainable energy system in order to reduce the Hall’s carbon footprint and to reduce future electricity bills and generate an income through the feed-in tariff, which is paid for exporting electricity to the grid. The solar panels form a 23.6Kw photovoltaic system, with estimated payback within six years, based on predicted performance and feed-in tariff calculations. In its first full year of operation we saved almost £1,300 on our purchase of electricity and received Feed-in Tariff payments of £1,866. We thus received £388 more than we spent, in effect contributing £1,686 to payback on our original investment. The Trustees will continue to consider measures to save gas consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the Hall.
The Hall can be hired through the Trustee’s booking clerk, Terry Reed, on 01243 264028 and a list of What’s On regular bookings can be found on the Pagham Parish Council website at http://www.paghamparishcouncil.gov.uk/venue-hire/
537
Painters Forstal Community Hall
Kent
Having lost its Hall in 2017, following a sale from one religious group to another, the village, through Painters Forstal Community Association (PFCA), and its predecessor charity (The Village Amenities Committee) has been raising funds and mobilising community members to build a new facility. This is centrally located on land gifted by a generous resident.
The Hall will be accessible for the village and our outlying communities, allowing the long term work of the charity to develop. Construction is due to start this year (2021) on land which will also host a wildlife garden.
A number of important environmental features are to be included at the Hall, such as electric car charging points, rainwater harvesting and a heat pump central heating system.
The project is supported by grants from the Big Lottery, Kent County Council, Swale Borough Council, a number of Charities and Trusts as well as gifts and fundraising by community members.
538
Pamber Heath War Memorial Hall
Hampshire
The memorial hall is a very well used hall run for the benefit of the local community. It is the base for the preschool along with the many clubs which include bowls, pilates, ballroom dancing, taeKwondo, children's and adults fitness, dog training and a craft group. The local U3A group use it for their wine appreciation, poker and photography clubs. It is hired at weekends for children's parties, games club, running club, christenings and weddings.
540
Pangbourne Village Hall
Berkshire
Pangbourne Village Hall was first built as a church hall in 1950, and used by Pangbourne village school as overflow classrooms. The building became the village hall in the 1970s and in 2008 was substantially extended and refurbished and now comprises of a main and small hall. The hall was the centre of our village life and will hopefully once again be busy hosting classes, groups, meetings and social activities. It only reopened for a month in October 2020 before it was forced to shut again and the doors have been closed since that time apart from some essential activities such as hosting blood donor clinics.
541
Pant Memorial Institute
Shropshire
Founded in 1922 and still run entirely by unpaid volunteers. Hosting a wide variety of events before covid, and will do again. Meantime we have upgraded and improved the hall with grant support (thank you) and continue to communicate both online and in local media. We are ready to get back into action as soon as it is safe, and look forward to welcoming back our hirers and our community.
542
Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall
Yorkshire
Built in the 1960s to commemorate the servicemen and women of the local area who served in WWI or WWII. The hall hosts a wide range of activities such as tea dances, indoor bowling and regular film nights. The hall also hosts visiting theatrical and musical productions.
543
Peak Forest Reading Room
Derbyshire
Currently seeking funding to renovate the interior of our Reading Room which is in great need of a lot of TLC. Trying to feel positive about getting there.
545
Penn Street Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
In the heart of the attractive village of Penn Street, this oak-built hall has already proved to be very popular with residents and near-by groups. After the collapse of the previous hall’s roof in 2000 a campaign was started by the villagers to raise funds for a new building. Applications were made to a number of funds and eventually the new hall was opened by The Earl Howe in June 2008. The hall is now used by a variety of village-based groups and societies and the aim is to keep its function as central to the village community while making it available to hire by those elsewhere.
546
Pentewan Village Hall
Cornwall
We are a very small village hall, run as a charity. We support our local coastal village. We run coffee mornings, history talks, film clubs and the old Cornwall society hold meetings here.
547
Peppard Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
The Memorial Hall-has been at the centre of village life in the Community ever since it was built in 1921 to remember the local soldiers that never returned from the Great War.The foundation stone was laid Miss Lilian Howell on the 23rd April 1921 St George’s Day.
Over the years the hall has been used to celebrate many things including the Coronation of George vI and Queen Elizabeth II.
It was used as a cinema until 1958and during the World War II was home to the home guard as well as many American soldiers.
Today it is home to many thriving clubs and with a stage and professional lighting, home to the Chiltern Players, a highly talented group of players.
The hall in normal times is also the home of the local WI and village luncheon club.More recently we have organised village tea parties to remember both the start and end of the Great War.
Many refurbishment projects have been completed by different groups of Trustees over the years so our Hall in this Centenary year is in very good condition due the continued support of many Councils and donations from well wishers.
The future after Covid is secured,with as well as the main hall, a new club room has been refurbished which leads to a large secure outside area where the like of wedding receptions have taken place.South Oxfordshire District Council have been very supportive in awarding grants to us for the general upkeep, whilst we are unable to host clubs and private functions.
A quote from a Trustee”The old girl has been going for the last 100 years let’s make sure she’s here for the next 100.
Clive Mills.
Chairman of the Trustees
www.peppard war memorial hall.btck,co.uk
548
Peppard War Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
The Memorial Hall has been at the centre of village life in the Community ever since it was built in 1921 to remember the local soldiers that never returned from the Great War.
Over the years the hall has been used to celebrate many things including the Coronation of GeorgeVI and Queen Elizabeth II and the end of World War II.
It was used as a local cinema until 1958 and is home to many thriving clubs such as table tennis,judo and karate.The stage and theatre lighting make it the home of the Chiltern Players,a highly talented group of actors.The hall is also home to the Peppard WI,and village luncheon club together with a popular film night during the Winter months organised by the Peppard Revels group.
Many refurbishment projects have taken place by different groups of Trustees over the years,these being dependent on voluntary donations and grants since the hall has no secure revenue stream.
The future after Covid is secure with,as well as the main hall a smaller club room,large secure outside area where wedding receptions have been held and access for the disabled.
A quote from one of our Trustees”the old girl has been going for the last100 years ,let’s make she’s here for the next 100 “
549
Phoenix Hall Netheravon, Salisbury
Wiltshire
Phoenix Hall is so named because in 1987 it rose from the ashes of our first village hall. We run Cheerful Cuppa (a weekly village coffee morning helping to support those with dementia), A Day Centre (for the elderly and infirm) and a weekly Youth Club (5-15 year olds). In addition we host several local clubs, classes and societies. We cannot wait to get back to serving our community to the full.
550
Pickmere Village Hall
Cheshire
Like many other Village Halls, our started as an Infants School on land donated by the Tabley Estate and a building erected for £200 - even considered good value in 1860 when it was opened with 400 attendees! As a school, it had a relatively short life, closing in the early 20th Century when its remaining 9 pupils transferred to Gt Budworth and Tabley. As a “mission post” managed by 4 worthies chosen by the Tabley Estate and vicar of Gt Budworth, it was used as an outreach from Gt Budworth Church and went through many iterations. Variously the meeting place for the WI who used it to knit socks for serving soldiers during wartime, a Home Guard station during WWII and then the centre for separate male and female youth clubs, a village playhouse for amateur dramatics and a gym used for boxing training. Our Parish Council was formed in 1947 and from this period the building was known as “Pickmere Institute” and was maintained on a shoestring budget by volunteers who added a stage, distempered the walls and dug drains. A modest extension was added in 1990’s to provide a kitchen and upgraded toilets and the building was bought for a token payment from the PCC of Gt Budworth Church by the Parish Council and is now known as Pickmere Village Hall. It has been used variously over the past thirty years as a rehearsal room for a brass band and aspiring groups, by the WI, two art clubs, a photographic club, a wine club and as the meeting place for the Parish Council and for varied meetings and consultations. Although showing its age and limited in scope for use and development, it remains a heritage building in the village and a facility that has been well used in many ways for over 160 years.
551
Pinhoe Community Centre - America Hall & Sunnylands Room
Devon
Opened on 31st May 1952, America Hall, Pinhoe’s Community Centre, was built with funds donated by the families and friends of American Service persons who were stationed here during the Second World War. The residents of Pinhoe raised the money for the land. America Hall is situated in the village of Pinhoe, on the north eastern outskirts of Exeter, within easy reach from the M5 motorway
552
Pitchford Village Hall
Shropshire
The Hall opened in 1926, is run by volunteers and still occupies the original building which is a challenge in itself. Currently closed like so many we look forward to being a focus for the community again particularly with our very popular monthly pub night.
553
Plantation Hall
Essex
Plantation Hall is owned and managed by Heybridge Parish Council. Prior to lock down the hall was busy 7 days a week , hired out by community groups. Council cannot wait to re-open the doors to welcome them all back. During the lock down Council have been providing food bags for some of our vulnerable residents. Hearing Help sessions have been able to continue to run due to being an essential service.
554
Plumley Village Hall
Cheshire
Our Village Hall was founded in 1954 & has served the local community ever since. Our facilities are used by all ages from the youngest tots to the sprightliest pensioners for social, educational & exercise meetings. We are also proud members of Cheshire Rural Touring Arts & hosts twice yearly events for the entertainment of our rural community. We aim to be the centre of the village & to provide safe space for people to come together when we are able.
555
Polebrook Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Built in 1904, Polebrook Village Hall was presented to the Village in 1949 in memory of Brigadier General A.F.H Ferguson and his wife Margaret. The Hall was completely refurbished in 2012 and has a modernised kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave and full sized oven and a good stock of crockery and cutlery. It is ideal for meetings, classes, family and children's Parties. Prior to the pandemic it was used regularly by the local Brownies and Guides, a village exercise group, an Arts Class, dance practice and the village table tennis group. The Church Harvest Supper was held in the hall and the toilet facilities are available to the Church for regular Services. It is often used by wedding guests as a changing facility. Being in the centre of Polebrook, the village defibrillator is positioned near the main door. With the help of ACRE Guidance it has been made Covid-Secure and we look forward to being able to reopen and see our village social events and regular users return.
556
Pomeroy War Memorial Hall
Derbyshire
We are celebrating 100 years of Pomeroy War Memorial Hall in 2021. This was a successful village hall until the 1980’s but, as you can see from the photo, the building has fallen into disrepair. For the last 30 years the hall has been used for storage. Our group, The Pomeroy Trust, is determined to bring the hall back into community use. We have been working on the project for a little under two years, and we reinstated Trustees and a Committee exactly one year ago. The global pandemic has undoubtedly slowed down the progress we have made, but we have still managed to come a very long way in a relatively short time! We are in the middle of a feasibility study which is looking into the facilities we already have in the local area, what we are lacking and what there is demand for so that we can decide on the future use of the hall. If you would like to take part in our survey, please click this link: (photo credit: John Kingsland, Buxton Local History Society).
557
Potten End Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Sydney Renee Courtauld transferred the Village Hall and land to the parish by a Conveyance dated 28 June 1928 under which the land was conveyed to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations as the “Custodian Trustee”. It relinquished that role in 2019 when the property was transferred to the CIO in the name of Potten End Village Hall.
Under the terms of the 1928 conveyance the property is held “to permit the same to be used for the purposes of physical and mental recreation and social moral and intellectual development through the medium of reading and recreation rooms, library, lectures, classes, recreations and entertainments or otherwise as may be found expedient for the benefit of the inhabitants of Potten End with Nettleden”.
558
Potterne Village Hall
Wiltshire
We have been closed to hirers since the first lockdown although we did just manage to have the 2020 Panto in the Feb half term. This year’s Panto has been cancelled and has been much missed. When we were in tier 2, we managed to run the lunch club following restaurant rules, culminating in our Christmas lunch on Dec 23rd, and we also had some socially distanced Karate, but the latest lockdown put an end to both of those. We have missed the Village involvement in the annual Art Show and Christmas market and social evenings like the Burns Supper, and look forward to things happening again.
559
Poughill Village Hall
Devon
Poughill Village Hall is located in a small village in the heart of rural Devon. The Village Hall and the activities it supports are vital as they help to prevent social isolation and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of the residents of our small remote village. The Hall was built around 1850 and is sadly showing its age and is need of some TLC. There is a growing list of expensive maintenance tasks for which we need to raise funds.
560
Poulshot Village Hall
Wiltshire
Last year we managed to upgrade our door and fascia. This year we are hoping to upgrade the kitchen and the audio system. Last Christmas we managed to raise money and food to create Christmas hampers for any household who needed the help. We had three referrals. We aim to help again this Christmas.
561
Preston Capes
Northamptonshire
We have had to stop all activities in the hall but we have made it Covid secure so when we can we will resume activities. Preston Capes is a small rural community in south Northamptonshire which along with its sister hamlet, Little Preston, comprises of around 200 people. We are the only public facility in the village, apart from the church, so we double up as the social hub, the local pub with monthly bars, an annual Cook Out, croquet match, and several other events throughout the year. During this period we are having quizzes, a book club, and other events virtually. A facility we are offering free to anyone in the village to make use of to keep in touch with friends and family. We have events arranged for the autumn which we are really hoping will be able to go ahead and we can resume our normal events as well.
562
Preston Community Hall
Yorkshire
We are a rural location and our hall is at the heart of the community.
The hall was erected on it’s present site in 1956 having previously been a church at another location. The hall was refurbished in 2012.
We look forward to re-opening when we can resume various activities and classes plus our monthly film shows.
The hall is also used as a polling station and monthly Parish Council meetings. We have full disabled facilities and offer a 22 bay car park.
563
Princetown Community Centre
Devon
Our village community centre hosts our local GP surgery drop-in appointments, public library, early years preschool and, when fully open again, various local groups including the parish council, WI, yoga group, local church, history club, and cadets. We hire out the halls for family life events and local businesses, other charities and youth groups. We have spent the restrictions period tackling some much needed maintenance of the building having been supported by our local council and remain optimistic for the future.
564
Priory Hall, Much Wenlock
Shropshire
PrioryHall is maintained by volunteers and much-loved by local residents and visitors alike.
We've been a great venue for functions in Much Wenlock since the 1980s. Whether it be a meeting, a social event or an exercise class, Priory Hall has all the facilities that you might want. There's a stage, a sound system and free wi-fi. We have new sturdy tables and a full complement of comfy chairs. And we have a modern catering kitchen with a large preparation area, gas hobs, commercial dishwasher, two refrigerators and a coffee machine.
We're conveniently situated in the heart of this lovely historic town, close to the church, to car parks and to bus stops. There's plenty to see and do while you're in and around Much Wenlock...
565
Privett Village Hall
Hampshire
Privett Village Hall has been an important part of village life since its original opening in March 1964. It is a charity run by a Village Hall Committee. The original building was renovated and extended in 2013/14 but maintains its rural appearance and setting.
The hall has been the term-time home of the Privett Montessori Nursery since 1988. The Village Hall Committee organises events throughout the year as well as renting the hall to groups, clubs and individuals for their own events.
Please look at our website for more information including how to book the Hall
566
Quarnford Memorial Hall
Staffordshire
At 1519 ft above sea level Flash is the highest Village in Great Britain and the Memorial
Hall is the only community centre serving the very rural Moorland parishes of Flash and
Heathylee. Having lost our Village School some years ago the Hall has become a centre
for a wide cross section of the community. The Village Hall was built as a memorial to men
killed in the Second World War and is a stone built construction erected by local people in
1954. Since then it has been the hub for community fund raising events, family
celebrations, the annual Rose Queen event, Teapot parade, National celebrations (ie:
Jubilees, Commonwealth Day flag raising), a weekly Post Office service, Parish Council
Meeting,keep fit classes, History Live exhibitions etc
567
Queen’s Hall, Cuckfield
Sussex
The Queen’s Hall is not only an attractive late Victorian Grade 2 listed building with a fascinating history, it also provides excellent community hall facilities as well as hosting the Parish Council Offices and Cuckfield Museum.
The large Victorian building with its vaulted ceiling in the main hall and pleasant rear garden is ideally situated on Cuckfield High Street in the middle of the village and has something for everyone. The various regular weekly activities for ages 0 to 99 includes Pilates, Yoga, ballet, contemporary and line dancing classes, multi-sport training for children, dog training classes and the Stroke Communication Group. It is licenced to host weddings and the many other events that take place during the year talks, fundraising events, private functions, Craft & Vintage Markets, an annual Book Festival, numerous productions put on by the local dramatic society, outdoor theatre by a professional travelling theatre company, a Food Bank and Terra Recycling bins for crisp packets! The hall is currently providing a venue for a part time post office service to be delivered to the village.
The garden is currently being extended to create a highly attractive bio-diversity garden, the Angela Fox Nature Garden, for the local community to enjoy.
The hall dates back to 1897 according to the picture & plaque in the lobby, however according to local history records supplied by Cuckfield Museum, it was not actually built until 1898 and eventually opened in 1899! A library and a News Room were added at the front of the building after the original construction **was completed, the Library containing hundreds of books mainly donated by local benefactors, and ‘a good supply of Daily and Weekly Papers, Magazines &c’. Originally called The Edith Payne Free Library it was housed in a cottage, which stood in front of the hall.
The Main Hall was built as a memorial for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and funded by public subscription, along with some local wealthy benefactors, some of whose names are still well known in the area. The Committee set up to oversee the project wanted the hall to be the ‘Property of the Parishioners’; however rather than being run by Trustees ‘in the old-fashioned way’ they handed it over to the then Cuckfield Urban Council so they would have somewhere to hold their council meetings. Two conditions were imposed ‘(i) that the hall should not be used for religious purposes, (ii) the Library should be housed in it so long as it was continued’. Alas this was not meant to be, and the Library was eventually closed around 15 years ago.
During World War 1 the hall was used as a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) hospital for military personnel from all over the British Empire, and several ladies in the village got involved in washing and mending for the soldiers recuperation here. It was later used by the Y.M.C.A as a canteen for the Post Office Rifles, who were billeted in the town before reverting to a hospital again. There are inscribed wooden panels on display in the hall with the name of every man in Cuckfield who served in the war.
Cuckfield Museum, who have been most helpful supplying information for this article, are well known for their exhibitions, particularly of the first known dinosaur fossils that were found close by at in 1822 by , wife of Dr , a British palaeontologist.
568
Rainton with Newby Village Hall
Yorkshire
The hub of village life, Rainton Village Hall stands proudly as a landmark, over- looking one of the lush greens in the centre of our small, North Yorkshire village. Normally a hive of activity, the hall is now empty and silent because of the Covid-19 pandemic that suddenly stopped everything in its tracks March 2020.
The hall is used by a variety of groups and organisations including the indoor bowls club who are part of a local league, the village garden club for their monthly meetings and an annual produce show that brings all the village together. It’s also host to yoga and zumba classes, a weekly knit & natter group, parish council meetings and Sunday church services. As well as regular bookings, the hall is used for a number of other village events where the community come together and celebrate occasions such as Royal weddings and Jubilees.
With the first lockdown back in March 2020, the village hall like all other halls across the country closed. At the time we thought it would be just a few months, but as time went on we realised we might be closed for longer. With this in mind, the village hall management committee decided that it was the ideal time to carry out some much-needed work to the building, both inside and out!
A real team effort that has brought the community together with a positive effect during these troubled times. Thanks to the many volunteers and committee members that have given their time and worked so hard to transform what was a cold and damp old hall, into a warm, cosy hall that can be enjoyed by the village for many years to come
Once the hall is open again, we look forward to welcoming back out regular groups, but the committee are also thinking of other ways to maximise the hall’s use.
569
Rampton Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Rampton Village Hall was built in 1842 by Rev Charles Westeneys Eyre. The building closed as a school in 1914 upon the opening of Rampton Primary School. The former village school was renamed ‘The Hostel’ and used by Lady Ellis as both a Sundary School and function room for village activities. Part of the former Manor Estate it was sold in 1927 to become the church hall. Scouts, Guides and Gym Classes started in the 1930’s. The first renovation of the hall was in 1924 following a local fundraising event. In 1969 the Parish Council raised a precept of 4d per household that year for its next renovation.
Recent History: it was purchased by the Parish Council in 1995 and has since undergone continuous repairs and improvements. Prior to Covid, it hosted coffee mornings, Whist, Bingo, Yoga, Pilates, indoor Bowling and much more.
570
Ramsbury Memorial Hall
Wiltshire
Opened in 1926 and built to commemorate those who gave their lives from our Parish during WW1. Now proudly situated at “the heart of the village”.
Ramsbury .org
571
Ramsden Village Hall, Old Bolingbroke
Lincolnshire
Our village hall has been at the heart of community events since 1956. Quiz nights, plant sales, craft fairs, afternoon tea, lunch club and tea dances along with keep fit, Pilates, band practice and quilters sewing group are all regular events. The hall is available for birthday parties, christening, funerals and corporate events. Over the next twelve months the hall will be undergoing a refurbishment and development programme.
572
Ramsey Mereside Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Built in 1999 with a large car park, this modern well equipped facility is busy providing a home for all types of activities and entertainment. New people are always made welcome whether you fancy joining in the Bingo, Craft Club, Line Dancing, Youth Club, Coffee Mornings or The Toddlers Club. The committee organise and run a number of varying styles of entertainment from live music (pop to country) to themed evenings. Every Friday, since the Village Pub disappeared the committee run a social night where you can chat with your friends, as well as meeting other villagers.
Outside sees a large grassed area which has a children’s play area. Alongside this is a Trim Trail & a Multi Use Games Area where ball games can be played throughout the year despite the weather. Seven pieces of outdoor Gym equipment have been installed for use by all ages.
During this last traumatic year, when allowed, some committee and retired tradesmen have made alterations to, and redecorated the entire hall. Sixty solar panels and air source heating was installed, funded with a generous grant from The Glassmoor Local Environment Fund. We are now prepared for the future by offering our local community more choice and at the same time reducing our carbon footprint.
573
Rauceby Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Here for the community, in the sun and the snow
574
Ravensworth Village Hall
Yorkshire
Closed due to COVID.
The Hall is grade 2 listed, previously it was the village school .
Consultation with local residents in National Village Hall week 2020 provided direction and confirmation to upgrade the Hall. The Hall now has new disability toilets, new kitchen, insulated walls and painted throughout
It is the only community venue in the village. We look forward for the community to be able to utilise and celebrate the opening of the “new” hall.
575
Red Gables Community Hall, Stowmarket
Suffolk
Former town library, extended and refurbished to serve as community space for all with gardens and parking
576
Redbourn Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Redbourn Village Hall is celebrating it’s centenary in March 2021 and RVH remains at the heart of community life in the village. In normal times it is the venue for a wide selection of activities, classes, clubs, performances, exhibitions, celebrations and parties. RVH is the home of the Redbourn Care Group which has co-ordinated the response to the needs of the local community during the Covi-19 pandemic. The RVH Manager and RVHMC are working hard to maintain RVH during the Covid-19 lockdowns so that RVH will be ready to welcome it’s user back as soon as permitted.
577
Rede Tyne Coquet
Northumberland
The centre is run by volunteers and three part time employees plus a volunteer Groundsman. The RTC is a huge asset to our very rural community.
We have a sports hall, outside courts, bar and lounge, a sports field and a 24/7 gym. Annual events include an annual music festival and a Christmas party.
Our charitable objective is ‘to provide for the inhabitants of the Rede, The North Tyne and Coquet valleys and the neighbourhood in the interests of social welfare, facilities for recreation and leisure time occupation, for the purpose of relaxation and with the object of improving conditions of life for the said inhabitants’.
578
Rempstone Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Rempstone Village Hall is a modern, purpose built community facility in the heart of this rural village in south Nottinghamshire, It is situated north of Loughborough and south of Nottingham on the A6006. Opened in 2011, it is a popular local venue for fund raising events, fitness classes, children’s parties, meetings and private hire. There is a large main hall, bar and modern kitchen. The hall has free WiFi, air conditioning, sound system, film projector and seating for 100. The fully stocked kitchen has glass and dishwashers, a range cooker, large fridge and crockery for catered events. We welcome enquiries and visitors.
579
Rickinghall Village Hall
Suffolk
Our smart and well-equipped venue is available for hire by organisations, voluntary groups and individuals. Our hall regularly hosts social events, lectures, wedding receptions, dances and children’s parties, as well as numerous fitness classes. Local organisations hold craft and antique fairs, jumble sales and other events and there is a thriving Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month.
Outside there is a large playing field and football pitch with practice goals. Our floodlit hard sports area is marked out for netball, small-side football, and tennis.
Youngsters are catered for with a skatepark and the children’s play area has traditional and contemporary equipment suitable for toddlers to teens.
580
Riding Mill Village Halls
Northumberland
Riding Mill Village Hall continues to be the village hub. Books, homemade jam and eggs are available outside and prescriptions continue to be collected and delivered by volunteers weekly. We are looking forward to being open again and can’t wait welcome all our patrons backs.
581
Ringmer Village Hall
Sussex
Despite lockdowns, the village hall is still delivering support to the community. Our community lead library is providing a collection and delivery service to the subscribers. Out Tiddler and Toddler group have opened up their store to provide a library collection service for toys. Specialist support via the food bank and AA groups continues as does hosting Zoom meetings of the Baptist Church. All user groups are keen to get back into the hall for face to face activities.
582
Ripe and Chalvington Village Hall
Sussex
Ripe and Chalvington village hall has been part of our community since 1872. It started life as our local school, but when the school closed in 1965, it took on another lease of life as our Parish Village Hall.
Available for hire for our local parishioners and the general public from the surrounding area, our hall has been used for: birthday parties (- young and old!), small weddings, funerals, flower shows, May day celebrations, keep fit classes, Pilates, quiz nights, history nights, race nights and lots of other fun events. It now also plays host to the Ripe pre-school during the week ensuring that the hall is well used and well loved. Whilst the school can remain open, unfortunately the hall is currently closed for any local hires, we are looking forward to the end of lockdown when our Covid compliant hall can be used again.
583
Robertsbridge Community Association
Sussex
doing fine but committee al getting scarily old.
no thanks
584
Rockbeare Village Hall
Devon
Currently we are closed to all hirers and have been so for much of the past year. The village hall is a bright modern space and the lease also provides a large field which has been of great comfort and benefit to the community since March 2020. (NB photos taken before the pandemic)
585
Rode and District Memorial Hall
Somerset
The early years of the Hall are not clear but documents indicate that attempts to provide a village hall on the current site began during the 2nd World War.
At that time the Rode Branch of the British Legion was considering a memorial to commemorate the servicemen from the village who were dying in that war. The Branch Committee thought that it would be better that the memorial should not only honour the dead but be of practical use to the living, especially to those who served in the present war. The Rode Branch had no place of its own, where ex-servicemen could foregather, nor was there any hall in the village sufficiently commodious to meet the needs of the general public.
Consequently the Committee concluded that the provision of a Memorial Hall would best fulfill these aims, since such a hall would provide: -
(a) a fitting memorial to those who have given their lives for the freedom of their countrymen;
(b) a place of meeting for ex-servicemen;
© a headquarters for the local branch of the British Legion;
(d) a place where the general public could hold dances, concerts, etc.
They envisaged the hall would be known as the British Legion, Rode, Memorial Hall, it would be held in trust by the National Headquarters of the British Legion and the local branch would administer it.
Acting on the assumption that the public would support the scheme, the Committee approached Capt. W. S. Batten-Pooll of Rode Manor, who generously offered to provide some land on which the hall could be built. Estimates were also obtained for the purchase and erection of a hall to accommodate up to 250 persons, with a stage, dressing-rooms etc., for the installation therein of essential services, for the provision of the necessary furniture and fittings and the placing therein of a memorial tablet, inscribed with the names of the fallen. The total outlay was thought likely to be about £2,000. The Committee then launched an appeal:
“ to all those, who have at heart the well-being of the people of Rode and District, especially of those of them who served in this war, to support this scheme by sending as generous a donation as they can afford”.
At a later date, a newspaper reported that a meeting (probably open to all the village) was held in the Rode Hill schoolroom “to consider further the suggestion to build a Village Hall as a war memorial tribute”. The Chairman, Capt. Batten-Pooll, reported that the (Hall?) Committee had inspected various village halls. He said that they would have to raise at least £4,000 to build a hall on the lines proposed. It would require a wholehearted and united effort and would probably take 3 or 4 years to collect the money. After considerable discussion it was decided to ask the (Hall?) Committee to continue with their efforts to raise money for the Rode and District War Memorial Hall Fund. The same newspaper column contained a report of Rode British Legion giving the village children a victory tea, which suggests a date of 1945.
On 11th February 1946, a Post Office Savings Bank account was opened in the name of the Rode and District Memorial Hall Fund**.** A letter dated 8th April 1947 from Col. F. C. C. Ensor, the Hon. Secretary of the Rode and District Memorial Hall Committee, requested the Rode Branch of the British Legion to nominate its representative for the Committee. The letter clearly indicates that a trust deed, containing the terms and conditions of the Hall Management Committee, had been written and was in use (probably since 1946, see tenure of lease). The deed was not signed until 11th September 1952, possibly because, prior to that date, the Committee was still fund-raising and a signed deed was not needed until negotiations to procure a hall began. The deed legally established the Hall trust, its constitution and management rules. It also recorded that Capt. Batten-Pooll leased the land on which the Hall stands to Rode Parish Council (in trust), for a tenure of 99 years from 1946, at a rent of 5/- per annum.
In October1948 an outline drawing (no. 707/2) was produced by Mr. R. W. H. Vallis, an architect in Frome, in support of a proposal for a temporary building on the site. Later that year Mr. A.E. Perrett, a builder at Rudge, provided Mr. Vallis with an estimate for building a hall for the sum of £1,801. 8s. 5d.
Some time later the Committee approached the National Council for Social Service (a Government body) with a view of hiring a temporary building to be supplied by the NCSS. It is likely that these negotiations with the NCSS required the Committee to be legally established and hence the signing of the trust deed in 1952. Mr Vallis produced a detailed drawing (no. 707/6) of a temporary hall in May 1953. The drawing is clearly of the current hall in its original form.
The hall was built by (Mr?) Woodman in the early part of 1955 (photos exist of the footings being dug) and hiring from the NCSS commenced on 1st February 1955 at a cost of £13 per annum. The Committee signed the formal Agreement for the building and hiring of the hall with the NCSS on 30th March 1955, which required the hall to be insured for at least £3,000. Lord Hylton opened the hall in April 1955 and a hangs in the Committee Room.
As soon as the hall was opened the Committee launched an appeal to raise money for furnishing and equipping the building, calling particularly on those who had promised, when the original appeal for a hall was made, to give donations when they could see the project was becoming a reality. The officers of the Committee at that time were S. G. Paradise (chairman), E. C. Porch (treasurer) and F. N. Stacey (secretary).
A brass memorial plaque was placed in the Hall and has the following inscription:
TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE MEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM
1914-1918 1939-1945
“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”
A flower holder was fixed below the plaque and is kept full of flowers by the ladies of the village.
Capt. Batten Pooll died in 1953 and the freehold of the land on which the Hall was erected was acquired by Mr. F. C. Arnold of Ivy House. Mr. Arnold subsequently donated the freehold to the Parish Council (but not in trust), subject to the conditions in the lease, through a Deed of Gift dated 21 July 1962. On 27th April 1964 the Management Committee bought the Hall from the NCSS for £450. The outcome of these transactions appears to be that the Trust owns the Hall and has a lease on the land, which the Parish Council owns.
The Hall has been extended on four occasions. The kitchen area was added in 1976; the area at the southwest corner in 1979, now being used as two small storerooms and the gents’ toilets; and the committee room and rear toilets in 1994. In 1999, a major refurbishment was undertaken including the fitting of a new roof, ceiling, floor and doubled glazed windows. In addition a new entrance hall, the ladies toilets and a side extension to the main hall were added and the fixed stage replaced with a more flexible system of portable units. This latest work was funded by a £30,000 bequest from the estate of Miss Hilda May Woolley of Langham Place and a grant of £60,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
May Woolley, whose older brother Bert served in the First World War, provided and arranged the flowers for the memorial plaque for over 32 years from the time the Hall was opened.
The Hall has always been well cared for by the village and in 1990 won the competition for the best run village hall in Somerset.
January 2007 Peter Harris
586
Rogate Village Hall and Recreation Ground
Sussex
We serve a small village in West Sussex and will soon be celebrating our centenary. We have a fantastic hall, with a proper stage and a 5 acre recreation ground. In ‘normal’ times we host all manner of events and sports activities. Our annual Summer Fete is famous!
587
Ropsley Hall
Lincolnshire
Look forward to sharing experiences
588
Rotherfield Greys Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The Hall was built in 1924, prior to the days of television and the internet! Then, it was used by the whole Village for regular dances on Saturday nights, by the Cricket Club for teas and changing facilities and for all other Village events. It underwent a major refurbishment in the 1980s to update the loos and kitchen (Gents’ loo was outside and froze-up every winter!) and to make it a more attractive proposition to hire out. It is now hired out almost daily, for exercise classes, yoga and Pilates, other regular classes and for private parties. In addition, we have the luxury of having being given a house, across the road, where the Caretaker (who deals with all the admin. and cleaning) lives.
589
Rotherfield Memorial Institute
Sussex
Set at the heart of our community, the building has played an important role during the COVID19 pandemic. The building is home to the charity Rotherfield St Martin who have remained open throughout lockdown, using the hall to operate a ‘Feed it Back’ service to the community. Using food that would otherwise go to landfill and food donated from local food outlets, the charity have stored and distributed approx. 1 tonne of food a month from the hall. From June 2021 Rotherfield St Martin whose main aim is to combat isolation and loneliness for older people, hope to resume all daily clubs and activities from the hall and look forward to welcoming everyone back.
590
Rothersthorpe Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Rothersthorpe Village Hall was opened in November 1982, and is unusual in that it is a shared facility with the village primary school. It was the result of a huge amount of work by local villagers, who raised money throughout the 1970’s to fund a community space as part of the new school which was then being built. The new hall replaced the old memorial hall which dated from 1925 (since demolished and replaced with an outdoor meeting space/garden). We are now proud to have a large hall which is shared with the school, a committee room, kitchen and toilets. The village hall management committee work closely with the school, and both parties have benefited from this arrangement over the years. Although we were closed for some time during the covid epidemic, we are now fully operational again. Regular hall users currently include WI, Art club, Table Tennis, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, the Wellington Social Club and Pilates. We also have bookings for private events and village users receive a 50% discount on hire charges.
591
RTC Sports
Northumberland
Despite the challenges that Covid-19 has presented, we have been able to deliver online youth clubs to young people across our region. As part of this, we have organised virtual stargazing evenings, Zoom groups and one-to-ones. Feedback has been really supportive, and young people and their families have told us how much they look forward to the sessions and seeing everybody.
592
Rufford Village Hall
Lancashire
WIth advice from ACRE we quickly Risk Assessed Covid for the Hall and set to work making our Hall Covid secure. When able we have opened, particularly for new parent and baby support. We have made the Hall available to support the community and have held yoga, exercise and dance all the while closely monitoring the current restrictions. At the start of this we didn’t imagine how many changes we would face!! The trustees have worked together to keep the Hall Covid secure and as available as possible and look forward to the time we can start reopening 🌈
593
Rushbury Village Hall
Shropshire
The hall is a spacious brick building with an extensive tarmac car park. Built in 1996, it replaced a larger wooden building previously built in 1936. Historically it was known for Saturday night dances, mainly supporting the war effort. Surrounded by the beautiful Millenium Green, a childrens play area and tennis court, today the hall is used for social events and sports clubs. A local history group operates from the hall. The annual village flower & produce show, together with more recently started monthly pop-up pub also bring the community together. ACRE offer invaluable invaluable support to the Trustees.
594
Sacred Heart Church Hall. Hornsea
Yorkshire
The church hall has been open since 1967 and used by the parish and wider community. As a parish resource it is used weekly for tea & coffee after Sunday mass, for parish meetings and events, for fundraising activities (BBQ,, Lenten lunches, meals, quiz nights, etc). It is all so available for the community to hire and currently hosts Hornsea Art Society, 4 art classes, an embroidery group, 2 line dancing classes, children’s dance classes, an evangelical church service, birthday parties, events for Hornsea Arts Festival and other occasional uses. We have invested in improvements and continue to do so so that we can continue to be a popular centre in our town.
595
Sadberge Village Hall
Durham
The village of Sadberge was once the wapentake (capital) of the Viking-settled area north of the Tees known as the Earldom of Sadberge, which stretched from Hartlepool to Teesdale. The name is of Norse origin deriving from Setberg, meaning “flat topped hill”, an accurate description of the location of the village from where good views of the surrounding countryside can be obtained.
In Norman times the Earldom of Sadberge, though north of the River Tees, was not part of Durham and was not initially under the rule of Durham’s Prince Bishops. Instead, it formed an outlying part of the county of Northumberland by virtue of the fact that it had been part of the old Kingdom of Northumbria.
In 1139 Northumberland was given to Scotland by England’s King Stephen and the River Tees became the southern boundary of the kingdom of Scotland. This situation continued until 1157 when Northumberland was reclaimed by Henry II.
Hugh de Puiset was largely responsible for the decline in importance of Sadberge. He added the earldom to Durham in 1189 and from then on Sadberge was ruled from Durham. Sadberge retained some independence and continued to be administered as an almost separate county until 1576. Until their abolition in 1971 the Palatine courts were a part of the “County Palatine of Durham and Sadberge”.
About Our Village Hall
The village hall, built as a school in 1850, was extended in 1977 to provide the main hall, coffee lounge, kitchen and toilets in addition to a pre-school room and dance studio. The hall and the coffee lounge has been the busy hub of our Sadberge community for some time now and is undergoing a refurbishment ready for re-opening in early 2021.
596
Sambrook Village Hall
Shropshire
Sambrook is a small village 5 miles north west of Newport. The Hall is in the former Church School building and is almost 150 years old. The Hall plays an important role in the village, especially since the pub closed in 2019. When open we have weekly Yoga and Tai Chi classes, a monthly music night with a live band and a fish and chip supper. We hold Art Classes, Easter Egg hunts, a Summer Fayre, an Autumn Produce Show , and Breakfast with Santa. The Hall hosts the local WI and Parish Council meetings and is a great venue for private hire. We also run a Village Hall lottery which has been a lifeline in raising funds for improvements to the Hall. During lockdown we have carried out a number of improvements to the Hall and we look forward to opening our doors to the village sometime soon.
597
Sampford Courtenay Village Hall
Devon
Sampford Courtenay Village Hall
THE VILLAGE HALL IS ‘THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY’ AND IT IS THE COMMUNITY THAT MAKE THE HALL GREAT AND BRING IT TO LIFE.
Sampford Courtenay Village Hall was once the Village School. In 1952, Devon County Council decided to close the school owing to falling numbers on roll, and a group of local residents clubbed together to buy the building and place it in Trust “to provide recreational and mental development, entertainment or otherwise as may be found expedient for the benefit of the inhabitants of Sampford Courtenay and Honeychurch in the County of Devon and its immediate vicinity”. We rely on volunteers to run the events and do not have any paid staff or committee members
Architecturally it is a fine example of a Victorian School House and the exterior is very little changed from when it was first erected. Over the years, care has been taken in maintenance to match brick work, painting, and replacement roof tiles, and where this has not been possible, materials used have remained sympathetic to the origin of the Hall. Internally, the building has been modernised and extended and the partition between the two original classrooms has been removed to allow for one large hall space, but the origins of the old school are still clear. The original entrance doorways still hold the decoration of the old school entrances and the roof space is still open to the rafters. The fire surrounds from the old classrooms are still visible and the large high small paned windows remain at either end of the building. At present, the building consists of a main hall, a smaller meeting room and an extensive well-equipped kitchen. It has served the village well over the years and we hope it will continue to do so for many years to come.
In more ‘normal’ times, typical events throughout the year would include monthly music evenings (jazz, folk music, blues, rock bands, modern contemporary etc.), Christmas and Easter Bingo sessions, a dog show and car boot sale, the annual flower and produce show, several quiz evenings (with homemade puddings on offer between rounds as an added incentive!), inter-village skittles matches, a Big Breakfast morning and a wine tasting evening. The hall is also available for hire to local people/groups for weddings, christenings, children’s parties, meetings etc. We have badminton and table tennis equipment for hire by parishioners and hold tap dance classes during the day. Recently, we have extended these activities by holding a series of illustrated talks by local dignitaries and introducing beetle drives, family shows during school holidays and generally responding to requests from our community wherever we can.
However, as for many villages up and down the country, these past twelve months have been very difficult. The Covid19 epidemic, which shut down the whole nation and led to the compulsory closure of our Hall, has brought many challenges, both financial and social. We have seen great changes to life in our Village. With no Hall available during lockdown, some of our activities have managed to move on-line to the Village website, but for those living in areas with little or patchy internet connection, it has been a lonely time. However, villagers have done what they can to keep going and thank goodness for Zoom! We have held on-line coffee mornings and quizzes, organized village trails and a cream tea delivery service, set up bring and buy plant stalls and recently organized a book borrowing service from the main square.
Our main difficulty throughout this pandemic has been the deterioration of the Village Hall roof. In January 2020, we were all set to start a big fund-raising push to raise the £150 000 we need to get the roof replaced, but lockdown put a stop to that. However, we do not despair and with the New Year, we have new hope and are busy organizing the launch of a Massive “RoofUs “ appeal so that with a little help from our friends, we can continue the life of this amazing building and see our village equipped with its hall in good repair well into the next decade.
598
Sancton Village Hall
Yorkshire
Originally built as the Youth Hall in the 1960’s, the hall closed in the 1990’s. Following fund-raising and refurbishment the hall re-opened in 2012. It now provides quizzes, coffee mornings, film club, craft group and the table tennis group Sancton Smashers, as well as regular community events and a venue for hire for villagers and trainers. In lockdown the hall was made covid-19 secure and will re-open with a new heating system and antiviral hand driers.
599
Sandford Orcas Village Hall
Dorset
Sandford Orcas Village Hall is the hub of our small community. There are regular Artsreach musical and theatrical events, several clubs including table tennis, billiards & snooker and monthly coffee mornings. We hope to expand our activities in the future, particularly for children and local artisans & traders. The hall is available to hire for private hire (sandfordorcasvillagehallsec@gmail.com)
600
Sandleheath Village Hall
Hampshire
We are conducting a comprehensive refurbishment programme to convert a redundant, dilapidated, century-old, Arts and Crafts-style church building into a splendid, contemporary village hall in Sandleheath. Once complete (during mid-2021) we will offer a well-designed, well-equipped space for a wide variety of public and private activities and events in our village, where a community hub is much needed. The advent of our very own village hall will transform our rural village lives.
601
Sandon Village Hall
Essex
Sandon Village Hall was opened on 17th September 1963.
We have traditional groups using the hall; Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. These groups have been using the facilities since the hall opened in 1963. More recently we have; Language groups, Women’s Institute, Keep fit, Craft and Pamper events and various social bookings. We also have a small hall, viable for your business meetings, a large hall for your potential AGM and a stage for hosting amateur dramatics or small shows; We have had a great history of hosting 40 years of Pantomime through our friends who formally ran Saint Andrew’s Youth Fellowship.
The hall has ongoing refurbishment and maintenance. Voluntary members of the SVH committee - with the help of local businesses - have spent time making the hall more presentable for users. We received an ‘Awards for All’ Grant in 2014, for our biggest project; the disabled toilet and improved accessibility. Since this grant we have also painted the entire building inside and out and invested in new furniture for our customers to use during their hire sessions.
If you are a group wanting a regular venue to hold your activities/meetings or whether you are an individual requiring the venue for a celebration/event SVH is a well located hall in a conservation area.
602
Saracen’s Head village hall
Lincolnshire
Saracen’s Head village hall was formerly the village school, built in 1871. It closed as a school in 1975, later becoming the village hall. Along with so many other community buildings of its kind, it has remained closed since March 2020, but we're looking forward with hope and enthusiasm to reopening, and making full use again of our lovely community space.
603
SAWBRIDGEWORTH YOUNG PEOPLE’S RECREATIONAL CENTRE
Hertfordshire
We are still hosting the daily High Wych Pre-School Nursery and normallly we would have a range of activities led by local creative and martial arts etc. groups plus community events (dinners, quizzes etc.). We have plans to extend and refurbish the hall to make it more attractive and suitable for young people in Sawbridgeworth, for whom it is intended. The Hall is managed by a committee of town councillors and community representatives. The Town Council is the trustee for the hall and field. The land was originally donated by deed to the National Playing Fields Association in 1933 by Sir Arthur Cutforth and tranfsrred to the then Sawbridgewroth Urban District Council in 1969.
No website yet
604
Sawmills village Hall
Derbyshire
Doing our best for the local community
www.sawmillsvillage hall.org
605
Scaynes Hill Millennium Village Centre
Sussex
The Centre has continued to host an after school club through most of the lock down. Scouts have been meeting remotely and our many fitness and sports groups are itching to get back up and running. The WI are nearly all champing to get their inoculations I am sure. During lockdown we have been able to invest back into the hall with sustainable projects and streamlined administration. Hopefully a sunny summer will maximise the use of our Solar and Battery installation. Can’t wait to get back to a new normal.
606
Scrooby Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Scrooby parish is home to one of the Mayflower Pilgrim Fathers, the forerunners of the USA, William Brewster. The Scrooby Village Hall was originally built in the 70’s (Opened by then US Ambassador Brewster), updated in 2008 and is currently being extended to enhance the toilet and catering facilities. The latter was needed because of the expected influx of tourists and Americans flocking to Scrooby for the 400th Anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.
It is in full time use and home to young and old (Beavers and Rainbows, through to the Knitters and Natters of Scrooby), and is home to the annual Scrooby Show. Additionally the Scrooby Community Cinema runs a monthly cycle of interesting and current films and also hosts many entertainment evenings, social gatherings and private parties.
The Scrooby Village Hall remains a vital community resource at the very heart of the village and parish and is always open to all upon request.
607
Seahouses Hostel Hall
Northumberland
Seahouses Hostel is a charity providing self catering residential accommodation for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Hall has been used by many over the years; not only those staying at the Hostel but also as a hub for community activities and village life. Some have used it for family celebrations, continued parish and ecumenical meetings, church coffee mornings, children’s’ holiday clubs, craft workshops, drama groups, school projects, local group activities and much, much more... Although currently closed due to the pandemic, we are confident that the Hall will continue to thrive and be an integral part of community life once more, when “normal service resumes”!
608
Seend Community Centre
Wiltshire
Like many other community centres, we have been changed from a thriving hub of our rural community here to one where our sole activity at the moment is providing a facility for a weekly visit by the Alzheimers Society Singing for the Brain group, as an exempted activity. In a normal year we host a pantomime and a Beer Festival – both with reputations that spread well beyond our local community, and even our county. Neither happened last year and the pantomime is already cancelled for this year. In 2020 we would have put on an ABBA tribute band concert, the annual village flower show, an Oktoberfest and numerous other smaller community events such as Nosh and Natter lunches and monthly coffee mornings as well as several private hirings for birthday parties and wedding receptions. We are optimistic that at least some of these can happen this year – dates are pencilled in. Indeed our survival depends on it.
Throughout 2020 we received invaluable help and guidance in meeting the ever-changing COVID restrictions from ACRE, via our local Community First. This helped us set up the Centre in a COVID-secure way so that between the lockdowns we were able to open our bar, especially on the popular Friday nights! On top of all this we have been very grateful to our village residents for the support we have been offered in these difficult times. 2020 was a year that none of us would want to repeat. Now we can’t wait to get back to normal and start again doing the things we are here to provide.
609
Selston Parish hall
Nottinghamshire
Selston Parish Hall & Recreation Ground which includes a Pavilion, Football, Cricket & Bowls was originally Selston Miners Welfare. It became a Charity in 1976 whose oblect was to provide and maintain the recreation ground and community centre for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Selston. Volunteers help to maintain the sporting facilities. When the Parish Hall is open 38 different groups hire the facilities on a weekly basis for varying activities. Our local GP Surgery are planning to use the Hall as a Vacination centre.
610
Selwyn Hall, Box
Wiltshire
The Selwyn Hall is built on land leased by the Parish Council in 1968 under a Deed of Trust. It is named after the Revd Tom Selwyn Smith who was the Vicar of Box at the time. The accommodation comprises the Main Hall, the smaller Millennium Room and the usual supporting facilities including toilets, store rooms and a kitchen. A small public library, under the auspices of the Wiltshire County Library Service, is situated on the Ground Floor, staffed by volunteers and open a few times a week. A good-sized stage, along with lighting and a sound system, is used for theatrical and other similar productions.
In the past, the hall has enjoyed a variety of regular hirers including the badminton club an art group, the ‘Gentlemen’s Interest Group’, Box Primary School, Box Panto Group and Panache Cinema. At the start of the pandemic, the Trustees agreed that the hall should be closed. There followed a period of maintenance, defect repair and deep cleaning. As restrictions eased, risk assessments were carried out based on the excellent advice received from ACRE and other sources including the Health & Safety Executive. The hall was then re-opened for a couple of hirers who were required to carry out an induction programme covering the additional Covid related safety requirements. As the pandemic situation deteriorated, the hall was closed again.
The opportunity is now being taken to develop a ‘plan for the future’ aimed at exploring how the hall’s excellent facilities might attract a wider range of hirers once it is possible to re-open. It is intended to improve WiFi connectivity and to develop the hall’s website which has fallen in to abeyance. There is a real feeling of excitement within the Executive Committee and the Trustees as we look forward to a ‘new normal’.
611
Sessay Village Hall
Yorkshire
We live in a very small rural community in North Yorkshire with no shop, post office or pub so our Village Hall is essentially the “heart” of it.
Before the pandemic the hall was the meeting place for everything from School concerts to the Community cafe also including an art club, WI and training place for the First Responders. One of the main features is that the hall also provided sporting facilities and a bar. The community is very sport orientated as we have extremely successful men’s cricket teams who have competed at Lords four times in the final of The National Village Knockout, winning it twice, a Ladies Cricket team who also competed in the final of the National ladies championship, not to mention numerous children’s teams. The hall is also home to the Bowls club and the men’s and Ladies darts teams. We also miss our Church lunches, family quizzes and other events.
We can’t wait for restrictions to be lifted so that we can all resume our varied interests.
613
Shalbourne Village Hall
Wiltshire
Shalbourne village hall began its life in 1843 as bible school and since then has evolved into what it is today at the center of the village and the heart of the community. It provides a space where villagers, local clubs and organisations meet. It housed a pop up pub when the local pub temporarily closed and homed the Church community during refurbishment and during the Covid crisis it has provided a safe space from which preordered groceries can be collected.
614
Sharrington village hall
Norfolk
We have taken the opportunity covid lock down has given to paint the hall and check what facilities we can offer our community. We have installed Wifi and contactless paying for our licensed bar. A post lockdown party gave us all the chance to reaquaint ourselves with neighbours and was the first step in reopening our hall. Built in 1953 on land gifted to the village our hall may not look much from the outside but has a welcoming interior. Our ever popular music nights and concerts are back on and regular groups are again using the hall for craft, gardening and singing. We plan to hold in the future a supper quiz, pub night with board games and our Christmas fayre.
615
Shaw-cum-Donnington Village Hall
Berkshire
If our hall had a voice would it say something like this:-
Although I am rather old; opened my doors in 1912; unlike many old people I am not lonely or neglected . I have many people dropping in every day. My days start with my very young visitors with the children of the playschool. What a time they have, running around with plenty of different types of play, inside or in my gardens outside.
Next I become a dinning room for the older children from the primary school next door. They also sometimes stay on after lunch to do P.E. or act in their plays and even stay to tea time for after school club. Like any old lady I love to see how they grow year on year becoming more confident in front of the older members of their families. Some afternoons I have older visitors [Some might have even have used me when they were at school] when the over 50,s keep fit come in, good to see them not giving in to old age just like me. Other afternoons I feel elegant when the ball room dancers come to practice, so nice to hear the old songs again while they glide around.
Now that brings early evening and the Guide movement move in. Guides and Brownies. I, have lost count or how badges I seen worked for., as well as all the good fun they have. Some times the ladies from the Yoga club come to visit at this time of day, all that lying on my floor in impossible looking positions is a lot quieter than the younger visitors,
Now that early evening is here the older and more varied visitors arrive. It could be Line dancers; not a bit like the barn dancing of my early days; the W.I; they talk about all sorts of things I learn a great deal from their meetings; the Parish Council keep me in touch with what is going on outside my doors in the rest of the parish; and then the management committee who set my fees, pay my bills, keep me in good order and clean come to see me and make sure that all my visitors have treated me well.
You might think that being so busy all week that during the weekends I would be left alone. Not a bit of it. The dancers who cannot come during the week come to practice on Saturdays and Sundays and then people who have something to celebrate but not enough room at home bring all their friends to party with me.
You can see from this that most of the local groups find me a useful recourse and I welcome all of them. I can go on for many more years welcoming even more members of my community.
616
Sheldwich Village Hall
Kent
We are well used village hall on the edge of the village green, during lockdown we have installed new LED lighting. As well as the usual village organisations, we have regular Pilates, Yoga and Bounce sessions.
We have a well appointed kitchen and a Defibrillator. For lockdown we installed a book swap library in the hall car park. We are ready and waiting for the reopening
617
Sherston Village Hall
Wiltshire
Our Village Hall has a long history, it used to be a tithe barn in medieval times and in the second world war it was a rifle range. Over the years it has hosted wedding parties, musical events, plays, a playgroup and now Pilates classes and yoga. We are hoping to give it a new entrance hall and modern toilets in the next year or so.
618
Shillington Village Hall
Bedfordshire
On the 29th January 1921 Mrs. Hanscombe and others donated a ‘Deed of Gift’ to the Trustees of the site of the Hanscombe Memorial Hall, Shillington in the county of Bedford. The Hall was called “Hanscombe Memorial Hall”. Facilities on offer: large hall – stage – small committee room – kitchen and bar area – disabled access and toilet. Occasional separate use of car park by prior arrangement. Sadly we’ve been closed since April 2020 due to the pandemic (although briefly permitted to open for 3 days in November 2020!) Hall is COVID safe and just awaiting the green light from The Government.
619
Shiplake Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
Shiplake Memorial Hall was built in 1926, as a memorial to ‘those who fell in the Great War 1914-1918,” and established as a charity in 1927. The hall became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2020 managed by a board of trustees and run by a number of part-time staff.
The hall went through a major modernisation project in 2013 and now has a superb professionally fitted kitchen, a spacious reception area and an excellent number of toilets! The main hall retains its original features with its beautiful wooden beams and also offers a stage and modern sound and lighting system.
The Hall is set in a semi-rural location with stunning views over the countryside. Shiplake Tennis Club and Shiplake Bowls Club are based in the hall grounds as well as the Shiplake Village Nursery which operates from a separate annexe to the hall but with full access to the hall garden. The Hall also has a large sports field which is used by the Shiplake Primary School, Shiplake College and all the local residents, young and old!
At the heart of the community, Shiplake Memorial Hall is a village hall for all occasions. The hall has been enjoyed by many over the years, for parties, fundraisers, dances, club events, exhibitions and summer fayres. It has been used in film sets and is the polling station at election time. The Hall also now hosts an increasing number of wedding receptions for local couples. Regular activities include WI and Parish Council meetings, pilates, yoga, tango, walking netball, children’s dance, ballet, a toddler group and the annual village pantomime – a wonderful community event!
Like all other village halls, Shiplake Memorial Hall closed in March 2020 due to Covid but the trustees worked very hard over the summer months to be ready to welcome back Covid-compliant hirers in September 2020 to a Covid safe hall. Although it was very sad to close the hall again at the end of 2020, the trustees are feelings positive about opening again in the warmer months and sharing all the facilities the hall has to offer with the local community again.
620
Shipton Village Hall
Shropshire
Built in 1950s and since modernised and extended. At the heart of local life and meeting place for residents from Brockton, Easthope, Shipton and Stanton Long.
621
Shirebrook Village Hall
Derbyshire
Shirebrook Village Hall was built in the early 1970’s and was built to similar designs to village halls of that time across the country. Throughout that time the Village Hall has catered for many of Shirebrook’s family’s needs, be it a wedding, christening or that special family occasion. The hall is also used for various regular community groups and is available for hire at very competitive rates. The hall can be hired en-bloc with the use of the kitchen facilities, or you can hire one of the smaller rooms for your group or party. The licensed bar, which is run by the Town Council, is available free of charge on request.
622
Shirley Village Community Centre
Derbyshire
Part of St Michael’s Church
623
Shotteswell Village Hall
Warwickshire
The Village Hall is the centre of our small community acting as the hub for numerous functions and events. The committee have worked tirelessly over the last ten months to support village residents. In December we became the Warwickshire launch venue of “Warm Hub”, further demonstrating the willingness of our trustees to do as much as possible for the local community during these times.
624
Shrivenham Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
The Memorial Hall is at the heart of the village. It is a Grade II listed building constructed in 1925 in the Arts and Crafts style and the main hall, modelled on Westminster Hall, is unique in Oxfordshire if not in the country. The hall is used for a full range of community facilities from providing a venue for clubs and societies while at the same time acting as a home for a full range of sporting activities. It also provides an attractive venue for weddings and parties which allows the Trust to supplement its income for the maintenance of the 90 year-old building. The Memorial Hall also acts as the home for Shrivenham Cricket Club during the summer months. A new sports pavilion is currently under construction, due for completion in December 2021. When finished e it will enable us to offer additional facilities for sporting and fitness activities.
625
Shutlanger Village Hall
Northamptonshire
We are very proud of our village hall here in Shutlanger, rural Northants. As a small but thriving village – our village hall remains one of our few community assets and as such it has a vital role to play in the life of the village.
Believed to have been built in the mid-to late 19thcentury, we are committed to restoring this much-loved facility to its former glory. 2020 has been a year when the village hall committee has approached the project of maintenance and restoration with new vigour and 2021 looks set to be a year when much progress will be made. We are determined to enhance and improve our Victorian building so that it can continue to serve our community.
In a normal year, without the current COVID-19 restrictions, we see many community activities here. Everything from folk nights, coffee mornings, fetes, community quizzes, dance classes, band practice and fitness sessions. We have a good-sized hall which is hired out for many a celebration – local and further afield, and a beautiful chapel which is used for regular church services. We are looking forward to seeing our facility back in use in the coming months: serving our village and providing a much-needed community hub again.
We are delighted to be involved in ensuring that the legacy of this building lives on.
626
Sibsey Village Hall
Lincolnshire
A large spacious village hall that is usually open to lots of organisations, party's within the community and charity functions to help local people. Local groups that bring the community together.
The committee members hope that we can build the interest again with local people to attend functions to keep the hall running
627
Silverton Community Hall
Devon
A much valued village community.
628
Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
Dorset
We have recently completed a fantastic refurbishment of our hall thanks to funding from Dorset Council, The Talbot trust and our community. We are supporting our community groups enabling them to operate, when permitted, in these uncertain times and we are desperately looking forward to hosting Artsreach and other live events to consolidate and develop our wonderful community togetherness. Feeling = Positive and optimistic.
629
Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall
Cumbria
Skelton Toppin Memorial Hall, Cumbria (charity registered as: John Castlehow Toppin Memorial Hall), was gifted in 1923, by Fred Toppin, Vice -President of the company which controlled the famous White Star line, to honour his father, Mr J.C. Toppin, Alderman, Chairman of the local Rural Council and Guardian of the Poor for 57 years, who died in 1915.
2020 was the year we received a National LotteryGrant to allow us to begin the process of a major refurbishment to bring the venerable, architecturally unique and well loved village hall into the 21st century. The Pandemic took hold shortly thereafter, as we all know, with the national lock-down from March 23rd.
With the great help and guidance from ACRE and more locally, ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, we, as were a number of halls, able to complete a risk assessment, become a Covid Secure building and re-open at the end of September.
This allowed, the local village school, Youth Dodgeball, the Brownies, and Young Farmers to come back into the hall. (The village school was even able to have their Christmas party.) We held one trustee’s meeting, socially distancing in the hall, with the rest of the meetings being held virtually from our homes on the Zoom platform. Our zoom was offered to other hirers, with the Brownies making great use of it in periods when not able to be in the hall.
We managed a flag raising to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and helped sponsor a village wide patriotic commemoration, where residents placed wartime family memorabilia and bunting in front of their houses over that weekend.
Now in the New Year, we’re hoping to be able to get on with our refurbishment efforts. A copy of our plan is attached. Our Centenary is in 2023 and we hope to have at least some of the phases completed by then and to assist in the recovery of our rural community.
(Please see the links on our website for refurbishment plans and video)
https://www.skeltonvillagehall.com/
630
Skendleby Old School
Lincolnshire
Built in 1842, Skendleby Old School is in the centre of the village. It became the village hall after the school closed in 1969. The local playgroup and social and fundraising events are held there. Harvest suppers, choir practices and concerts, PCC and Parish meetings, coffee mornings and many other entertainments are all held there plus local and national elections. While our church was being re-roofed, services took place in the Old School. While the playgroup is still able to continue , we look forward to all being able to meet again , as a community , in the heart of our village.
631
Slinfold Village Hall
Sussex
Our village hall, in the middle of Slinfold’s Grade II* conservation area, is as much at the heart of village life as it when it was first built 140 years ago. An extension and refurbishment in 1999 meant that it could continue to stay relevant to the community’s needs and is and is used by a wide range of groups and societies throughout the week.
632
Slip End Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Our hall was built in 1909 by local subscription. Originally an educational facility but then a village hall. Situated in the heart of the village and complete with play area, adjoining newly refurbished playground and car park. Actively used by many local groups and at weekends for parties and weddings. Managed and run by local residents for the benefit of residents.
633
Snape Village Institute
Yorkshire
Snape Institute stands in the heart of the village on the village green. It was built in 1885 by Edith Milbank in memory of her father, Mark Vane Milbank, and grandfather, Mark Milbank both of whom had lived at Thorp Perrow. The main hall and kitchen, which was the reading room and lecture hall in the original building, were later extended to the east, to add a billiard room, by Sir William Grey in 1905. Since then various alterations have been made to bring the hall up to date. It comprises one main room, kitchen and toilets. Original features still remain giving the hall an arts and crafts period feel.
There is also a garden on three sides of the building which incorporates the Memorial Garden with a stone brought from the bombed Houses of Parliament by Sir Leonard Ropner after WW2. The stone records the dead of WW1 and WW2.
The hall has recently been refurbished to improve the heating and decoration and to offer a kitchen up to a commercial standard.
The building is licensed to hold 120 people seated and up to a maximum of 160 people unseated.
Except for the Covid19 pandemic, a range of regular exercise classes are held weekly – yoga, keep fit, circuit training and Zumba. Weekly, the Table Tennis Group and Carpet Bowls Group hold sessions. The Snape Garden Club, Snape Local History Group and Snape Textiles Group each hold a programme of meetings throughout the year.
Normally the hall would be open for private bookings. It is an ideal venue for wedding and general parties along with other types of events.
There is a sound system with hearing loop and the building is licensed for the playing of live and recorded music. The Committee is currently considering the installation of wifi.
A range of fund raising and social events are normally organised by the Committee throughout the year including the very popular Snape 15k and Fun Run held in September. The Committee also runs a 100 Club Draw, with 3 prizes per month, to raise funds for the Institute.
The hall is the main hub in the life of this rural and very picturesque North Yorkshire village. The Committee hopes that once lockdown is over they can return to hosting and organising the wide range of events which serve the needs of the parish population and beyond
634
Snitterfield Village Hall
Warwickshire
Snitterfield Village hall was built in 1931 and will celebrate its 90th Birthday this year. It is in the heart of our village and has been used regularly by many village organisations over the years including Rag Tag Toddler Group (which has been running for over 30 years), Snitterifeld WI and Garden Club and our monthly rural cinema and community cafe which is a life-line for many of our residents as a way to meet socially. We hire the hall out for parties, yoga, dance classes, live music events, theatre productions and other social events whilst also fund-raising for our capital costs.
Like so many halls we had to close during the national Covid-19 pandemic lock-downs but have taken this time to create a new easy access toilet thanks to the help and support from ACRE and a grant from DEFRA.
In the past few years we have upgraded our toilets and storage areas and our next project will be replacing our smaller meeting room. With the help of Snitterfield Actioning Climate Change (SACC) we aim to increase the number of solar panels on our roof and make this new room carbon neutral. Grant applications continue to be submitted for this project but due to the national situation with Covid-19 we are realistic about their lower chance of success.
We are looking forward to re-opening in 2021 and to welcoming our community back to their village hall once more.
635
South Hinksey Village Hall
Oxfordshire
What is now the South Hinksey Village Hall was built as a Baptist Chapel and served as a place of worship until 1955. It is a small attractive building in the centre of the village and when it came up for sale it was bought for the parishioners by a newly formed charity called the South Hinksey Village Hall and has since been run by a group of volunteers forming a management committee.
Private hire of the hall helps fund the running costs, and it has recently benefited from a generous award to help it through this difficult year when all income has dried up due to the national lockdown.
As well as being used as a polling station, and for the monthly meetings of the Parish Council, the hall has been used for various fundraising events and over the years activities at the hall have included Toddler Groups, Pilates, Cake sales Martial Arts and Indoor Bowling – and many more recently a very successful monthly ‘Mock Pub’.
As a village without a Pub or Community Shop the Village Hall has proved to be a wonderful way of bringing the community together, and we very much look forward to when we can open again.
636
South Killingholme Community Centre
Humber & Wolds
South Killingholme has a great sense of community, demonstrated by COVID 19. Although the usual activities of the hall have been shut members of the community have been busy supporting our local Mutual Aid Group and the vulnerable shielding in our neighbourhood. Councillors and volunteers have been shopping, pick up and delivering medications, dog walking, ringing villagers, cooking, redistributing unwanted food parcels, planting and maintaining community bedding, and errands for vulnerable groups. We have recognised the isolation many community members are feeling and are excited about setting up a walk and talk group, restarting bingo and the village playgroup. We are endeavouring to obtain grants for youth activities and a community orchard.
637
South Leigh
Oxfordshire
South Leigh village hall was built as a church school in mid-Victorian times and remained in use as a school until the second half of the 20th century. It later became the village hall and, after an extensive upgrade and refurbishment in 2013, is the light and airy venue that it is today. Together with its enclosed garden, it is in demand for parties and wedding receptions, as well as being used for group, commercial and social activities. Its two halls and kitchen, together with the outside space, have proved a major attraction. While the hall has remained closed since March 2020, we look forward to being able to welcome people back again later in 2021, having used the enforced closure to upgrade the hall further.
638
South Luffenham Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
Our hall is a former WW1 hut which has been at the heart of the village since 1922. It is used for Stay and Play group, Pilates sessions, teas, a painting group, dance lessons and theatre performances along with holding regular fundraising events for the hall and the village church. We are using the current closure to our advantage and carrying out an extensive renovation project which means we can reopen in style and once again become the vital focal point for our small community.
639
South Milford WI Hall
Yorkshire
South Milford WI Hall is owned and maintained by South Milford Women's Institute. The land for the hall was donated to South Milford WI in 1950, to be used by the WI for it’s own purposes and for the benefit of the village and rural life in the surrounding area. The hall is run as a community building by the committee and is well used by a number of local groups, as well as South Milford pre-school. It is also made available to the general community on evenings and weekends for one-off parties and events. By 2006 South Milford WI had reduced in numbers and the WI members were struggling to maintain the building. In order to prevent the loss of this important community asset, a large group of young mums in the village joined the WI, in order to keep it going and save the building and the pre-school in the process. At this present time (during lockdown), the pre-school is the only group using the hall but we very much look forward to welcoming back all of our other hirers as soon as COVID restrictions ease.
640
South Milton
Devon
Our hall will be opening soon. The interior has been redecorated and plans are afoot for exciting developments including improved facilities, a car park and children’s play area.
641
south milton
Devon
have already sent details for doomsday book
642
South Muskham and Little Carlton Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
The hall and grounds were donated in a Trust Deed in 1957. With the help of several Grant Providers a series of improvements have been made since 2015, when we had a large extension built with new toilets, kitchen, full disabled access and ramped entrance. I have included a picture of a local resident with the new stone for the extension as she also witnessed the setting of the 1957 stone Since then we have built another small kitchen, bought 100 banqueting chairs, changed all the lighting to LED, had cavity wall insulation, installed acoustic panels, sound equipment, hearing loop and OHP projectors. The most recent improvements in 2020 were to build a second garage for storage and install solar panels. During lockdown we had the parquet floor resurfaced and the hall completely redecorated. As with many village halls, it has been very quiet but all our Hirers are planning to return. Everything happens at our Village Hall. We have baby and ante natal classes, taekwondo, yoga, zumba, childrens and adult dance classes, art groups, mindfulness, coffee mornings and of course family celebrations. A big wedding with a marquee for 200 people is planned for July, subject to restrictions being lifted. One thing we have planned for September, in conjunction with the local Church is to host a Remembrance and Celebration Service for those who have been bereaved during lockdown, followed by a free buffet at the Village Hall. There are a lot of hurting people in the community who did not get the chance to have a normal funeral service. That is part of our role as a Committee.
https://smlcvillagehall.co.uk/
643
South Petherwin Village Hall
Cornwall
Our village hall was built by the WI in 1930 and handed over to the village after they disbanded in 2001. It is widely used for many events, and in 2019 we received funding to update the kitchen area.
644
South Willingham Parish Hall
Lincolnshire
On August 28th 1922 a public meeting was held to make arrangements for the management of the Hall and “its proper carrying on”. In the early days they held what were called “long night dances” which took place between 8pm to 1am. And in fact on Dec 31st 1926 the dance was from 8pm until 2am! These days we are much more sedate with themed social nights, coffee mornings, an art group, history group, dance group, film night and the perennial harvest supper.
645
Southwater Village Hall
Sussex
SVH is a busy village hall serving a wide range of different local groups. Its primary user is SVH Pre-School which operates five days a week. Its Trustees are strongly committed to the continuous improvement of its facilities for the benefit of its local community. It has recently installed air source heat pumps and free Wifi. As part of a Section 106 agreement it has recently gained a new play area for its pre-school and is currently fund raising to provide a shelter in order that the children can play outside throughout the year.
646
Sparkford Village Hall
Somerset
Sparkford Village Hall was originally the village school, built in 1849 and extended in 1892. It could accommodate 80 children and had a mistress and a master. The school closed in 1947 and was subsequently bought by the Parish Council in 1952 and now comprises a large main hall with a curtained stage, a separate small committee room and a well equipped kitchen. In normal years it is home to a wide variety of activities including Scouts, Beavers and Cubs meetings, an Arts group, Pilates and Yoga classes, Bingo sessions, a model trains group, children’s parties and family/social gatherings. Parish Council meetings are held here and the Hall acts as a Polling Station at local and general elections. For the past year, except for a brief period from September to December when the Pilates and Yoga classes and the train group’s meetings were able to resume under prescribed conditions, the Hall has been closed. We look forward very much to the time when it can once again takes its much missed place in the community.
647
Spelsbury Memorial Hall
Oxfordshire
Spelsbury Memorial Hall was built by subscription and volunteer labour in 1920 as a tribute to the men of the parish who served their country in the First World War and has acted as a focal point in our small community since then. Fully refurbished and extended in 2004 the hall now hosts exercise and art classes, public meetings, community events - such as a ‘pub for the day’ commiserating the loss of our village pub in a fire in 1922 and street parties, and private functions.
648
Spencers Wood Village Hall
Berkshire
The hall was donated to the villagers in 1948 and is the beating heart of the village. On a weekly basis we ahve over 12 groups with interstes ranging from adult tap to badminton, Brownies to board games and all sorts in between. We host a “Heart of the Village Cafe” once a month that is run by and supported by the local community. If anything Covid has made all of us thing more about heart and home and what community means to us. We pulled together and sang carols in the dark as at that time we hadn’t realised there were outside lights that actually worked. We organised a Winter Wonder with peoople walking, cycling, scooting and cycling thoughout the village and posting their selfies fom the safe selfie booth onto our FB page, we organised an amazing Easter scarecrow trail with people coming from far and wide to see it. Yes it takes effort but by golly it’s worth it.
649
SPILSBY FRANKLIN HALL
Lincolnshire
Spilsby Franklin Hall is a large community building in a small market town. There is a main hall with a capacity for 300 people and a conference room with a capacity for 50 people along with a well equipped kitchen and lounge area. The building was a military building (built around 1890) until 1964 when it was purchased by a group of citizens for the benefit of the community and has been run as such by a group of volunteer Trustees since then. During WW1 the Hall was a military hospital and signing place for troops and during WW2 was often used as a dance hall by local bases. Over time the Hall has been known as the Drill Hall, the New Town Hall and was renamed over 20 years ago after Sir John Franklin who was born in Spilsby. Photos can be found by visiting Hall and the office is open part time, telephone 01790 752913
650
St Agatha’s Hall
Surrey
St. Agatha's used the first lockdown to renovate our dilapidated toilet facilities. We aim to continue to provide a meeting place for community groups and for local celebrations and to bring the age groups together to learn from each other and maintain good community relations
651
St Aidan’s Hall Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland
St Aidan’s Hall is a stone building situated in the centre of the town of Berwick upon Tweed. The site was originally a Roman Catholic school in the 1700s and then passed to the Presbyterian church next door. When the church closed a number of local groups rented the hall for their activities. In 1995 the building was put up for sale and the regular users decided to try and raise the funds to purchase the building. The money was raised and a charitable trust, St Aidan’s Hall (Berwick) Trust was set up to provide a hall which could be used by the local community. The Hall is run by a committee of Trustees and is available for the benefit of all members of the local community. There are no paid members of staff, all are volunteers.
The building plays a vital role in supporting local organisations and is much valued. Until Covid intervened more than 300 people were using the building on a weekly basis with every age group represented. These organisations and new ones are now returning again to enjoy the facilities. We have been fortunate in obtaining both lottery grants and government grants and these have been put to good use to tackle refurbishment projects such as new flooring and a new kitchen.
There are groups for all ages and include long running activities such as dancers, carpet bowls and U3A. New groups have started and once again St Aidan’s is thriving. It is also available for private hire by local residents for parties and celebrations and exhibitions of local art work etc.
652
St Bees Village Hall (Hodgetts)
Cumbria
St Bees Village Hall, also known as “Hodgetts” was built in about 1882 as the St Bees Liberal Club. In 1924 it was bought by the Parish Council to be the village hall and is now run by the hall committee and used for a variety of purposes. We’re using the 2021 lockdown period to carry out some refurbishment to take us further into the 21st Century!
653
St Breward Institute & War Memorial Hall
Cornwall
Opened as Reading Room in 1909, War Memorial Hall added in 1923, updated in 1993, completelely renovated in 1913, this much loved Hall continues to serve the community.
654
St Giles in The Wood Parish Hall
Devon
Our beloved parish hall was donated by Colonel and Mrs James in 1930 and is almost the same today as back then. Over the years it has hosted, autumn show teas, funerals, birthday parties, weddings, Bingo, whist drives, dances celebrations, mothers and toddler groups and meetings. One of the highlights of our village year is our annual pantomime, great entertainment and full of laughter and fun; it brings our community together through the winter months. Although in need of some refurbishment we love it and will continue the fight to maintain and improve it.
St Giles in The Wood Facebook page
655
St Ippolyts Parish Hall
Hertfordshire
The purpose of the Trust is to provide and maintain a Parish Hall for the use or benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of St Ippolyts and their environs, without distinction of political, religious, or other opinions, etc.
History
On the 25 October 1939, the Hon. Mrs David Bowes Lyon opened the Parish Hall.
In January 1997, the Parochial Church Council agreed to the establishment of the Hall Project Group. The end of the Project was celebrated on Friday evening 19 November 1999. Mr Simon Bowes Lyon, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire unveiled the Commemorative plaque and the Rt. Hon and Rt. Revd. Lord Runcie of Cuddesdon, gave the address. The new improved hall with extension fit for the Millennium and for all its many users re-opened.
Facilities
There is a choice of rooms for hire: the main hall or one of two committee rooms or both rooms or the whole building. Kitchen, bar, changing room, storage room, sound system, hearing loop, public address system, stage lighting, LED lighting and Wi Fi. Children’s toilet and baby changing facilities, toilets and accessible toilet, car parking, accessible parking, and wheelchair ramp.
Users
The hall usually has many users who run a variety of activities: Brownies, Rainbows, Beavers, Cubs and Art Club for children. Come Dance, Dog Training Club, Ladies Bridge Club, Table Tennis Club, Weston Artists, Women’s Institute, Yoga and Zumba. Monthly Community Lunches and The Friends’ Lent Lunches. In addition, the hall has been used for casual and private functions.
Up until 16 March 2020
The Parish Hall was the thriving hub of our community. The trustees have been busy ensuring the hall is welcoming and secure also obtaining grants that have helped to replace income which stopped with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Future
The trustees look forward to re-opening and re-engaging with the local community again, as, and when we can. In the meantime, Management meetings and Annual meeting will be held on Zoom. Vaccines are being rolled out and recent Government Response Spring 2021 is optimistic.
656
St John’s Place, Lower Bemerton, Salisbury
Wiltshire
The Victorian church of St John’s has been converted for use by school, church and community, opening for shared use in 2016. A much loved space at the heart of the local community, until lockdown in March 2020 we were being used for a wide range of activities including films, talks, yoga, exercise classes and coffee mornings, and also hosted church weddings, receptions, quiz nights and parties. We are looking forward to re-opening in 2021 to all the many activities which are held here.
657
St Margaret’s Hall
Kent
Luckily we are a very busy hall. We employ a cleaner and manager and it used very regularly throughout the week.
St, Margaret’s Hall CT15 6AP
658
St Mark’s Church Hall, Anlaby Common
Humber & Wolds
St Mark’s Church Hall was built in 1968. The hall’s timber-framed dome shape makes it a distinctive local landmark. We primarily serve 8,600 residents in Anlaby Common, Anlaby Park and Rokeby Park, West Hull/East Yorkshire - a mixed community including areas suffering localised deprivation and people affected by social isolation. Whilst we are still impacted by the effects of the pandemic our hall is busy. We are home to a mix of groups serving a variety of age groups and needs - groups for babies/toddlers and their carers, children, youth and adults; fitness, dance and hobby groups; maths/English tuition and an NHS clinic. The hall provides our church’s kitchen, space for community outreach and to help local families, e.g. as a low cost venue for children's parties. It is also used by volunteers running a community garden on-site, and for community events such as fun days, fayres, holiday clubs and the local Christmas lights switch-on. We are currently undergoing a phased refurbishment programme and hope to continue supporting our community for many more years to come!
659
St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Prudhoe
Northumberland
Prudhoe Hall was built in 1903 by public subscription under the direction of the mining community in the then village of Prudhoe and the Foundation Stone was laid on 7th Sept. 1903 by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle - The Right Rev. Arthur Thomas Lloyd who was bishop from 1903 – 1907. Later during the 20 century the Hall was given to the local Anglican church of St Mary Magdalene to be used and maintained for the benefit of the community. During the 2nd World War it was used as a telephone exchange and had an extension built in 1970 building on a brand new kitchen area.
Very recently, we installed a free Wi Fi for the benefit of all users. Unfortunately this was just up and running when the Covid 19 pandemic arrived in 2020 and the hall was in complete lockdown. It subsequently reopened in tier 2 with very limited use and then another lockdown in tier 4 which is the current situation since December 2020. However, prior to 2020 we had plans in place to extend and revamp the whole kitchen area and were able to secure funding from a number of sources and, because of Covid regulations , were able to complete the kitchen refurbishment without inconveniencing any of the users. Now in 2021 we are ready to be a host to all the usual hall users and additionally able to offer, top of the range catering facilities, for those needing a venue for serving food after weddings, funerals and other celebrations. In the past we have been a community meeting place for lots of organisations, including Women’s Institute, guides and Brownies, Weight Watchers, U3A, Over 50’s Forum, Mother’s Union Tai Chi, Bravo drama for young children, Artventurs for very young babies and toddlers, Social Eyes for the hard of sight, Dog Training classes as well as our ongoing church activities – Young Church, Parents and Toddlers and the regular coffee mornings on Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays and even began cooking clases Even though we are regularly very busy we still have time to hire out for birthday parties and charity fundraising events. We are all looking forward to life returning to normal and this hall being the central hub in the community again. Joan Russell – Hall Secretary
660
St Mary Magdalene, Baunton
Gloucestershire
Our ancient Church is the only meeting place in the community. The PCC are working hard to create a multi-use space supported by the PC. We hope monthly and festival worship will resume soon in this beautiful building. Signs of Spring are appearing already!
661
St Michaels Mead Community Centre
Hertfordshire
St Michael’s Mead Community Centre offers two halls, each with their own attached kitchen, wifi, car parking and disabled access. There is also a mezzanine area upstairs for that can be used for small meetings or lessons. The Centre usually has many users who host a variety of activities from Badminton, Brownies/Cubs sessions to Zumba and many other private functions and events, from a huge number of exercise classes to wedding receptions, family parties and mother and toddler groups. Its larger hall normally accommodates up to 150 people and its smaller hall up to 25. The upstairs room will facilitate 6 people. Although the Centre has been made covid-secure it was recently closed due to the Covid-19 National Lockdown. The centre is an important part of the Bishop’s Stortford community and we look forward to re-opening further and re-engaging with the local community, as and when we can, in line with the latest Government Guidance.
662
St Michaels Village Hall
Kent
We are continuing to maintain the premises in good repair both inside and out and will open again in accordance with government guidelines and legislation
663
St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall
Berkshire
It’s been a really challenging year, and unfortunately due to the pandemic, the hall has been closed for a large part of the year. We were able to open for a short while in the late summer/autumn, and spent a lot of time planning how to make sure we were covid secure, including working out the social distancing, using chairs as you can see in our photo! Over the coming months, we will be looking at our carbon footprint, and seeing where we can make our hall more environmentally friendly. We are also looking forward to being able to re-open and re-establish some of our community focused activites, like our fit4Life classes for local residents.
664
St Wilfrid’s Church Hall
Sussex
The hall was built in 1969, together with the adjoining Church by a unique joint project between the Parish Council, the Diocese and donations. It replaced the Victorian hall, which had stairs and so was not usable by many in the community. Over the last 50 years the hall has provided a base for over 500 people annually, for many activities and groups to follow their hobbies and interests. This includes the local WI meetings, Gardener’s Club, music groups, art groups, slimming clubs, dances, parties, markets and many more. The hall has a major refurbishment programme to fund, including a new roof, ceiling and flooring. In early 2020, new disabled toilets were installed. Being in the centre of Pevensey Bay, which is a coastal and holiday village, it is fully accessible with a large car park and near to shops, a community Library and buses. The hall has been closed during Lockdown in 2020 but the committee has a publicity programme in place and hopes groups will be able to resume their activities during 2021.
stwilfridschurchhall@webs.com
665
St. John’s hall meadowfield
Durham
New build opened 2019 after five years of fundraising.
666
St. Michaels Village Hall
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
A Village hall has stood in the centre of the Village since 1942. A gift of land from the Grosvenor family allowed the original hall, an ex army corrugated iron hut erected in the 1920s on Oldwood Common to be moved to new site in the centre of the village. In the 1970s the Village raised money to build a brick toilet block at the front of the Hall. The Hall has benefited from Lottery funding over the years, a grant in 1996 allowing the old hut to be replaced with a brick building .A grant in 2013 was used to replace the flooring and heating add storage and redesign the kitchen. In 2020 a Lottery Grant has allowed us to re build the toilets and add a Foyer and new entrance. The hall is well used by Community Groups and private hirers - St. Michaels Singers, W.I. , Flower Club, Mums and Tots and Ballroom Dancing. Other events include a Monthly Coffee Morning and a programme of social events. During Lockdown the Committee has worked hard to ensure the Hall will be Covid Safe when it reopens. If you would like to know more about upcoming events or private hirer ,please look at our website.
667
Staining Village Hall
Lancashire
Currently closed but looking forward to when we can host the full schedule of community and beyond events we did previously
668
Stainton Memorial Hall
Tees Valley
Built in 1844, Stainton Memorial Hall is the hub of the village and we can’t wait to see everyone again once we’re allowed to re-open following lockdown.
669
Stakeford and Bomarsund Sport and Social Welfare Centre (The Welfare)
Northumberland
Providing opportunities for the young, those who are older and all in-between to engage in sport and healthy activity, and to meet and enjoy the company of others. The Welfare provides accommodation and is the host of many local groups and their activities.
670
Stamford Bridge Village Hall
Yorkshire
This Hall was founded in 1957, serving the community well as a place to exercise, entertain, play, celebrate and socialise and has been well used by organisations and individuals from many parts of the country. As we are rapidly developing digital media facilities in the Hall, the usage has become ever wider and more varied. Our hopes for the future are to carry on doing just the same as we always have because places like this are vital to communities, especially ours which is rural.
671
Stamford Bridge Village Hall
Somewhere else :)
Well, I would have put our county as East Riding of Yorkshire, but ‘the computer says no’. Anyway, the Hall has been here since 1957, serving the community well as a place to exercise, learn, entertain, play, celebrate and socialise and has been used by organisations and individuals from many parts of the country. Our hopes for the future are to carry on doing just the same as we always have because places like this are vital to communities, especially ours which is rural.
672
Stamfordham Village Hall
Northumberland
Built at the end of the 1870s and opened as the village school in March 1880, Stamfordham Village Hall has been at the centre of village life for over 130 years. In 1974 it closed as a school and was bought from Northumberland County Council and since then has been run as part of the Stamfordham Playing Field & Village Hall Charity. The hall has been used in so many ways since then. There are regular users such as Mums and Toddlers, Karate, Bowls, Art Club, Young Farmers and Yoga, special events such as Wedding Receptions, Christening Parties, Funeral Wakes, Birthday Parties, Burn’s Night Suppers, Ceilidhs and Theatre Productions, used as a Polling Station, made into headquarters for Cycling Events and so on. The Post Office visits once a week which is a lifeline for anyone without a car as our nearest shop, offering Post Office facilities, is over 6 miles away. In 2019 a community cafe was opened for a couple of hours each week and so provided a warm and safe space for local residents to meet for cake and a cuppa and the all important social gossip. Passers by call in from time to time and always receive a warm welcome. During the 2020/21 lockdowns, caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, the hall was used as a local food bank and distribution centre. As the lockdowns continued it became a community kitchen, run by volunteers, providing a hot 2 course meal once each week to local families who found themselves victims of the economic circumstances. When the word got out about how good the meals were this was extended to other residents who were willing to make a donation towards the cost of the meals. The run-down basket ball court adjoining the Village Hall has been completely re-vamped since receiving a generous grant from LEADER and re-opened during the lockdown in 2020 to provide a Multi Use Games Area for local people. It has turned out to be very popular across all age groups with Stamfordham Primary School also making use of it for games sessions. The Village Hall is in the heart of the village and the Trustees will strive to continue to improve the facilities there in order to provide a diverse range of uses for local residents and also to make it an attractive venue for those outside our community to hire for special events, thereby contributing to the income needed to maintain such a much loved community building.
673
Stanford in the Vale Village Hall
Oxfordshire
We are looking forward to a time when we can reopen so organisations can meet, sporting activities can commence and people can once again celebrate those special occasions with family and friends.
674
Stanton Village Hall
Derbyshire
Whilst it’s been a difficult year for all, our elderly and vulnerable hall users are perhaps hardest hit - needing to shield has meant they’ve missed their bingo here at Stanton Village Hall (between Burton-upon-Trent and Swadlincote) and their mobility-based fitness classes have finished with the early retirement of our usual instructor. However, COVID has provided us with a rare opportunity to pause, think about our building and user needs and refocus. We’ve gained funding for new signage, heating, blinds, CCTV, doors and interior items such as vacuum cleaners (to replace our very old Kirby!) over the past year. We’ve also upgraded to LED lighting and had a re-paint. Despite being closed, we’re keeping our volunteers somewhat busy! COVID aside, Stanton Village Hall usually hosts yoga, baby massage, karate, tai-chi, pilates, children’s art classes, car-racing, and slimming groups. Over the last 18 months, with a new website, social media use and an online booking platform we’ve extended our reach and this has seen an increase from 10 hours of use each week to around 25. Looking forward, we’re excited to repurpose a former store room into a small meeting room/pop-up space and feel this will help those who might be trying out new business concepts (perhaps displaced out of jobs because of COVID or just having a rethink). Our focus, moving beyond this difficult time, will be to re-engage our community - with the thoroughly modernised Village Hall that they deserve.
675
Stanwell Village Hall
Surrey
Our hall was opened in 1935 and since that time has never been closed. Even in this very challenging time of the global pandemic, we have made our hall available for our local food bank who work tirelessly to provide much needed supplies to the local community. It has been made Covid safe and we are ready to open our doors when allowed, to all the many organisations who operate from this lovely hall.
676
Stanwick Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Stanwick Village hall opened it its doors to the community in May 2011 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The site originally was home to ‘The Green Shed’, a British legion Hall but this was beyond repair and unused. (Photo if the Green Shed attached). The land was saved from property developers and a small group of community members formed the Village Hall Trust. After years of work applying for grants and burning the midnight oil funding was eventually secured.
The dream to provide a great venue for the community moved forward...
The hall is a fantastic modern building with a large sports hall badminton court, Committee room, x2 offices, commercial kitchen and patio area. It has air conditioning and underfloor heating, plus a large lobby area with seating open to the public.
A lot has been achieved in the last 10 years. We are home to the community pre school. A number of regular groups also use the hall, bookings are back to back in the evenings. Our regular groups include table tennis, tai chi Karate, ballet, tap, theatre group, handbells, WI and a number of fitness groups. The hall has a manager who works on site. The parish council clerk also uses an office onsite.
Over the years the trust have run and supported many community events, the queen's jubilee celebrations, christmas fares, barn dances, cream tea and jazz afternoons, quiz nights etc. Other group have also hosted Burns night, murder mystery evenings, film nights and much more for the community.
We are also popular for family celebration events, weddings, funeral wakes, anniversaries etc. Children's parties are very popular in the hall, some weekends there are quite a few.
The aim of the trust in 2011 was to provide a sustainable for the next 100 years. 10 years later the hall is doing well and looking forward to providing a soace for many more community events.
Due to covid 19 things have slowed down a little in the building. We ha e been able to support the essential services of our pre school and support group.
Our 10th anniversary will be marked but due to restrictions might be in a slightly different way this year!
We are looking to what the next 10 years has to offer!
677
Steeple Ashton Village Hall
Wiltshire
Sadly we are closed due to the pandemic, but we managed to reopen for 9 days in October before we were locked down again! We are a new committee and it’s been a baptism of fire for us due to Covid-19! During the last year, we have used the time we were closed to tidy and clean out cupboards, carry out repairs and maintenance in order to ensure that when we do reopen properly, the hall will be improved and ready to take its place serving the community once again. We have replaced the leaking flat roof, had electrics updated and improved plumbing in toilets and kitchen, all things overdue. We then re decorated those rooms - all easily done within the guidelines. While this was happening, we were also looking at how we could reopen in a Covid-secure way and the help from Wiltshire Village Halls Association and ACRE was invaluable and we are so grateful for their guidance. It seemed a mammoth task to read, understand and interpret all the Covid rules but eventually we had the hall ready for use and all Covid steps in place. Unfortunately, only our local guides and brownies were able to use the hall before we were locked down again, but even that one evening meant so much to them and they had a wonderful time, proving also that our Covid secure measures worked. Our aim now is to continue to carry out improvements to the hall as much as is possible and to keep our community up to date with what we are doing, so that the Village Hall stays in peoples’ minds despite them not being able to use it. The ‘down time’ has enabled us to think about what we could do in the future, what events to hold, how to publicise our hall more effectively and we have even got to grips with Zoom virtual meetings so that we can discuss things as they arise. But we can’t wait to be able to use the hall as it should be used, to hear chatter and laughter and friends enjoying each others company once again.
678
Steeple Aston Village Hall
Oxfordshire
In the early 1970s, village activities were largely held in out of hours school buildings, or sheds and ad hoc sites, dotted around the village. When Dr. Radcliffe’s, the village primary school, was moved across the road to a modern building, it allowed the Victorian school premises it left behind, to be transformed into a hall suitable for the whole village. Annual events like the Firework Evening - always on 5 November - were quickly established to bring the whole community together and through the years, the hall has become a meeting place and base, for a whole variety of village organisations and events - the Valentine’s Club for over 55s; Oxfordshire’s oldest W.I.; the Choral Society; the Badminton Group; the Garden Club; the Horticultural Society; the Village Archive; drama and dance classes for all age groups; weddings; parties; quizzes; plays and concerts - all of which flourished until March 2020. We have used the lockdown time positively, bringing forward interior decorating and other maintenance work for which the finance was already in place. The brief re-opening for the childrens’ activities in the autumn, tested our new Covid-safe procedures and showed us that normal activities, could still work. An online quiz, attracting a different group from our usual annual quiz groups in the hall, proved successful and also brought in some income, but we were grateful for the local council grants to replenish our coffers. People are amazed at how the hall with its staging, lighting and high ceilings can transform itself overnight from a midsummer night’s dream wedding, to an exhibition hall, or the ‘Allo, ‘Allo cafe. However, the hall cannot transform into anything without people using it, and as our 50th anniversary approaches next year, we are confident that as soon as it is possible our village groups and outside hirers will return, bringing the building back to life and restoring the hall to its place at the centre of the community. ,
679
Stelling Minnis Village Hall
Kent
Stelling Minnis Village Hall is a very important well used community hub that hosts all types of events for all types of people in the surrounding area. People use it for parties, functions, pilates, meetings and yoga. The management committee and trustees are tasked with keeping the hall in good shape and ensuring income and expenditure is managed well. As these building start to age my hope as chairman is to ensure I can secure grant funding so that the building is kept in a good and safe condition for users to enjoy the hall when it reopens it doors in the Spring of 2021 following the pandemic and also long in to the future.
680
Stevington Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Stevington Village Hall serves a small rural community. Effectively closed since March, a team of volunteers has redecorated, improved facilities and made the Hall Covid-secure for reopening. We are looking forward to being able to welcome back Carpet Bowls Club, Table Tennis, Football and Pilates as well as restarting our monthly film night and live broadcasts from national venues such as National Theatre, RoH and Royal Ballet. These, and the sell-out Stevington Guitar concerts have been greatly missed along with the excellent wine, snacks and ice-cream served.
681
Stewartby Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Stewartby Memorial Hall Built In Memory Of The Villagers Who Lost Their Lives In World War 1 And Is Where The Parish Meetings Have Taken Place Since 1937. Designed By E Vincent Harris.
Stewartby Memorial Hall was built in 1929, the memorial hall stands in the Centre of Stewartby, the roll of honor consists of four stone plaques set into the inner walls.
It now stands as central destination for the community and surrounding areas offering a great venue for associations, meetings and special occasions.
Recently modernised the Hall boasts, a fully licensed bar, Kitchen facilities, Full stage and production facilities and help and advice in a wide range of catering & entertainment providers
Stewartby Village Hall is the perfect destination for all your needs with unrivaled history and character in Bedfordshire.
682
Stickfrod Community Centre
Lincolnshire
Stickford Community Centre, the old village school, serves a small local population and is used as a meeting place for village groups. We hold monthly coffee mornings and many fund raising events are held here. It is the social hub of Stickford. The Community Centre is closed at present due to the pandemic but we have used the time without user groups productively. All cupboards have been cleared out and our garage, used as a storage area has also been sorted out. We are looking forward to re-opening as soon as possible.
683
Stocksfield Community Centre
Northumberland
A Brief History of Stocksfield Community Centre
Stocksfield Community Centre was opened in 1902 as a ‘Parish Hall and Institute’. In 1901 a small group of local landowners formed the Stocksfield Parish Hall & Institute Limited which by the time of the official opening by the local MP had sold 2,300 shares to 127 individuals; an early example of ‘crowdfunding’! In those early days the ‘Institute’ was very much part of the Mechanics Institutes movement with an emphasis on providing education to working men. It had a Reading Room and Library as well as a large hall and stage and in 1906 hosted the 66th Annual Conference of The Northern Union of Mechanics Institutes.
Stocksfield Institute continued to be owned and managed for the community until 1941 when it was requisitioned for use by the War Department as a base for the Army. Records show a number of regiments based there during training.
Following the end of World War 2 it was handed over to Northumberland County Council Education Dept. and used to cook school meals for over 1000 pupils in local schools. A long campaign by Stocksfield residents, supported by their constituency MP Sir Rupert Speir, finally resulted in the building being handed back to its owners in 1958. The interior of the building was by now in a very poor state of repair and at a public meeting in October 1958 Mr. Colin Richardson, on behalf of the directors of Stocksfield Parish Hall & Institute Limited, offered the hall to the recently formed Stocksfield Institute Community Association (SICA). The Community Association’s officers raised a great deal of money including grants from local councils to re-furbish the building which was officially re-opened in January 1960.
During the 1960s the hall, now locally known as ‘SICA’, became the home base of a wide variety of local user groups, many classed as ‘Sections’ in the complex Community Association’s constitution - with hundreds of Stocksfield residents now members as well, the ‘Institute’ really was community-owned.
Major extensions to the building were added in 1973-74 including an additional downstairs room (which became the base for the village Youth Club) and an extension to the hall with a large well-equipped stage. This latter change enabled the thriving amateur dramatics society, Stocksfield Players, to put on two major productions a year. In 1998-9 new toilets were constructed and in 2002, to make the building accessible to those with disabilities, a ramp was added at the front entrance. The roof on the main hall was replaced in 2005 and in 2011 alterations to one downstairs room allowed the creation of an office for Stocksfield Parish Council.
In 2011 Stocksfield Institute Community Association dropped the word ‘Institute’ from its name as it became a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee. 8 years later in 2019 the trustees of Stocksfield Community Association took advantage of a change in charity law to convert to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
In May 2012 Stocksfield Community Association working closely with Stocksfield Parish Council formed a trading arm (SCATA) committed to deliver more affordable homes for rent in the village - a housing problem identified by residents as important and confirmed in a Housing Needs Survey. SCATA then worked in partnership with a large housing association to build 3 bungalows and 4 flats across 2 brownfield sites in the parish. The homes were officially opened in May 2015 and in September 2015 won a National Housing Award for community led housing at an awards ceremony in London. SCATA’s second project, again working closely with Stocksfield Parish Council, aims to provide ‘Dial-a ride’ community transport for residents without access to a vehicle. Stocksfield is a scattered parish with many residents having difficulty accessing public transport. The Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the launch of this service but it is hoped to start in July 2021.
Major improvements during the past few years have made the community centre more attractive and accessible for users and as a result the centre has become busier than ever – which has then funded still more improvements. The trustees’ commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of the building has led to further investment which includes 32 PV panels on the hall roof and double glazed windows and LED lighting throughout - including digitally-controlled LED stage lighting.
An important activity provided at the Community Centre is a weekly club for those living alone. Developed in 2012 following the closure of a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service which had operated for over 40 years, Stocksfield Tuesday Club is open from 10 am-2pm every Tuesday. A hot freshly-cooked mid-day meal is provided, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a range of social activities including Scrabble, cards, carpet bowls and singing. With grants from our county and parish councils the kitchen has been modernised including installing 3 new cookers and a commercial dishwasher. The launch of a Community Transport service by SCATA should solve the increasingly difficult problem of bringing older people along each Tuesday.
In normal times a broad range of activities including Plants & Gardens Society, South of Tyne Flower Club, fitness classes, badminton, bridge, Maj Jong and computer clubs, gaming, children’s dance, photography, toddler group and Italian classes take place at the Community Centre. The Centre also provides a venue for Slimming World classes, local groups, children’s birthday parties and community events.
684
Stockton on the Forest Village Hall
Yorkshire
Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, near York, was established in the late 1940s and rebuilt in the early 1970s by the community for the community. It is run by a committee of volunteer trustees and is home to many village groups including, but not exclusively, the WI, Parent & Toddler Group, History Society, Gardening Club and Drama Group. Sadly due to the Covid pandemic the hall has been closed to most of the community over the past year but has provided a useful venue for some training events and for the NHS when they needed it. We are very much looking forward to the day when we can fully open again and welcome back all the social activities that our village thrives on, along with bookings for celebrations, dances and business functions.
685
Stoke St Michael War Memorial Hall
Somerset
Our War Memorial hall sits in the middle of our rural village located on the Mendip Hills. We bring the community together as often as we can, organising activities and events with a crafty, historic or community theme. We have great facilities which we love to share with others.
686
Stokeinteignhead Village Hall
Devon
We are an active community centre hosting several local organisations, a centre for dance classes, yoga, film shows and popular as a wedding reception venue. Despite the lockdowns during 2020 we were keen to remain active and of service to our village. We managed to attract a Yoga class at a time when health and wellbeing was becoming very important. We asked for donations of books as people were clearing out their attics and opened as a library, we quickly acquired 1000 fiction titles and 200 non-fiction and collected for charity. We had always offered an ‘outreach’ book delivery service to those people shielding and during the present lockdown we have continued and expanded that service. We look forward to providing a friendly ‘Covid secure’ venue for the community to get together again as soon as the lockdown is eased and people become more confident.
stokeinteignhead-village
687
Stoneleigh Village Hall and Playing Fields
Warwickshire
We offer excellent facilities for social events, craft and art classes, drama, singing, dancing and sport including Football, Tennis and Five aside Football.
688
Strete Parish Hall
Devon
The Hall opened in 1951 and over the years has been updated so that it now possesses disabled access and facilities, double glazing, central heating, a modern kitchen with an industrial dishwasher, acoustic panels and more! From 1955-1989 the Hall was rented by the Youth Hostel Association for summer use. When open the Hall runs Stretch and Yoga classes, Short Mat Bowls takes place and a Social Club meets twice a month. It can be booked for parties, receptions and wakes. Parish and Hall Committee Meetings take place once a month and every month a social event for the village is held to help raise money for the upkeep of the building. The Hall is ready to go whenever the Government gives the go-ahead
689
Stroud Village Hall
Hampshire
After 12 years without a village hall in Stroud we are now the very proud owners of a beautiful purpose built hall. We cannot wait to welcome our community and work together to build a thriving village hub we can all enjoy and be proud of.
690
Studland
Dorset
The Hall was rebuilt in 2006, with the local community raising over £200,000 ourselves towards the cost over several years, through fundraising activities and donations by villagers. The Hall is very well used during normal times, and there are a number of local groups, clubs and classes which would not otherwise have a place to meet; we also host community dinners and Artsreach rural touring shows, and of course also private bookings for parties etc. One end of the building is given over to a Social Club which is also a vital hub of the community. 2020 was a difficult year for us all but everyone is keen to get fully going again! There was a silver lining in the cloud though as we picked up new daytime bookings for exercise classes during the periods we were able to open, as their previous venues were not accepting bookings at the time.
691
Sulhamstead&Ufton Nervet Village Hall
Berkshire
Currently making the most of lockdown by doing major refurbishments and getting ready to reopen the moment we’re allowed to!
692
Sundon Village Hall
Bedfordshire
The village residents raised funds to build the hall in the 1970’s. Over the years it has hosted a range of activities including a Mums and Tots Group and a Youth Club. With the changing demographics of the village these are no longer running but have been replaced by a Friendship Club and a Choir for the local community. The hall has a number of regular hirers including a Church Group, Art Club and Fitness Class. In addition it is used for private parties and local elections. With the onset of the pandemic none of our regular users wanted to continue to use the hall, even when some of the restrictions were relaxed, the committee therefore took the decision to temporarily close the hall. We very much look forward to reopening the hall.
693
Sunningwell Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Sunningwell Village Hall was originally built in 1906, as a recreation room for local working people, by a philanthropic businessman, Herbert Shawcross, who lived nearby on Boars Hill. In the aftermath of World War I, Shawcross made over the building to Sunningwell village as a memorial hall. It is located in the heart of the village opposite the ancient church of St Leonard’s and close to the village pond and the village green. The Oxford Greenbelt Way, part of the National Trail network, passes close by. The hall is managed by a group of 5 trustees, who all live locally and who are ably assisted by the hall Caretaker, who lives adjacent to the hall and is thereby in close contact. There is a spacious internal main area located in front of a stage upon which many and varied performances take place and a well-appointed kitchen to keep attendees refreshed. In normal times, the hall caters for a wide variety of community activities for all ages but as is sadly the case with many halls the past year has seen intermittent, or no use being possible due to pandemic regulations. However, we are all looking forward very much to when we can start to resume “normal” operation.
694
Sunniside Community Centre
Durham
Sunniside is an ex coal mining village in County Durham and suffers from many of the problems that effect rural areas, however there is a strong sense of identity. At the heart of the village is the community centre and is the focus for a variety of different activities and groups. Covid 19 has given us the time to refurbish and reflect on the community centre.
Refurbish a full facelift, walls painted and a new laminate floor, window blinds fitted. The centre now has a new start and with that future plans being undertaken. These include future courses, training and leisure activities. We are optimistic in keeping the centre at the heart of the village free for all.
Welovesunniside Facebook page
695
Sutton Hall, Stockcross
Berkshire
Sutton Hall in Stockcross is a long established facility tracing its roots back to victorian times when it was first established as a club for the local estate workers. Now operating as a registred charity we are fortunate that the Benham Estate who own the land & buildings allow the hall to be used free of rent . Located close to the M4/A34 and other major routes we attract users from a wide area and regularly host yoga classes, music events, art classes, dance ( we have a sprung floor ), bridge , tai chi , weddings, family parties & get togethers , photographic club meetings and a host of other activities. These provide the revenue which allows the committee to then run events for the local community including a pop up pub, harvest supper, various christmas events, a pantomime and other events through the year together with a village newsletter to keep everone up to date.
696
Sutton Upon Derwent Village Hall
Yorkshire
Our hall is in East Yorkshire between Pocklington and York, built in 1939 by the local vicar it contiues o serve this small rural village. The hall is modern and well equipped . It house s the Post Office and provided PE and Drama space for the local Primary school. We have managed to cope with Covid and have been well supported by the local authority. Looking forward to providing our facilities to the village in 2021, with Badminton, Indoor bowls, Pilates etc. As well as lots of family celebration's and fund raising events.
697
Swallow & Cuxwold Village Hall
Lincolnshire
At the moment, due to Covid, maintaining the Hall so that it can thrive and be a focal point for the community once we can open up normally. Used the outside space just before Christmas for the local children to welcome Santa (Thanks to Caistor Lions) and for the Grown ups to drink enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.
698
Swarland Village Hall
Northumberland
Swarland Village Hall sits in the heart of our village community and was provided by Commander Clare G Vyner in 1939 as a major amenity for the then Swarland Settlement. Built by Fountains Abbey Settlers’ Society it has a chequered history, and, as it stands today, is only part of the original complex: the building was divided into two parts when it was sold off in the late 1940s. Just the north wing was purchased by villagers as a result of keen fundraising and a determination to keep some of the Hall as a much-needed amenity for the whole village. As a unique timber-framed building it was listed Grade II in 1988 and although this has its challenges in terms of upkeep, our Hall continues to provide a space for several clubs, exercises classes and social events. Future plans include our new website going live and, thanks to government grant aid, redecoration of the main hall and much needed improvements to the main entrance area. Our unique Hall remains a much valued part of our village community and a credit to the determination and imagination of the many volunteer committee members and trustees for over 80 years.
699
Swavesey Memorial Hall
Cambridgeshire
The hall was opened in 1924 and is used widely by the Community for various clubs, events and business bookings. Just before lockdown in March 2020, we completed our Memorial Hall Garden Project but sadly the official opening could not take place. It was inspired by the celebrations of 100 years of World War One. We are thankful for the grant funding received to turn a derelict piece of ground into the thoughtful garden we have today.
700
Swavesey Memorial Hall
Cambridgeshire
The hall was opened in 1924 and is used widely by the Community for various clubs, events and business bookings. Just before lockdown in March 2020, we completed our Memorial Hall Garden Project but sadly the official opening could not take place. It was inspired by the celebrations of 100 years of World War One. We are thankful for the grant funding received to turn a derelict piece of ground into the thoughtful garden we have today.
701
Swayfield Village Hall
Lincolnshire
We cannot wait for our fabulous village hall to reopen for the huge range of community activities that take place here. Garden club, art club, yoga, carpet bowls, karate, handbell ringing, coffee mornings, summer cream teas, Christmas community parties plus a packed programme of rural touring music and theatre events - the hall is the vibrant hub of our small village of 140 houses.
During the pandemic closure, the hall has continued as a monthly collection point for Bourne food bank and the generosity of donations from villagers has been overwhelming. The photograph shows the collection outside the village hall on 30th January 2020.
Like the thousands of village hall volunteers around the country, we look forward to safer times when we can all meet again in our wonderful community space.
702
Swimbridge Jubilee Hall
Devon
Swimbridge is a small vibrant village located between Barnstaple and South Molton, with a strong sense of community. The Hall had a major £635k refurbishment in 2015 which has enabled us to offer a place for social activities for all ages, theatre, workshops, indoor sports, meetings, and so much more. Our community work together and this was highlighted during Covid 19 in 2020-21 when the Hall was used as the collection point for parcels for Foodbank and the local community in need. We also set up a Covid support group enabling those in need to get support 24/7 which won North Devon’s first Coronavirus Hero Points of Light Award. The Hall’s activities enable people to come together and to get to know one another ... helping it to become the community it is.
703
Sydling St. Nicholas Village Hall
Dorset
Sydling St. Nicholas Village Hall has been at the heart of this scenic chalk stream village in West Dorset since 1939, when it was donated to the community by Colonel Miskin, the then owner of Sydling Court. It benefited from an extension in 2000, while a major modernisation scheme has recently been completed which includes a commercial kitchen and greatly extends the range of opportunities now available. However, within months the first Corona Virus lock-down occurred and has curtailed our major activities, including our Duck Race, Open Gardens, award winning Marathon, Christmas Dinner Dance, wedding receptions and arts events. While many village organisations which meet in the hall have welcomed the opportunity to maintain contacts through internet-based meetings, we all miss the camaraderie and social interaction from meeting in person and the focus the Village Hall provides in shaping and supporting village life.
Nevertheless, despite Covid restrictions, the Village Hall Committee has adapted to provide community activities during lock-down, including Internet Quizzes, Cream Tea Deliveries and a Virtual Open Gardens which enabled villagers to enjoy the gardens that this year they were unable to visit. It has also been pleasing to see lights on in the hall, which though closed, still hosts our resident artist working in isolation in her studio upstairs and maintains a small element of normality in these extraordinarily difficult times!
However, we just cannot wait to spring back into action and welcome villagers and visitors back to our hall once again, regaining the social fabric that our Village Hall provides and we currently so greatly miss. We particularly look forward to hosting a special celebration and thank you to all who have supported our community during the pandemic and to mark the beginning of the next exciting chapter in the life of this very special institution.
704
Syresham Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Syresham Village Hall opened in June 2018, replacing an old wooden building that had served our community for many years. The new hall was very well used and enjoyed by our community until we were forced to close in March 2020. We were able to open again in July 2020, but with a greatly reduced usage. We now look forward to the time when our hall will serve our village organisations again, and provide an excellent facility for social, leisure and educational activities and events. The hall also organises a weekly coffee shop and the annual village Scarecrow Festival, and we look forward to resuming these events in 2021.
.
705
Sywell Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Sywell Village Hall began life as a Primary School in 1864 and remained so until the 1970’s when a new school was built. Following a refurbishment programme in 1986 the village hall, a beautiful Grade II listed building, was opened for use by the local community.
For the last 34 years the hall has been very well used for many different classes and social functions. These include further education, a meeting place for local groups, a fund-raising environment hosting table top sales and social evenings and a polling station. In addition to the above the hall has provided a great venue for birthday parties, wedding celebrations, christenings and funerals.
We are very grateful for the support we have received from our local borough council over the last year and look forward to reopening the hall as soon as we are able to do so.
706
Tansley Village Hall
Derbyshire
Built in 1843, as the village school, the fully renovated and modernised building has been a village hall since 1950. It is run as a charity by volunteers providing three excellent rooms for many different classes, events, cinema, theatrical and music performances, and private celebrations.
707
Tarporley & District Community Centre
Cheshire
Tarporley & District Community Centre and Recreation Ground Charity, commonly known as Tarporley Community Centre (TCC), is an unincorporated registered charity. We have four rooms with kitchens available to hire and on average we have 140 bookings per month. Our recreation field is also available for hire and holds the annual Tarporley Carnival each July. Despite the Coronavirus pandemic which meant we were closed for the majority of 2020, we under went a large refurbishment program which included replacing the roof, updating the ladies and accessible toilets and refurbishing our external metal staircase. This was done with a mixture of grants, donations from the general public and our own funding. We would like to thank ACRE and Cheshire Community Action for their support and guidance so that we could have everything in place to become a COVID secure building and were able to reopen in a safe manner. Our main focus for 2021 is becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and of course reopening again when this is permitted. We would like to thank our users for their support and look forward to welcoming them back asap.
708
Tarvin Community Centre
Cheshire
We are looking forward to the future and hope it won’t be too long before we can start hosting regular and special events again. In mid- March 2020 we had 33 events on in one week and long to get that degree of activity back. It will take time but we are confident we will get there. Ballet classes, Bingo. Pilates, the Library, Film nights and Theatre performances, just some of the activities that will be on offer again.
709
Tasley Village Hall
Shropshire
Tasley Village Hall (also known as Tasley Parish Room) was built in the 1920s and serves the local community as a small venue (maximum 60 in normal times) with a low hourly rate. We normally host many local groups including Tasley Parish Council, yoga classes, art classes, music group, after school club, Flicks In The Sticks cinema with a fish and chip supper, cake decorating and many private parties. We look forward to opening again as soon as lockdown eases.
710
Tattershall Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Established as a wooden shed in 1954 and now greatly improved and extended,the two rooms host some 18 regular activities, Monday through Thursday. Friday through Sunday are reserved for individual’s functions, such as Wedding receptions and fundraisers, although Caravan rallies are permitted during 13 weekends. Hire charges are able to be kept low because of the high usage and the Committee members organise some well supported annual fundraisers which provides funds for any major work.
711
Tedburn St Mary Village Hall
Devon
The village hall in Tedburn St Mary was originally built in 1929. This was a wooden structure and was erected on land donated by Miss Cuddiford of Thorwood House. It was run by the parish council until 1952 when a management committee was formed, it is still run in this way today. The hall was re built in 1974 as a brick and render structure. It had taken seven years to raise the £20,000 needed. The hall was opened by Mr A Milne who had given additional land for this new building. In 1990 an extension was added to the main hall, the design being drawn up by Mr Christopher Gibb of Tedburn St Mary. This room is known as the John Bromell Room. It provides space for meetings and has a small kitchen area to provide drinks and light refreshments. The main hall has a large stage with professional lighting and back room storage and facilities. In the main hall there is a good sized kitchen with ample facilities. In addition there are small offices and storage facilities for use by different organisations. Prior to March 2020, the hall was used by the following organisations: The Toddlers Group, Sara’s School (pre school), Children’s breakfast club, After School Club, Judo, Karate, Drama Group, The Farmers Market, The Tremletts Bingo, The Tremletts Coffee Morning, Womens Institute, The Badminton Club, The Parish Council as well as assorted fund raising events and one off annual events such as the Spring Flower Show and seasonal lunches. The hall is available for private functions, wedding receptions, children’s parties etc. On land attached to the hall there is a large car park, the village post office with a re-purposed telephone box. (Now used as a free library and the Tedburn larder.) There are also re-cycling bins and a clothes bank.
712
Teign Valley Community Hall
Devon
Our twentieth anniversary (2018) was marked by the start of an ambitious community consultation, planning and fund raising project to sustainably retrofit our hall so it is fit for the future. Oil-fired boilers - your days are numbered! We want our predominantly sports hall to be better fit for purpose for all of the activities and groups who use it, from new-borns with their mums at the breastfeeding group, to centenarians at Acorn Community Support activities, the local amateur dramatics group to film nights and prayer meetings, pilates and yoga to bowls and badminton. We have a huge task ahead to raise the money needed to externally insulate the hall and fit environmentally-friendly heating, but we raised enough in the first two years to be able to fit acoustic panels, destratification fans for more effective heating, a dishwasher in the kitchen, LED lighting and an interior repaint, so lockdown has not been wasted time for us. Our consultation respondents told us how the hall is ‘an antidote to loneliness’, ‘the only place locally that allows for such a diverse range of activities’, ‘somewhere we can all use, including large groups’ and ‘a focus for the community’. We are working to make sure it continues to be all of those things for the next 20 years and beyond.
713
Tenterden Town Hall
Kent
Our Town Hall was built in 1792 and is a grade 2 listed building, it currently serves a population of 8000. Tenterden Town Council staff work from offices here and our monthly council meetings are held in the assembly room, led by our Mayor. The assembly room is used for many occasions including weddings, funeral wakes, amateur dramatics, exhibitions, exercise classes, councillor coffee mornings and many others. Doors from the assembly room open up onto our balcony with a view of our picturesque High Street. We have exciting plans for an extensive refurbishment in the near future so that the Town Hall can serve the community for many years to come.
714
Terrington Village Hall
Yorkshire
Terrington Village Hall & Recreation Ground lies in the small, rural village of Terrington in the Howardian Hill AONB in North Yorkshire, 16 miles north of York. Terrington Village Hall & Recreation Ground formed from the amalgamation of two separate charities; Terrington Village Hall, and Terrington Recreation Ground. Up to the amalgamation in 1997, each of the two separate charities had their own separate management committees and were not formally connected.
The current Village Hall building was built in 1994. The old Village Hall had got into a bad state of repair and grants were not available for renovations. Although the building was still suitable for quite a number of events, there was no scope for adaptation. The Village Hall committee called an open meeting, and the decision was made to negotiate the sale of the building and to proceed with the building of a new one with better facilities on some land within the boundaries of the Recreation Ground. The committee visited many other halls in the area to obtain ideas on a suitable design, and an architect was briefed to prepare plans. The villagers were again invited to an open meeting when the proposed plans were presented and accepted.
The foundation stones were laid in March 1994, and the Hall was opened in August 1994. The original tender for the building was £164,000, and after purchasing new tables, chairs, crockery, trolleys etc. the total cost of the new hall was around £170,000.
There is a committee/meeting room, a lounge bar and main hall that has a capacity of up to 250 guests. There is a large functional kitchen and the main hall has flexible staging, a stage lighting rig, and a wall mounted sound system.
Outside, the recreation ground contains a full-sized football pitch and we have two hard-surface tennis courts and a small playground. There are two changing rooms for use when there is a football match and each changing room has its own shower-block.
715
Tetney Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Our village hall is in Lincolnshire. We have a large playing field attached to the hall which over recent years we have added playground equipment to, the open spaces are always popular with dog walkers and currently people use the playing field to meet up for socially distanced exercise. During normal times we are well attended by community groups, including The Women’s Institute, Brownies, Rainbows, dance classes, dog training and martial arts. We have been closed throughout the pandemic however have taken this opportunity to refurbish the hall. We are looking forward to welcoming the local community back soon.
716
Thame Guide HQ
Oxfordshire
Thame Girl Guide HQ
Built in 2009 as a replacement for a very old Guide Hut. Our hall is set on the edge of a recreation ground and next to a children’s playground in the heart of our vibrant historic market town of Thame.
This building provides a beating heart for our community. It enables Guiding to meet, mingle, chat, share, dance, perform, discuss and listen, this hall has played a big part in maintaining and promoting our cultural traditions, as well as fostering and supporting a sense of belonging, which in turn contributes to elements of our wellbeing, identity and mental health.
Pre-the Covid-19 pandemic we had a wide range of age and social groups making full use of this special facility. As we wait for further clarity on when we can fully open our doors again. The Motto – “Be Prepared” Means that Rainbows, Brownies. Guides and Rangers are ready to cope with anything that might come their way.
We are looking forward to renewing old friendships and welcoming new ones from our local community soon.
717
The Ark Alvechurch
Herefordshire & Worcestershire
We cannot wait to reopen so we can have all our varied activities back - from classes, support groups, music, concerts, parties, weddings, charity events and more. Our award winning venue opened in 2006.
718
The Barbour Institute
Cheshire
Our lovely Victorian building plays host to many groups and societies, to pantomimes and weddings. We hope it will be able to do so again soon.
719
The Breamish Hall
Northumberland
The Breamish Hall hosts a wide range of regular activities for all ages through the year as well as one off events. We are looking forward to opening again once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
720
The Centre @ Halton
Lancashire
The Centre at Halton is at the heart of the village and supported by the local community with many activity groups, and a team of willing volunteers. Normally we fundraise by holding events, hiring out facilities and running a Coffee Shop in order to make improvements to the Centre.
The Covid-19 crisis scuppered our plans but as part of the Village Emergency Plan, we quickly acted to support vulnerable residents and we had a great response for volunteers to help others which is ongoing .
During lockdown our centre manager, worked hard on a voluntary basis to obtain funding towards our new Changing Places facilities, also using a significant proportion of our reserves. We had some good news in June 2020 when we were recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
When government restrictions allow it we look forward to welcoming back activity groups and customers. Reaching out and supporting each other in these difficult times has been and continues to be a major feature of life within our community.
721
The Charltons Community Centre
Somerset
The Charltons Community Centre and Memorial Playing Field is at the heart of the Charltons community and we are currently fund raising to renew the roof and extend the hall to give the community a true heart.
722
The Chichester Hall Witley
Surrey
The Chichester Hall was built in 1935 funded by Mrs Spencer Chichester of Enton Hall in memory of her husband, Major Chichester. On its completion in 1939, the Hall was regarded as one of the finest village halls in the south east of England, and is proud to remain so today. The building is owned by Trustees to be used for the benefit of the community in accordance with the Deed of Trust. The Hall is available for use everyday with the exception of Armistice night or Good Friday. The Chichester Hall Management Committee runs a charitable trust dedicated to providing outstanding village hall facilities for use by the whole community at affordable rates.The Hall occupies a beautiful tranquil setting and as such is an ideal location for wedding receptions, birthday parties, christening parties, anniversaries, dances, social gatherings, public meetings or exhibitions
723
The Christie Hall
Cambridgeshire
The hall was built by villagers on donated land given to the British Legion for Wansford, Thornhaugh and Stibbington. It has regular classes for yoga, pilates, keep fit, zumba, lindyhop and renaissance dancing. Plenty of opportunity to keep fit! It holds Hort. Society meetings, lent lunches, parties for young and old and craft activities. It may not be that glamorous from the outside but it offers a venue for people to get together locally with warm hospitality inside and we hope to maintain this in an ever changing world.
724
The Coneygear Centre
Cambridgeshire
Half of our centre is being used for lateral flow testing. The other half, including both kitchens, are being used to support vulnerable families, meals for elderly people, a safe space to support those with mental health worries and lots, lots more. We can’t wait to welcome the community back in and have the centre thriving with activity, all day, every day.
725
The Court House, Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
The Court House is a 16th century half-timbered building. It was originally used as the courts of the Manor of Berkhamsted, has been used as a school and today serves as the church hall for St Peter’s. Usually it’s full of toddler groups, community lunches and evening classes. We look forward to opening up again.
726
The Craster Memorial Hall
Northumberland
The Craster Memorial Hall
Originally known as “The Reading Room”, the foundation of the Craster Memorial Hall was laid in 1887, and the Hall was inaugurated 2 years later in 1889. Given by the Craster family and built in the garden of the church, which itself was started in 1867 as a Sunday School, it was part of the drive to improve the educational opportunities of a deeply rural fishing and farming community. At a time without radio or television, when ready access to the news of the day was very limited, it provided the men of the village (and it was very much a male preserve!) with the facility to read the papers and play billiards on the enormous table that dominated the room. Extended and renamed after the First World War it became the Craster Memorial Hall, and was very much a centre of village life. Even today it is still referred to by some of the oldest inhabitants as the Reading Room.
Having recently undergone a major refit to make it more relevant to the 21st Century, made possible in part by a major fund raising campaign, it remains a focus of community activity for a population the structure and demands of which, in common with very many rural communities, have changed dramatically. It is the “go to” venue for clubs, committees and social occasions, for which its new kitchen and communications systems make it so well suited. The enthusiastic and hard working committee are also responsible for the village playground, which is a very popular attraction for the quarter of a million or so visitors to the village annually.
www.crastercommunity.org.uk/Local Groups/Memorial Hall
727
The Evington Hall
Kent
The Evington Hall serves the rural communities of Hastingleigh and Elmsted on the North Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Wye, in Kent. The first village meeting was held in a ‘Parish Room’ in 1895. This 'Parish Room' only had a seating capacity of 60 so in 1949 the decision was made to raise funds to build a new hall and, without grants, over the following ten years, the money was raised through social events within the local community. The Evington Hall (so called as the land upon which it is built was part of the Evington Estate) was opened in 1960 and was extended in 1974 to incorporate a permanent stage and storage at the rear. Major refurbishment of the toilet facilities and other improvements were undertaken in 2016, solar panels were added in 2019 and during ‘lockdown' the interior of the hall has been completely redecorated.
Over the years the hall has been the home to a variety of community groups and clubs, including Amateur Dramatics, Youth, Toddlers, the WI, Gardeners, Art, Calligraphy, lending library, film nights, coffee mornings and whist drives. An annual jumble sale and Christmas Bazaar are the main fund raising events. Additionally, the facility is regularly let for private parties and for Bodsham School events.
The hall is managed by a committee of volunteer trustees.
728
The Fieldgate Centre
Hampshire
The Fieldgate Centre is a community centre run by the Kingsclere Community Association (KCA), as a charity, for the benefit of all who live in Kingsclere and the surrounding area. KCA trustees and its volunteers rely heavily on the support of many people to ensure that the centre remains a thriving hub of community activity. Replacing the ageing infrastructure is a key objective for the association to ensure that this valued community asset remains for many years to come. Recent works include a new roof, new boiler system, an upgrade to the electrical system, redecoration and refurbishment.
A great range of activities take place at the Fieldgate Centre and the number of people visiting continues to grow. In the year to March 2020 over 43,000 visited due to a combination of regular hirers who run classes, one-off hires for events and celebrations, and a series of entertainment events put on by the KCA, often in collaboration with other groups. The centre is also the home of local sports clubs: rugby, football and cricket, who use the playing fields for training and matches, and the bar/hospitality area for socialising with teams and spectators. We look forward to welcoming new visitors and the return of our regular users when restrictions are removed and it is safe for us to gather together.
729
The Hearth Centre
Northumberland
The Hearth Community Hall is situated within The Hearth Arts Centre, home to 8 artists’ studios and a family-run café. The Hearth Centre, occupying the church hall and manse, opened as a charity in 2004 with support from Horsley Village Church, and The Hall is used for art and yoga classes, craft groups, history talks, concerts, art fairs, community events and more. The Hall has been closed during Lockdown but our regular hirers are looking forward to resuming their classes once we re-open, and we look forward to becoming a lively, thriving community hub once more.
730
The Henfield Hall
Sussex
Welcome to the Henfield Hall
The Social Centre of the Village
The Henfield Hall, one of the largest Community Centres in the area, has been at the heart of the village since it was built in 1974 by a dedicated group of local residents.
In 2019/2020 a complete refurbishment project with new lighting was undertaken, offering excellent modern facilities for its many users.
Run and owned by the community the Hall has never lost its original purpose of providing a ‘Home’ for many of the varied local clubs and societies.
The Henfield Hall offers a superb venue for a wide range of private functions such as wedding receptions, parties and special events. The Whittome (main) Hall can seat up to 150 guests comfortably with various table configurations possible. Outside the large garden provides a superb setting for wedding photographs or summer parties. The stage in The Whittome Hall is ideal for discos and bands and is used regularly for theatrical and musical performances. The kitchen is well equipped to provide catering facilities for large events.
The smaller Garden Room can provide a more intimate location for smaller gatherings with easy divisional flexibility. There is also a Committee Room offering further possibilities and available for meetings.
Adjacent to The Henfield Hall there is ample parking.
731
The Hindmarsh Hall, Alnmouth
Northumberland
Our hall has served the village for over 250 years: first as a granary when Alnmouth was a grain-exporting port, then as a chapel for 20 years from 1859, then as the Town Hall, and from 1937 as our village hall after it was bought by the Hindmarsh Family and gifted to the village. It is the centre of village life and hosts a huge range of events and activities from major village celebrations like the annual 3-day Arts Festival through to children’s parties, weddings, anniversaries, workshops, craft fairs and as a meeting place for all village organisations. With an annual footfall of over 14000 (in a village of about 400 inhabitants) it is one of the busiest halls in rural Northumberland. Currently undergoing a major restoration which will be completed in June 2021, we look forward to our hall serving the village and wider community for another 250 years.
732
The Hub Community Centre
Cambridgeshire
The Hub Community Centre is currently being used as a Covid Testing Centre. It is normally used by the local community for a range of activities such as Craft Clubs, Exercise Classes and Children and Baby Groups. It has also hosted many parties, weddings, charity events and also holds the Town Council meetings. We look forward to being able to welcome our regular groups and private bookings back as soon as we are able to.
733
The Jessie Hughes Village Hall
Cheshire
The original Jessie Hughes Institute was built in 1926 with donated funds collected by Mrs Jessie Hughes, wife of the Rector of Tarporley, as a meeting hall for the Women’s Institute. Toilets and a kitchen were added later but, by the turn of the century, the deteriorating fabric of the building led the committee to decide that a re-build was essential. The committee were able to facilitate this re-build in 2008 with grants from what was then Vale Royal Council, WREN and Awards for All, to the design of local architect Ken Parker and construction by local builders Cartwright Pond. The substantially improved hall brought new life to our village. Pre-covid, the hall was booked each week for over 40 hours of locally-run activities catering for a full range of ages. These activities include Pilates, Ballet, Yoga, Hi-Fitt Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, Ballroom Dancing and Bridge. Additionally there are monthly activities including W.I., Film Nights, Quiz Nights, Gardening Club, Tea’n’Chat, Parish Council and, less frequently, Church Socials and themed ‘Dinner and Show’ evenings. Due to Covid 19 all these events are currently on hold but we look forward to being able to re-open as soon as government guidelines and rules allow us to do so. We hope it’s soon as our villagers have really missed all these activities.
734
The Joseph Harris Memorial Hall (Greysouthen Village Hall)
Cumbria
Greysouthen Village Hall is a traditional building with modern facilities that continues to be lies at the centre of the Village and is the only remaining Indoor venue in the Village. We have a variety of activities including carpet bowls,WI meetings, Craft and Exercise classes alongside seasonal programmes of indiviual activities which includes the annual Village Show.We are looking foreward to welcoming back our user groups and will continue to support and develop community cohesion when the pandemic is finally over.
735
The Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre
Derbyshire
It has been a difficult year during the Pandemic, however at the beginning of the first lockdown we set up a help page on Social Media so that local residents could post if they needed help in any way and other residents could offer to help them. We also decided that as our regular weekly lunch club would not be able to meet we would offer a delivery service to those who wanted it. This has kept some of our vulnerable residents in touch with us and given them the opportunity to have contact with someone during the week. We were asked to become one of the Community Hubs in Derby, providing vulnerable families and individuals with food parcels and meals during the beginning of the pandemic. During the School Summer holidays we carried this on to make sure young families had support. At Christmas we gave out Hampers with a variety of food stuff in them. We normally have a Christmas party for the children but were not able to do that this year, so we took our mini bus (which was turned into a Santas Grotto) out and went around the streets with Santa himself and gave out sweets to the children and mince pies to the adults. It really did give everyone involved a boost and lifted all our spirits.
737
The Meon Hall, Meonstoke
Hampshire
details will be sent
738
The Merry Bells
Oxfordshire
The Merry Bells was originally built in 1888 in the centre of Wheatley as a Temperance Hotel by the owners of the nearby Shotover Estate. Over time, the demand for rooms dropped and the building was used more for meetings until it eventually became a village hall. In 1970, Shotover Estate sold The Merry Bells building and car park to the people of Wheatley as a Trust to be run for the benefit of Wheatley residents. We had hoped to celebrate the 50th anniversary last year but the plans were thwarted by the pandemic. As well as offering two different sized rooms for hire, the building has a number of offices for rent and currently houses the Parish Council office and Wheatley Library. Various classes and a wide variety of local societies use the building and 4 mornings a week there is a coffee morning for anyone who fancies a cup of tea and a chat!
739
The Morrell Room, Streatley
Berkshire
The Morrell Room, which is the village hall of Streatley-on-Thames, is a Grade II listed building built in the late 17th and early 18th century. It was originally a malthouse but, in 1898 the village squire, Herbert Morrell, commissioned the architect W. Ravenscroft to convert it to a Reading Room for the use of local villagers. The plans for the additions and alterations, in a Domestic Revival style, were exhibited at the Royal Academy in London and a copy of the plans now hangs in the hall. The hall was equipped with sliding screens, which allowed it to be divided into three spaces. There was a fireplace at one end, providing a cosy environment where men could read newspapers. It is believed that the Morrell family established adult reading classes. A stage was built so that plays and other entertainments could be put on. Although no longer in use, the Victorian heating and ventilation system is still in evidence in the attic. In 1945 the descendants of Mrs Emily Alicia Morrell set up a charitable trust in her memory and donated the hall to the village, stating that it should be known as “The Morrell Room”. A major refurbishment of the hall was carried out in 2011, which included the removal of the permanent stage and the opening of the balcony as a space that could be used separately from the main hall.
Inside the hall the walls are panelled and the floor is polished parquet. A number of items of local historical interest are on display, including two boards showing the charges when Streatley Bridge was a toll bridge and the bell which hung at the Morrell residence, Streatley House, and which was used each day to summon outdoor staff. On the walls are numerous artworks and historic photographs of the village, as well as two cups that used to be awarded in an annual athletics competition in the 1920’s and 1930’s between various local villages.
Today the Morrell Room continues to be used regularly by local clubs and societies such as the Parish Council, the Goring Gap Players and the Scouts, as well as ballet classes, Scottish country dancing, pilates and yoga. The Morrell Room is also hired for family occasions such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, christening parties and general entertainment.
740
The Offords Recreation Hut (Offord Village Hall)
Cambridgeshire
Offord Village Hall has been an important part of the life of our two villages, Offord Cluny and Offord Darcy, since 1921! And it continues to be so today, despite the various closures forced on us by the pandemic. We managed a few exercise and dancing classes during the gaps between lockdowns and tiers. And now we are providing support to those parts of our communities hit by the current flooding. Ever the optimists, we are planning to hold a celebratory event to welcome back all our village groups, societies and private hirers later this year. In the meantime we’ll get on with the internal redecoration so it’ll all be fresh and bright for when they do return. And of course, at least we’ve got the local elections to prepare for! Our name by the way denotes the fact that way back in 1921 the villages bought a surplus WW1 army hospital hut (for the grand price of £75) to provide recreation facilities for local folk. The hut lasted until the late 1970s with the new hall opening in 1981. It’s great to be part of such a long history and be able to help ensure the hall continues to meet the ever changing needs of the community.
741
The Old Chapel Godolphin Cross
Cornwall
Built originally in 1844 and added to in 1934, the people of Godolphin Cross raised £100,000 to purchase the Old Chapel for community use in November 2017. Since then, we have completed two major refurbishment phases and footfall has increased five fold in 3 years. There are opportunities for all, from 6 months to 96 years old (literally) with much more possible. Held in trust for local people by the Godolphin Cross Community Association, the Old Chapel is also a trading centre, with events, classes and a Farmers’ Market offering new experiences to the 700 or so people in our village in rural west Cornwall
742
The Old School, Ovingham
Northumberland
Built in 1815, this was the village school until the mid 1960s. It was then transferred to Ovingham Scout Group and used for all the uniformed organisations. After major refurbishment in the 1990s, as well as scouts and guides it used by a range of community organisations including an out of school club, bridge club, exercise groups and for functions.
743
The Pine Lodge - Little Milton
Oxfordshire
Our current village hall, plus post office and shop in Little Milton, near Oxford, were built about 15 years ago following a Herculean fund raising effort by the community which has given us arguably one of the best halls in the area (we are of course biased).
With us all missing the ability to gather and let off steam we did our best in 2020 to quickly reopen between lockdowns when possible for exercise classes and clubs to gather (with excellent support and advice from ACRE). However it has of course been a quiet year for us all.
This has given us time to think how the hall could be improved, and also for us to develop some new ideas for programs and activities that we could offer the local community in the future. Top of the list right now is planning for a post Covid summer Big Bash (we may need to find a catchy name!). The big unknown of course, is when to hold it...
744
The Reading Room, Skelton on Ure
Yorkshire
We are looking forward and are full of hope for the future. We are looking to make further improvements to our tiny hall in the hope it will appeal to more hirers
745
The Recreation Rooms
Bedfordshire
A multi purpose venue for parties and events to fitness classes and playgroups
746
The Sir John Brunner Trust Barnton Memorial Hall
Cheshire
We are a new building, fully equipped with Disabled facilities with a large hall and 2 small rooms based in the heart of our community. We have plenty of parking for our users. We have plenty of classes from adult exercise to baby and toddler classes through to arts and craft, we also cater for Blood donations, Elections and other community requirements. We had a full packed hall prior to COVID 19 and the restrictions it brought and we are looking forward to being a thriving community hall once again in the near future
748
The Windmill - Deddington Community Centre
Oxfordshire
Opened in 1986 on a beautiful six-acre site comprising playing fields for football and cricket, tennis courts, an all-weather court, an adventure playground and wooded area, the Windmill is a much-used community centre and home to most of the clubs and societies in the parish. Owned by the Parish Council, the Windmill is run by an enthusiastic and forward-thinking group of village volunteers with ambitious plans to continue developing, improving and expanding the facilities to match the needs of a growing and evolving community. Like all similar venues we are closed at the moment due to Covid restrictions, but we look forward to reopening as soon as we can.
749
The Winn Memorial Parish Hall, Dunsfold
Surrey
The Winn Memorial Parish Hall in the Wealden village of Dunsfold, Surrey opened in Autumn 1916 shortly after the end of the Battle of the Somme. In design, both exterior and interior, it owes much to the Surrey Arts and Crafts movement hence it fits in well with the general architecture of the village. It offers a large and very attractive Hall with stage, a well-equipped kitchen and thanks to lottery funding and a gift from the late Lord Nugent of Guildford (Dunsfold resident and former MP for Guildford) an additional smaller Hall, named The Nugent Room, was completed in 1997.
For more than 100 years it has provided a central point of the village and indeed it is located in the very centre of the village. It provides a venue for a range of gatherings, including art, dance, upholstery and exercise classes, as well as for Parish Council and other meetings and for toddler groups with mothers. It is the theatre for the local active amateur dramatic group and Its attractive interior also make it a popular venue for receptions for villagers including for weddings. Invariably it acts as the polling station for the village. Under normal circumstances, except for the month of August, its bookings mean that it is in use nearly every day. For most of the time during the COVID19 pandemic, along with other such Halls, the “Winn Hall” has had to remain closed which in many ways means that a part of the village is out of action. It will therefore be an important occasion when we can celebrate its opening again.
750
Thecentreinpoynton
Cheshire
During the 1830’s, Lord Vernon, who owned the mines and a lot of farmland around the area, opened a school in the village to educate the children of his workers. With the discovery of large seams of coal the population of the village and surrounding areas had increased.
The school originally housed 62 children between the ages of 5 years and 10 years, but numbers of children that wanted to learn grew quickly and so expansion was required over the coming years
In order for any child to begin school a ticket would have to be obtained from the local clergyman, absent from school for any reason would not be tolerated, and after a week’s absence without reason would mean that the child was suspended and not allowed back in school until they had obtained another ticket.
Poynton Community Centre, is based in Poynton historic village school. We aim provide a centre which can be use used by all ages groups, and currently provide a variety of learning experiences, music and social events.
Timeline:
In 1838 the village school (now the Community Centre). Between 1850 and 1899 the building was extended three times.
During World War II the community centre was the headquarters for the local Home Guard.
In 1946 two villagers purchased the community centre.
In 1947 the building was placed in a trust for the people of Poynton.
1860 - 1891 brought the opportunity for people to undertake evening classes, subjects would include; first aid – for the ladies, Sick nursing, Gardening for both sexes, in another classroom ladies could learn topics such as cookery, wood carving, shorthand commercial maths book-keeping or office routine.
1899, the original entrance and areas were removed and replaced with a new building. The octagonal bell tower and weathercock was erected, which housed an air raid siren in 1939. The original oak door was rehung in the new entrance
In 1914 a new Handicraft Building was opened and provided users with woodwork and mining maths and music instruction.
Importantly in 1918 the first branch of the Worker’s Educational Association (WEA) was formed in association with Manchester University.
Recently the bandstand base was uncovered when a group of volunteers were tidying the area, the bandstand was constructed in 1947 by members of the Social Centre and Brass Band. Unfortunately the bandstand was never completed.
In the 1950’s, the centre was a meeting place for a variety of local activities including; The Townswomen’s Guild, Poynton Brass Band, and a host of leisure and educational activities. There was a small lending library, which would cost 3d for 10 days loan.
Membership to the centre cost £1.00 a year; and still does.
Activities in the 1960’s meant that the centre was well used and the Folk Festival at Easter became an annual event. The centre also applied for a licence to sell alcohol which was granted.
During the 1970’s the centre became well known for its Folk Music, and the centre was renamed ‘Poynton Folk Centre’ and won awards such as ‘Club of the Year’ and No1 in the Melody Maker for it Sunday folk concerts. The Folk Centre closed in 1985. The centre was in need of a large influx of money to keep up the maintenance of the building, which it didn’t have.
Although during the period between 1985 and 2015, there were many people support the centre’s future the building lapsed into disrepair and latterly had to be closed for health and safety reasons.
Today the centre is once again open for business, regular classes are taking place and there is always room for new events. With monies raised the centre is undergoing a major refurbish. A place that the trustees want the residents of Poynton to use. Without them there is no centre.
The centre is taking on a new look, we have continually worked to improve our amenities, from the basics of improved heating, updated classrooms, kitchen and entertainment areas. The introduction of quarterly markets have brought another aspect to the centre.
Today we are a busy and thriving centre, we face every day issues attached to an old building.
Extracts and information by kind permission, have been taken from ‘From a Poynton Village School to the soul of the Community, 1838 – 2016 by Les Durrant (third edition – April 2016)
www.info@Thecentreinpoynton.co.uk
751
Tholthorpe Village Hall
Yorkshire
Tholthorpe Village Hall sits on the picturesque village green in this small North Yorkshire community. It is very much at the heart of the village with all events and fundraising centred around it. The hall underwent a massive refurbishment in the year 2000 making it the modern facility it is today - and the trustees are constantly updating it. Latterly a new kitchen was fitted along with modern windows and a new heating system. And looking to the future we are looking to an extension to further its potential for hiring out. Our main events are the annual full accredited 10K race which sets off from the village every September and attracts more than 500 runners, our midsummer ‘Tholfest’ - and the annual panto. Once dubbed the ‘smallest panto in Britain’ by BBC Radio 2, the panto utilises the tiny space we have to the maximum - our last performance of Aladdin even featured a spectacular flying carpet! Pre-covid we were also running a variety of classes and hosting rentals - and we are now keeping everything crossed that they all return to us at some point in 2021.
752
Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall Uffington
Oxfordshire
In 1919, a welcome home fund for soldiers returning from the Great War was donated by them to purchase a redundant army hut from the War Department as a Village Hall. In 1960, the wooden floor became so bad that it was condemned and a fund-raising committee formed to enable a new hall to be built. In 1972 the Uffington White Horse Country Show was created and by 1975, sufficient funds had been raised to build the Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, named after the famous author, born in Uffington. The building was the result of collaboration between the three neighbouring villages of Baulking, Uffington and Woolstone. Extensions were added in 1980 and 2010, creating a small and a large hall, a modern kitchen and a large theatrical stage. The main hall can seat more than 100 people and Covid lock-downs have allowed time to install a comprehensive audio-visual system with a 4metre wide screen, suitable for showing DVD films, for talks, presentations and live or recorded music.
753
Thornton le Dale
Yorkshire
Opened 1938, we are one of the last pre-war brick built VHs in the country. Now in need of an upgrade and refurb to current legislation and regs, we are launching a huge community fundraising campaign at our Open Day on 2nd October. This to inc a comprehensive display of the draft Plans (inc sustainable source energy ideas) to start a 1 month community consultation. An exhibition will chart a history timeline of our VH from 1930s parchment plans, old documents and memorabilia, and on up to current groups and activities.
We are working much more closely with other village organisations inc Community Hub, Christmas Lights, and local groups and businesses in our efforts to provide a corporate legacy for current and future generations through the life of our village hall.
754
Thrumpton Village Hall
Nottinghamshire
Thrumpton Village Hall was originally opened in March 1962.
In the years since then the villagers (now 75 households) have not only kept this their only community facility, other than the church next door, in good repair, but have also made some significant improvements and extensions to it. These changes have been facilitated by a number of grants and local fundraising.
The Village Hall is a registered charity, with Trustees who serve for a 3 year term.
The Management Committee holds regular meetings during the year between AGMs and generally controls and supervises the activities of our Village Hall & Social Club.
755
Thurlestone Parish Hall
Devon
The Parish has had a Community Village Hall here since 1949 but in 2005 the old tired narrow prefab was demolished for a wonderful modern, spacious multi-functional hall with great facilities. It has been the hub of our community events ever since. Thurlestone Parish Hall has proved to be the perfect venue for all activities and can be booked by residents, visitors and businesses alike.
It has accommodated:
Various Community Events * Fund Raising * Leisure Activities * Concerts * Meetings * Clubs * Wedding Receptions * Family Celebrations * Concerts * Shows * Lectures * Conferences * Training * Commercial Sales.
Its a large hall with side meeting room, full kitchen and serving hatch. In-house seating and tables plus hall sports equipment available. Modular stage, fantastic sound and lighting systems. High resolution multimedia projection system to large screen for functions, presentations with satellite TV and with free fast fibre Wi-Fi. Fully heated and air conditioned.
A strong progressive parish hall team keeps the hall in good condition always looking to improve.
Recent updates were state of the art audio visual equipment and replacing high wattage stage lighting for low power LED. Now reviewing new heating system to replace oil and lower our carbon footprint further.
Alas Covid-19 has suppressed its use this last year but will bounce back once our vibrant community can safely meet again!
756
Thursby Parish Hall
Cumbria
Thursby Parish Hall, originally a WWI ammunition hut brought down from Gretna, has been Thursby Parish’s community building since 1922. It was rebuilt in 2010 to provide a purpose built, well heated and economic venue. Until the first national Covid-19 lock down in March 2020, the use of this modern building increased steadily from, for example, weekly craft classes to monthly Lunch Clubs and Table Top sales, to wedding receptions and funeral teas. The Hall Committee looks forward to a time when all of our community will enjoy and feel comfortable to return to meeting up with friends, having celebrations together and again feeling part of an active, welcoming community.
757
Tiddy Hall
Oxfordshire
The original Tiddy Hall goes back to 1912 when Reginald Tiddy donated the land to the village. A new hall was built in 1992 and accommodates a vibrant preschool, a recently established Folk Club plus a number of societies and activities. We also hold as number of social events such as the Film nights, Burns nights and various functions. When the pandemic is eventually over we are intending to have an all day event to encourage all ages in the village to come to the hall; including bingo, a party and film for the children, and a special social event in the evening.
758
Tiidmarsh Village Hall
Berkshire
Established in1954, a strong social hub in 20th century the village hall offers a facility for individual hire and various groups from local community and surrounding areas from dog training to table tennis club. The community events hosted by the Hall specifically for local participation are two quizzes , a monthly walk and coffee morning.
759
Tilehurst Village Hall
Berkshire
Tilehurst Village Hall was built in 1893. During the 1st National Lockdown we had the main hall decorated and a few other repairs. On 23rd March we will be lighting up the village hall blue for the anniversary of the 1st lockdown residents and local businesses will also be taking part. We decorate the hall during November for Remembrance Sunday this is also something the local community take part in. We have been open since June for Pre-school which are still operating. Hope to get back to some normality soon.
760
Tillingham Village Hall
Essex
Tillingham Village Hall is a simple, tin clad structure of historic significance to our village having been opened by the Very Reverend Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dean Inge, on 28th September 1927 and is located centrally in Tillingham Conservation Area. Suitably updated over the years and extensively refurbished in 2009 we have this year installed new window frames with double glazing and feel the Hall is eminently suitable for use of the local community for diverse purposes at economic rates. .
761
Tilston War Memorial Hall
Cheshire
762
Tilton on the Hill Village Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
Our village hall is 55 years old, having opened in 1965 after land was bequeathed to the village in 1949. At present the village hall is closed except for Tiddlywinks. We are though planning to reopen the village hall as soon as the national lockdown is lifted as many of our regular groups are looking forward to restarting their meetings and getting the community back together. Looking forward to the future, the VH committee are planning to find out how our villagers would like to see their village hall move forward into the 2020’s by creating a questionnaire to find out their views on issues such as future usage, meeting CO2 targets, why some villagers haven’t used the facility and what would make them use their village hall in the future. The results will help guide the VH committee to make the right decisions to ensure this important community facility is here for years to come.
763
Tockwith Village Hall
Yorkshire
Built as a school in 1870. Used as a village Hall from 1972 when a new school was built on another village site. Originally rented from Harrogate Borough Council, it was purchased for the continued use of the local community by Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council. It is now managed under a charitable deed of trust by a volunteer board of trustees. The hall has been maintained and updated with support from the Parish Council and several grants from the borough council and Landfill Communities grant bodies. The hall is hired out to community groups, small local businesses and to individuals for party hire, fundraising events and also for Public Meetings. Before lockdown the following groups were using the hall regularly: WEEKLY An under 5’s group, Yoga, Art group, craft club, Line dancing, Dance for fitness - Wiggle and Giggle, Dramatic society ages from 8+ to 70+ Badminton, Choir, Community Hub, Boxercise for Fitness. MONTHLY USERS Craft club, Tea Dance
AS REQUIRED
First Responder
764
Topcliffe & Asenby Village hall
Yorkshire
– Topcliffe and Asenby – are separated by the River Swale and are actually located in different local authority areas: Topcliffe is located in Hambleton District and Asenby is in the Harrogate District. But these divides have not created any barriers to local people, who have worked tirelessly to maintain their joint village hall.
The two rural villages located approximately four miles from Thirsk. Topcliffe has approximately 350 residents in 140 households and Asenby 300 residents in 120 households. In addition, residents and military personnel based at Alanbrooke Barracks, which is located within Topcliffe Parish, are current or potential users of the village hall.
The village hall, which stands in a central location on Front Street, Topcliffe, is operated by a voluntary management committee made up of local residents. The committee is well-established and has a proven track record of organising and staging a range of successful social events which involve and engage the local community.
After more than sixty years Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall is still going from strength to strength. The hall is an excellent example of inter-village cooperation. It is a valuable resource for both villages…and many other users from surrounding communities.
In 2014 the Village Hall Committee decided that major improvements to the village hall would be desirable in order to update the toilet facilities, maximise the space for community activities, ensure full access for people with disabilities and improve the external appearance of the building. The declared objective was to provide a modern, spacious and accessible village hall which meets the needs of current user groups and encourages the development of further activities. The Village Hall Committee launched a major fundraising campaign. Around £15,000 was in the kitty and available as a contribution to the task ahead. That amount was increased when a “Buy a Brick in the Hall” fund raising scheme was launched. This proved very popular and successful, raising a further £4,000.
Simultaneously, a major campaign was started to raise cash via grants and an amazing £130,000 was raised from a wide range of regional and national charitable organisations.
Once the new construction work was completed, a range of additional improvements to the existing facilities – the main hall and meeting rooms - got underway, including new lighting, electrical work, refurbishment of the excellent dance floor, redecoration and installation on an audio-visual system.
Once the improvements were completed, we erected a large commemorative plaque featuring the names of everyone – individuals and organisations - who supported us so that their contribution is recorded for posterity.
The official opening was performed by Thirsk-based Vet, Peter Wright, who co-stars in the "Yorkshire Vet" series on Channel 5, and he was ably assisted by Nellie Ascough, who at 96, was believed to be the oldest resident of both Topcliffe and Asenby villages at the time.
By the end of 2016 the village hall committee had spent nearly £150,000 on the improvement project. This massive investment has ensured that the villages of Topcliffe & Asenby have a much-improved facility that locals and other users of our village hall can enjoy, appreciate and be proud of.
The Coronavirus pandemic has curbed the activities of the village hall, but once we are able to get up and running again the Village hall Committee look forward to a very positive and successful future.
765
Town House, Barley
Hertfordshire
The Town House dates back to the 16th century. It has housed a school, villagers and even a fire engine in its colourful history. Today it serves as a much loved village hall. It sits in the heart of the village, opposite the church.
It provides a venue for the Gardening Club, the Community Group and local Fitness, Pilates and Yoga classes and offers a training /meeting facility for local employers and organisations.
Its sympathetic restoration provides a unique setting for special occasion events and weddings which were held regularly before the pandemic hit.
As in the past, the hall will open it’s door once again and provide a welcoming place to bring the village back to some normality once restrictions are lifted.
766
TREGONY VILLAGE HALL
Cornwall
BUILT IN 1987 TO REPLACE FORMER MEMORIAL HALL BUILT IN THE 1940S/1950S. POPULATION APPROX 1000
767
Treverbyn Community Hall
Cornwall
it’s an amazing supportive, caring and generous community
768
Trimdon Station Community Centre
Durham
We started life in 1928 as Deaf Hill welfare Hall, paid for by the subscriptions of miners. The colliery closed in 1967 and the centre had other groups running it. In 1992 after falling in disrepair a group came together ‘Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership’ and set about repairing the building and updating it. Since then the Partnership have delivered many community services for young and old, and was supported by the Parish council, unfortunately the Parish Council removed all funding to support the building and support for the service we provide. This year has been difficult as we have had to close the building but have still delivered some service to our community. The future, we believe will take a lot of rebuilding, building trust and confidence for those attending, thoughts on trying to attract new users is also needed. The main thing will be funding and long term funding to see us through this difficult time.
769
Trusthorpe Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Looking forward, not backwards
770
Turvey Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Originally built as the “National School” in 1847 by one of the two philanthropist landowners in Turvey, the Village Hall holds events from Turvey Amateur Theatrical shows to Apple Pressing Day and the village Plant Sale to support the community orchard. Some memorable New Year’s Eve parties have been held there. The 1852 Museum room and associated Reading Room “for artizans” are used for Turvey Pre-school sessions and pre-Covid for smaller meetings including the Wednesday group where stories of village life were shared. Residents are told about all the village clubs and societies using the spaces through Turvey News which is designed, written and circulated by volunteers. Turvey History website has more information (turveyhistory.org.uk). Activities, including the 2020 Plant Sale have been running on-line and “click and collect” through the lockdowns. Normal service will be resumed when feasible.
771
Tutbury Village Hall
Staffordshire
The building was officially opened on 25th July 1987 as a Community Centre and became the Village Hall in 2000.
Our Background
To precis the history of the building, when houses in Castle Street owned by the Parish Charity were demolished in the early 1970s, it was hoped that the money would be available for a community building, but the Charities were not allowed to do this. For the time being, the Old Cock Inn in Lower High Street was bought by the trustees as an interim measure and this was well used for a Luncheon Club etc. and general meeting place.
Ultimately villagers raised the sum of £10,000 over the years till 1980, by organising a variety of events and also starting the 200 Club (which is still running today). In 1979 a grant was obtained from Staffordshire County Council, with the condition being that the building would have to commence within 18 months of the grant being won. The Monk Street site had been purchased from Tutbury Rural District Council by the trustees for £1. In October 1983 the project was accepted by the Manpower Services Commission and a team of builders, organised and paid for by the County would build the Village Hall provided the committee could provide all the materials. The grant from SCC, which had been expected to be £32,000 turned out to be £12,500, which was a considerable shortfall. More fundraising happened and eventually the building we have today was born. So as you can see, this really is a community building where the local community worked tirelessly to raise funds to make it happen.
Our Present and Future
Located at the heart of our vibrant village, the Hall is a well used building with many classes and events being held on a regular basis …. Art class, Tai Chi, Badminton, Pilates, Yoga, fitness classes for all ages, Scottish dancing, children’s dance, Weight Watchers and Parish Council, WI and Civic Society meetings and also Tutbury Band practice every Saturday morning. We also occasionally have a Pop Up Restaurant in the small room. We have our local Pantomime annually and another local group who put on a play in the summer, and Live and Local bring us regular professional shows, usually four a season from September to May. All these are much enjoyed by both local residents and people from further afield. We also host the annual Farmers’ Market Christmas Lunch …. As well as many children’s parties, family parties and wedding receptions!! The venue is also used as a polling station for elections …… So you can see that we are very busy. As a group of volunteers we are constantly looking at ways we can utilise the valuable space we have to offer our community and welcome the innovative ideas for its use. Having the small and large rooms means that we can accommodate virtually all requests so as to ensure it offers maximum benefit and enjoyment for everyone. In doing so, we are conscious that the Village Hall offers the only large space for our residents to freely come together without the restrictions and high costs other privately run venues in the area may charge.
We carry out regular maintenance and painting in the building and also purchase new equipment as and when needed. Over the years we have received grants for various things but have always contributed 50% of the cost ourselves from hiring fees, which are our only income apart from the 200 Club which has about 150 members and pays out prizes every month and raises approx. £1,800 per year with over 50% of this being paid in prizes.
772
Twerton Village Hall
Bath & NE Somerset
Twerton Village Hall a victorian building, originally built to serve the cloth mill workers was given to the people of Twerton by the Carr Family many years ago. It is a central community space in Twerton and is currently run by volunteers. It is funded by hall hire and community fundraising.
Through the years it has housed many community groups and we work to ensure the hall remains open and for local people to use.
It has been a tough year as we have been shut for over half of it. Usually a vibrant place for people to get together it has a full weekly schedule of exercising, dancing, playing, crafting, singing, photographing, praying and dog training. It is also hired for charity meetings, training sessions and celebrations as well as used for fundraising events like fairs and bingo nights.
The Trustees have taken the current closures as a chance to look to the future of the hall with positive plans and ongoing projects like the car park and garden, a new hall floor and decorating.
The hall feels quiet at the moment but it is well and truly loved by the volunteers that have worked hard to give it a stable future. When we re-open we want the hall to remain in the centre of the community, a much needed addition to this area of Bath.
We are looking forward to opening safely and welcoming our amazing community back.
773
Twyford District Youth & Community Centre
Berkshire
We provide a safe place for young people in the district to come for recreational activities, computer access, fitness, education, counselling and advice from trained professionals. We also provide an affordable venue for local groups and residents from the district to hire for fitness and social activities.
774
Tytherton Village Hall
Wiltshire
Our village hall was built in 1924 for the working people of the village. It remains as the only community facility in the village. We are due to commence a new build on a new site in the very near future.
775
Ugborough Village Hall
Devon
Our present Village Hall building opened in the early 1970s and a first-floor extension was added a few years later.
The Village Hall is managed by a Committee of volunteer trustees including user group representatives accountable to the community. The Hall is a registered charity and operates according to the constitution established at its foundation.
The village of Ugborough is a small rural mixed community with no shops and limited public transport links, so the Village Hall is important as a community meeting place for the village. It is the only fully accessible community facility which can be hired out for both public and private use by those in the village and the surrounding area at affordable rates.
Over the years the Village Hall has had a wide range of regular hires from both groups and individuals including Preschool, Toddlers, Breakfast Club, After School Club, School, Pilates, History Group meetings, Sustainable Saturdays markets for local suppliers including the Café , Tuesday Lunch Club, Senior Citizens Christmas Meal, Fair events, Children’s parties, Workshops, Church events, Polling Station, Parish Council meetings, Amateur Dramatics, Whist Drives, Rubber Bridge, Badminton, Table Tennis, First Aid training courses, group social functions, fundraisers and other individual private hires.
We have a continuous programme of maintenance and improvements subject to available funding to keep the Village Hall compliant, comfortable and well equipped.
The Parish Council defibrillator is housed externally on the front of the Village Hall and all appropriate checks are completed and reported to the Parish Council and South-Western Ambulance Service Accreditation Scheme.
Since March 2020, the Village Hall has had limited use due to Government Covid -19 restrictions – it has however been used for a restricted Breakfast Club/Preschool/After School Club, emergency Post Office following temporary relocation from its usual venue which became unavailable due to restrictions and First Aid Training classes.
The Committee has been active in its support throughout, working with hirers putting in place appropriate COVID risk assessments, automatic sanitisers on entry/exit from the building, purchasing a fogging machine to assist with the additional cleans that are now required between hires to keep Users safe within the changing restrictions.
ACRE and Devon Communities Together continue to support us with valuable advice and support, and small business grants from the government have been a critical financial lifeline for us.
Our Committee are hopeful for the future and looking forward to welcoming back our full community to the Village Hall as and when appropriate.
776
Ulgham Women’s Institute
Northumberland
The WI Hall is in the heart of the village. It is a wooden building, similar in style to many Memorial Halls. The wooden interior gives it a warm and welcoming feel, which is also helped by the extensive insulation in the walls and ceiling together with a good heating system. There is nowhere else to have meetings, parties, events etc. The hall was built in 1928 and has been extensively refurbished to keep it up to date. There is ramp access for wheel chairs and there is a disabled toilet for men and for women. There is a fitted kitchen and adjoining area used for catering preparation. The WI caters for visiting WI groups, birthday, wedding and anniversary parties. Individuals also hire the hall for many occasions. The hall is used by the Parish Council, Bowls Club, Salsacise, Gardening Club, Rendezvous (a pop-in cafe for local residents to catch up with each other), Film Club and Little Owls (a play group for little ones and their carers). The hall is also used as a Polling Station. The WI and church use the hall for fund-raising dances, fairs and coffee mornings, plus the occasional quiz. We have good audio visual equipment that is used by the Film Club and visiting speakers to any of the other clubs.
777
Umberleigh Village Hall
Devon
A community hall run by Trustees and a Committee. We are a busy hall with regular booking which cover the following range of activities. Annual Garden Show, Annual Pantomime, Village Christmas Dinner and Carols , Antiques Fairs, Big Breakfasts, Tractor Rallies, Bingos, Umberleigh School Activities, Usage by our local clubs ie Young Farmers, Art Classes, Dance Classes, Women’s Institute, Band Rehearsal Room, Meeting facilities for Tarka Rail Assoc, N.D. Show Committee, Polling Station and various social and fund raising activities for the village and local charities. In addition to this the hall is used for local family parties, wedding receptions, Funeral Teas. This hall was built and opened in 1981, replacing a previous smaller hall, and over the years has been extended and modernised with the help of various grants.
Umberleigh Village Hall Bringing Communities Together
778
Upchurch Village Hall
Kent
The Village hall was completed in 1961 and is at the heart of the village providing amenities to the community and surrounding area. It offers a large main hall with stage and a back hall area. The main hall has recently been refurbished with a new suspended ceiling, new floor and fire detection and alarm system. The hall has parking available for up to 80 vehicles and is available for hire, please visit our website.
779
Upper Heyford Village Hall
Oxfordshire
The United States Air Force (U.S.A.F) who arrived on what is now known as Heyford Park, in 1950, was interested in helping the village of Upper Heyford community acquire a village hall and sports pavilion. Talks began in 1958, building started in 1963 and the hall opened in 1964; total cost was £3,000.
Since that time, many improvements have been made; a stage, committee room and sports pavilion was added in 1976 at a cost of £16,000. In 2012 improvements included refurbishment throughout, cavity wall insulation and an extension to include a second kitchen, a disabled toilet come baby changing room, furniture store room, improved toilet facilities, double glazing throughout and new patio doors at a cost of £52,000. A great deal of the work carried out by local volunteers.
A new patio was added a year or so later costing in the region of £3,800 and the present playground was opened in 2016, (at a cost of £41,000 or so, covered, in part, by grants. (The parish covered roughly a quarter of the cost). Today the Village Hall is a charitable trust managed by trustees and a working committee and owned by the Parish Council.
780
Upperthong Village Hall
Yorkshire
Built in 1837, Upperthong Village Hall started its life as a day school, teaching scholars in reading, writing and even accounts. However, its remit stretched beyond education, providing a centre for local business transactions and, over the years, much-needed accommodation for preachers. Some 40 years later, the Hall became the venue the Community’s Sunday School. Central heating was installed and in 1907 a small amount of building work created a porch to the rear of the building, creating the space we enjoy today.
For over 180 years, the Hall has provided shelter, education, and a strong central point to draw together the community of Upperthong and its surrounding areas. It holds a key place in the heart of village life and in good times and bad, the events held at the Hall continue to remind us of the importance of this beautiful venue. Upperthong Village Hall is a facility which is held in trust for the benefit of the villagers, despite these hard times for all and with the Village facing significant hardship as it currently takes around £7,000 pa to maintain the Hall we have used our spirit to rally together as a committee and a community and think of new and innovative ways of fundraising.
Our regular comedy night was cancelled in March due to the first lockdown, however we did manage to squeeze in a socially distanced COVID-secure comedy night, in the brief period that the hall did re-open. Many of those that had originally bought tickets in March, but were unable to attend in September, kindly donated their ticket money, which raised around £450 - just in donations! What a wonderful community we all live in!
Whilst we were unable to hold our favourite event of the year, the Christmas Carol concert, some of you may have been fortunate enough to hear HD9 Brass Band on the night it should have been on, for some quick in-promptu socially distanced carols. We were undeterred with other Christmas events. The virtual Christmas Market, the Children’s bauble competition and the amazing Countdown to Christmas virtual advent raffle were all hugely successful and enjoyed by many. They could not have been hosted without the support of our wonderful community and the generosity of so many local businesses. We all did our best to find some fun in ‘new normal’ way of doing things and we have managed to raise nearly £2750 with just these Christmas events.
Our latest virtual event is a Beer, Nuts and Pub Quiz night (virtual) with some fantastic small businesses in Huddersfield. With every £1 profit made is matched by the One Community Foundation. A tough year doing the best we can and also using the time to do some much needed work including a new door and almost new windows.
781
Upperthong Village Hall
Yorkshire
Built in 1837, Upperthong Village Hall started its life as a day school, teaching scholars in reading, writing and even accounts. However, its remit stretched beyond education, providing a centre for local business transactions and, over the years, much-needed accommodation for preachers. Some 40 years later, the Hall became the venue the Community’s Sunday School. Central heating was installed and in 1907 a small amount of building work created a porch to the rear of the building, creating the space we enjoy today. This year has seen the return of events, comedy nights and the introduction of our monthly Makers Markets that have been a fantastic edition to the hall supporting local small businesses. As well as new windows and re-decorating. It’s been a great year and we hope to continue this into 2022.
782
Upton Village Hall
Norfolk
In 1995 a questionnaire was sent out to the village to see whether there was support for the funding and building of a new village hall Our old Church Institute affectionately known as "The Tute" which had served the village well for many years was now unfit for purpose. With the support of the village behind them a volunteer Committee was set up and a stall raising £25 at a village event in August 1995 began the journey. It was decided to apply for funding from the lottery under the Millennium grant system whereby you had to match the sum requested and the Hall had to be up and running by the beginning of the year 2000 We requested £53,000, a sum we hoped we could match. The Parish Council negotiated a very suitable plot of land adjacent to the fairly new children's playground in Cargate Lane which would be rented to the Village Hall Group for a peppercorn rent. The lottery money was awarded so fund raising began in earnest alongside plans being drawn up and then building work commencing. Every type of fund raising event we could think of took place from selling a brick , fetes, flower festivals, plant sales, jumble sales and raffles. Unfortunately our only meeting place "The Tute" was sold by the Church in 1997 and suddenly we had no building to put on any such events. Luckily the Methodist Church in Upton came to our rescue and allowed us to use their premises for all of our fund raising efforts. With lots of help finishing off the interior from residents and much generosity a very basic new hall opened up in November 1999. At the time of the opening the Hall only had one booking and that was the Upton Horticultural Society that had continued to meet at the Chapel whilst the Hall was being built. Since then the Hall has added many items to complete and improve it. With financial help from the Parish Council a large asphalted car park was completed. Then from our own funding a mezzanine was built adding more storage space, a large patio laid to compliment the three patio doors, the heating was updated and solar panels added to the roof which brings in some income as well as helping with electricity costs. Just recently the main hall has been completely redecorated together with a new floor and curtains and a new kitchen has been installed. The Hall has several regular groups and hosts many parties and family get togethers as well as fund raising events put on by the Village Hall Group themselves. Our next fund raiser if the pandemic allows will be hosting The Taverham Brass Band, a very well known local entertainment whom we last invited to play for our WW1 celebrations and we hope can return in September 2021. The Hall is an excellent setting with a large green space adjoining it as well as a children's play area and an adult exercise equipment nearby. Over the last 20 years Upton Village Hall has grown in popularity and serves not only Upton but the surrounding area. A good motto would be "We did it together"
783
Urchfont Village Hall
Wiltshire
Urchfont Village Hall was constructed by volunteers in the village from 1929-30. Our Village Hall is the main communal meeting point in the village offering space to over 30 clubs and groups and available for private hire. We have a large hall with stage, projector and large screen, a smaller conference room, a well appointed kitchen suitable for caterers and a Drs Surgery. Groups began to return to using the hall in 2021 as soon as they were able to and we operated strict Covid measures to help keep people safe. We used the time in lockdown to carry out various projects such as repainting some areas and renewing the tarmac in the car park. Now we are working to make the hall greener through improved insulation and hopefully eventually ditching the oil heating for a more renewable source.
784
Vernon Institute
Cheshire
The VI as it is known in the village of Saughall was established in 1910. It was given by the Vernon family to the village and since then has been managed by volunteers to benefit the community. The buildings were a convalescence hospital after the First World War and have been the centre of hundreds of activities in the village since.
In a year of challenge for all, the VI was one of the first Covid secure venues after the first lockdown in an effort to start to bring back some normality for the community.
Our vision is for our hall to exist in another 100 years and we are planning how we modernise without loosing our heritage.
The image of the hall shows our new external lighting we installed to enable the Vernon Institute to be lit in red for Remembrance Day as the village could not come together to remember the fallen
785
Victoria Park Community Centre
Somerset
We offer a community café, with an over ‘s lunch club, Bingo, Art group, Karate, Yoga, Pilates, Dance Academy, meetings & conference rooms, children’s birthday parties , slimming world, knit and knatter, Credit Union - We are a community hub and have a nursery , doctors surgery and pharmacy on our site as our tenants providing services to the local population
786
Vigo Village Hall
Kent
Our Village Hall was made possible by Jody Developments, who donated the land to the community with the express instructions that a village hall was built on it. It opened its doors on the 4th April 1981. The hall is a registered charity and is run independently from the Parish Council (although we have a close relationship) by the Vigo Village Hall Management Committee, which is made of of people who live on the village. It has been used by the Community ever since for many different clubs which include an over 65’s Pop In Club, Brownies, Irish Dance and an adults Games Club. The hall is also hired out to the local Pre School, Library and an office for the Parish Council. It is also used for children's parties, meetings and other one off events. Obviously, due to the Corona Virus, we have had to close our doors to all but the Pre School which has continued to run. We all look forward to being able to open our doors once again to welcome back our existing users and their members as well as any new clubs and perhaps parties when allowed. We can definitely see a light at the end of the of tunnel and look forward to safely reaching it.
787
Walcote Memorial Hall
Leicestershire & Rutland
Shortly after the end of WW1 the citizens of Walcote organised and funded the building of a Memorial Village Hall to commemorate those who had lost their lives or been injured as a result of the war.
Unfortunately by the 1990’s the Hall was showing its age and needed much work to bring it up to a modern standard and had no provision for any car parking.
At this time the village primary school had been closed by the County Council and the buildings demolished. The Parish Council lobbied the County Council and eventually acquired the old school site and playing field. In 1996 a Charitable Community Trust was inaugurated to take the project forward, to raise the necessary funds, instigate the design and building of the new hall and then go on to manage its day to day running and develop and improve the facility further.
Our new building opened in 2006 and has one floor level throughout for easy access for all able and less able users, provision of a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities, a well-appointed kitchen, along with a car park and a playing field.
The Misterton and Walcote Community Trust continues to manage the hall and over the years has added a new additional storeroom, a block paved patio area now covered by an all weather awning which has enhanced the Hall for many functions during the summer months.
788
Waldringfield Village Hall
Suffolk
Our new Hall was built in 2001, replacing the original wooden hall from the 20’s. It is used for all sorts of classes, performances and concerts, Flower and Produce shows, Harvest Suppers, Quizzes, Pantomimes, legendary coffee mornings, badminton, bridge, Village societies, Parish Council meetings and even a Repair Cafe. Popular venue for private events, especially as double doors open onto a south-facing garden.
789
Walgrave Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Built around 1990 WVH provides a range of activities including short mat bowls, exercise classes, scouts, ‘mums and tots’, badminton and during the summer cricket. It also can be hired for wedding receptions and different types of parties. The large playing field has a well equipped children's play area and a ‘wooded area’ for adventure play. There also outdoor gym equipment and a basket ball court. Adjacent to the field is a scheduled monument in the form of the remaining earthworks of a medieval moated manor with fishponds. The hall and field provide a facility for all age groups to undertake activities and hold events. It contributes in no small measure to the wellbeing of local residents and surrounding villages. It is hoped that future generations will recognise this and maintain and develop it as necessary.
790
Walkern Sports and Community Centre
Hertfordshire
Our village asset that just keeps giving!
791
Wall Village Hall
Northumberland
Having a main hall (seating 120 max) with a small stage and piano, together with a kitchen, our Hall plays host to local clubs and societies such as the Village Society, Carpet Bowls, Pilates and the WI. We are available as a venue for Wedding receptions, Kids Parties, Funeral Wakes and any other celebrations in between.
792
Walton Village Hall Wetherby
Yorkshire
Walton Village Hall stands at the western entrance to a village of some 200 residents. It was built in 1847 as the village school and became a village hall in the 1930s. Regular activities before current restrictions included classes and exhibitions by a local art group, children’s parties (a playground adjoins) and community and church events. We have recently hosted a school holiday club which thankfully has been able to carry on through the pandemic providing activities for local primary school children. We are planning to build an extension to provide improved toilet facilities including facilities for the disabled.
793
Wannock Village Hall
Sussex
The original Wannock Village Hall was built in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It was replaced with the current village hall in January 1974.
The hall offers a wide variety of classes and events. A monthly coffee morning is run and enjoyed by local people.
794
Ware Drill Hall
Hertfordshire
Although based in a town rather than a village our large community hall, built in 1899, continues to provides a vital and versatile space in the 21st Century for people in Ware and the surrounding area. It is suitable for a wide range of activities: performing arts and live music events, various sports and fitness sessions for all ages, dog training classes, vintage fairs and children’s parties are just a selection of our bookings. It is currently being used for Covid-19 vaccination clinics during the 2021 lockdown allowing thousands of people to receive their jab without travelling too many miles.
795
Waresley Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Waresley is an attractive rural village with a church, pub, garden centre and is close to Waresley and Gransden Woods SSSI nature reserves. Our village hall can be found in the centre of the village, almost opposite St James’ Church with its distinctive steeple, and close to the Duncombe Arms. It stands on the old Waresley School site and is an important part of village life. Octavious Duncombe built the school around 1840 and our hall is build on the same footprint as the original building (the first few original courses of brick can clearly be seen). Sadly our hall is now in poor condition and needs upgrading, although events such as our annual cheese and wine party, quizzes, curry competition, summer fete, and lectures are still well attended. We are looking forward to the removal of Covid-19 restrictions so that we can reopen the hall and resume our events and normal activities. We plan to raise funds through events and grants to create a community led, comfortable, warm and welcoming space for local people to gather whatever their age or interests.
796
Warkworth War Memorial Hall
Northumberland
Built in 1866, it was bought by public subscription in 1920 and serves as the village hall for the people of Warkworth and surrounding areas providing a vital facility for a variety of communal activities. The Hall hosts Coffee Mornings, Concerts, Ceilidhs, Community Cinema and Drama Productions. It is home to local clubs/societies - W.I., History Society, Art Group, Choir, Drama Group, Flower Club and the British Legion. Regular classes are held in Dance Fitness, Pilates and Yoga. In addition to these regular events it is available for receptions, children’s parties and other ad hoc events for the local community. It is a meeting venue for the Parish Council and is used as a Polling Station. It is available as a Rest Centre in case of local emergencies.
797
Warton Village Hall (near Carnforth)
Lancashire
Our hall has continued to be enthusiastically used by dance group (when permitted by the dance body), and we are proud to facilitate that use when we have heard of so many halls remaining closed since March 2020. We are looking forward to organising a big party when appropriate, and hopefully using some of the government grant money for new projects
798
Waterbeach Tillage Hall
Cambridgeshire
Tillage Hall, opened in 2012, is a spacious and light community building overlooking the beautiful recreation grounds in Waterbeach. The hall is available for long term or single use hire seven days a week and recently had a brand new, fully equipped kitchen fitted.
799
Watford Village
Northamptonshire
Set in Northamptonshire’s beautiful countryside the historic village of Watford offers an ideal location for events of all types. With easy access of the M1 motorway and rail networks, the facility is perfectly placed. The Hall is a modern, single story building with ample parking, situated in the Main Street of the pretty village, with fields to the rear and adjacent to Watford Green. The land the Hall stands on was made available to the Village by the Honorable Andrew Eden in 1993. The villagers cam together to raise funds and build the Hall for the use of the residents of Watford.
800
Watlington Town Hall
Oxfordshire
As possibly the smallest town in England, the community has enjoyed the service of the Town Hall as a school, a court and a library for 355 years! But it as a market venue that has seen the Town Hall restored as a centre for purchasing local produce during the pandemic. Large supermarkets are more than six miles away and again today the Hall's Undercroft is a busy centre for trading.
The Trustees have erected a fine new noticeboard to display vital Covid-19 messages, and supplementing the Town's internet work. New electric heating has replaced the gas heating – in line with commitment towards Climate Change declarations. A new stage is due to aid drama revival and lecture series after lockdown and new tables are introduced for games afternoons and evenings. We are really ready for new business!
801
Waverton Village Hall
Cheshire
We are a large hall run by a volunteer committee for the people of Waverton. There is a mix of events, volunteer led sessions and private classes for people of all ages to enjoy.
802
Weare Giffard
Devon
Our hall has been part of village life since 1947, after the building was reconfigured from a former school.
In the last few years, we have made many improvements and are constantly try to find new ways to engage with as many groups as possible.
803
Weaverthorpe Village Hall
Yorkshire
Welcome to “The Chicken Shed” as it was known in days gone by.
At the place now occupied by the village hall there stood the old village school next to old school masters house that is still in place.
Sir Tatton Sykes, of Sledmere, had three schools built, one each at Garton on the wolds, Wetwang and Weaverthorpe. The two former school buildings still exist and although extended and altered are still used for their original intention.
The old school at Weaverthorpe was constructed in 1849 and was called the Lady Sykes School. Due to its location adjacent to the then active Gypsey Race it suffered from the ravages of damp and was condemned in 1909, A new school being built and opened in 1912 near to St Andrews church in the centre of the village.
The building remained and was acquired by the ‘women’s institute’ in 1938 and one assumes it was demolished in the early 1960’s and replaced with the existing village hall structure.
We have often thought of aspiring to a new hall but we along with many of our users do love the character of this one and it has become a centre for many well loved community events.
804
Weedon Old Schoolroom
Buckinghamshire
Weedon is a small rural village, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Its village hall dates back to 1870, but, like so many halls, didn’t begin its life as a village hall. Its original purpose was as an “Infant School, [as a subsidiary to the Hardwick Church of England School], for Church of England services and other purposes”. It even had its own, attached, caretaker’s cottage.
It was built at the instigation of Mrs Barbara Cazenove, widow of the late Henry Cazenove, a stockbroker, who lived at Lilies, Weedon. It is believed its design was by the well-known Victorian architect George Devey, who had overseen the rebuilding of Lilies. Mrs Cazenove took an interest in, and financially supported the Infant School, until her death in 1905.
On the death of Mrs Cazenove, the building passed entirely into the hands of the Rector and Churchwardens, of the parish. Just prior to that, on 6th February 1904, the Bishop of Oxford had licensed the building “for Divine Service and Holy Communion”. In 1924 it was conveyed, by the then Rector and Churchwardens, to the Parochial Church Council [PCC] of Hardwick and Oxford Diocesan Board. The building was then known by villagers as Weedon Schoolroom. A Sunday School was held there until the 1970s, together with meetings, and groups like the WI. The church services have continued until the present day, with the exception of the pandemic.
In 1985, because of its special architectural and historic interest, it became a listed building. Despite this, the building lacked regular investment, and by the 1980s was in a poor state of repair and without the amenities of the time. A committee was formed to plan for the hall’s future. Trustees were elected to run the hall, a lease taken from the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance and the PCC of the Parish of Hardwick with Weedon, and fund raising began. Thanks to village support, generous donations and lottery grants, the building underwent a complete refurbishment and modernisation and reopened in 2002.
Today this wonderful historic building is thriving. It is at the heart of the community, and hosts a wide range of activities and events, which are about to resume as lockdown measures ease.
805
Wellow Church Schoolroom
Nottinghamshire
Recently fully restored to its former glory by the trustees and a small dedicated team, this former Victorian school has served the pretty little rural village of Wellow and its inhabitants as a school, church/village hall, a reading room and so much more in its already 165 yr history. Since just before Covid the team, together with volunteers, have been researching Wellow’s heritage with the help of a Lottery Funded heritage grant- not an easy task with libraries and archives closed, but we’re managing, and it’ll be great to show off our findings once Covid subsides and we can all get back to enjoying time together inside our beautiful little Schoolroom.
806
Welton Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Welton Village Hall has its origins in a campaign by young people during the second world war for somewhere to dance in their village rather than having to cycle elsewhere. A committee was formed and, after the war ended, took over a nissen hut from RAF Dunholme Lodge, whose administrative office was in the village. A local farmer gifted the land and a new building was completed in 1960, since when there have been a couple of extensions and modifications. While the uses of the hall have changed over the years it remains a focal point and a venue for a range of voluntary groups as well as an annual pantomime, a pre-school and a number of sport and leisure activities.
807
West & Middle Chinnock Village Hall
Somerset
Our village hall is over 80 years old and has always been the hub of the community. It remains the oldest purpose built hall in the immediate area. So many people and groups use our hall but sadly over the last year we have not been able to meet and use the hall. It is well supported and we hope to make some renovations/refurbishment over the next couple of years.
808
West Anstey Village Hall
Devon
West Anstey Village Hall was built in 1999 /2000 in Yeo Mill West Anstey. Our Hall Porch has been open throughout Lockdown providing the Community with books puzzles jams chutney fruit and vegetables . We look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy all the activities Craft Club ,Coffee mornings ,Dances, Pilates,Badminton ,Social evenings ,Parties etc. again .
Our Website is in the Pipeline !
809
West Challow Village Hall
Oxfordshire
West Challow Village Hall is situated in a rural setting at the edge of the village. The hall was officially opened at 8.00pm on June 30th 1951 by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman who lived in nearby Wantage. He was given an engraved silver penknife in a formal presentation by Mr Stratton, the oldest inhabitant of the village. A fete was held on the same day. The Parish Room in The Old School House which had been used prior to the opening of the new hall since 1894 was closed for social, recreational and educational purposes from June 30th 1951. Over the years the hall has been the venue for a variety of events, including WI Meetings, beetle drives, film shows, a boys’ club, the mobile library, jumble sales and parties. The hall is still the focus for social events ranging from plays, open bar evenings and quiz nights to the local polling station. Both residents and non-residents can be assured of a warm welcome. Roll on the end of lockdown when we can resume our popular social gatherings.
810
West Coker Commemoration Hall
Somerset
We have bounced back better post lockdowns
811
West Down Parish Hall
Devon
Popular Hall serving the community of West Down in rural North Devon
812
West Grimstead
Wiltshire
Our village hall was built in 1913. As so many of our village amenities have closed over the years, our village hall is now the village social point with, amongst other events, drop in coffee mornings, quiz evening and skittles evenings. It is available for hire and we currently have four regular hirers - a line dancing class, an upholstery class, a yoga class and a keep fit class. Owing to coronavirus, our village hall is closed at present, but we are looking forward to re-opening again with an even busier social programme and hirings diary.
813
West Hallam Village Hall
Derbyshire
West Hallam Village Hall serves a population of some 5000 in the borough of Erewash.
Our hall was built in 1852 as one of a number of school buildings funded by income bequeathed by the Reverend John Scargill in 1662. A grade II listed building, it forms part of the lasting legacy of his philanthropy as well as the built heritage of the village. The building was saved from threatened demolition in 1973 by local people and is also an important illustration of the importance of active citizenship in the preservation of heritage.
Since 1973 it has been operated as a community facility by the West Hallam Village Hall Charity which was established for this purpose. However, the charity has a full repairing lease and has the added challenge of ensuring sustainability of the Grade II listed building. During 2019 we completed an exciting programme of work to construct an extension with new level access, toilets facilities for wheelchair users and baby changing facilities. The hall is now fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005. We had planned that the next few years would be an opportunity to rebuild our reserves after significant expenditure. Lettings and fundraising have been severely disrupted because of the pandemic. On a more positive note we have received a Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant and an Additional Restrictions Grant during the two lockdowns in 2020. More recently we have received a Tier 4 Local Restrictions Support Grant and Closed Business Support Payment for the lockdown that commenced in January 2021. All of this funding has been awarded as part of the government’s plan to support small businesses during the pandemic. The charity also received a full Business Rates rebate for the current financial year.
In normal times, frequent use is made for private family occasions such as birthday parties or wedding receptions. The building is usually in busy on most days of the week and regular users would include the under 5s attending Mucky Ducks Messy Play sessions, young people attending Guides, Brownies and Rainbows and elderly clients of the Four Seasons Luncheon Club. Fitness, educational and interest groups include yoga, dance, portraiture, wine appreciation and Pilates. Erewash Ramblers Association and Women’s Institute meetings are held at the hall.
The Trustees have well established working relations with other organisations in the village including the Parish Council. We work in partnership to deliver a range of events including the Christmas Lights Switch On, West Hallam Open Gardens and Village Show. We are looking forward to the time village life returns to normal and we can welcome the community back.
814
West Harptree Memorial Hall
Bath & NE Somerset
West Harptree is a small rural village in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Mendips. We are proud of our Memorial Hall and it is the hub for all kinds of activities for the community from pilates to a thriving cinema. With the help of a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are in the process of improving our facilities and hope to extend our services to include a community library and a computer skills centre. We look forward to being able to resume our activities once the COVID restrictions have been lifted.
815
West Horsley Village Hall
Surrey
West Horsley Village Hall is situated in the heart of West Horsley with the original building having been built in 1924. We also have a much-loved playground for younger children on site. Before COVID-19, we were fortunate enough to have been a busy village hall with a huge variety of different activities taking place in each of our three rooms. Following the first lockdown, we re-opened in September 2020 to those hirers who were comfortable enough to come back to us and again after the second lockdown but, like everyone, we are now waiting to be allowed to re-open. We really look forward to be able to continue to help all those who benefit from the activities held within West Horsley Village Hall. We have used the quieter times during the lockdowns to do a few projects we have struggled to find time to do in the past so all is not lost but we are so looking forward to getting back to some sort of “normal”! Getting the premises “COVID-19 Secure” was (and will continue to be) a huge task but we could not have done it without the enormous help from ACRE and we are very grateful indeed.
816
West Ilsley Village Hall
Berkshire
A facility for the community
817
West Wickham Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
We are presently open only for the Daisy Chains pre-school under Covid-secure conditions. We were open to other clubs between lockdowns and found them to be fully informed on precautions and procedures to follow the Government guidelines. Opportunity was taken during lockdowns, to carryout internal and external re-decoration and to upgrade our electrical and safety systems. We are looking at a number of schemes to reduce our energy consumption but will need to have access to some grant funding which is increasingly difficult to find. In normal times our hall is very well used and at times it is difficult to find slots for booking small meetings. A village survey showed there is a desire to have the village hall provide more activities and amenities. This had become an issue after the closing of the last public house in the village. To meet this the Parish Council are investigating the possibility of building an extension to the hall.
818
West Wittering Memorial Hall
Sussex
Built in 1922; the Memorial Hall is nearing its Centenary and has provided,over all of these years, the central hub for the village social and group activities. It has been extended several times to meet the demands of a growing community and continues to be well used by a variety of activities such as Amateur Dramatics, Art Classes and Exhibitions, Horticultural Group meetings, Short Mat Bowls, Local Wives Group, Bridge Group and Dance Classes.
819
Westhall Village Hall
Suffolk
The village hall was established by local benefactors in 1931. Originally a WW1 army hut the hall has been extended and refurbished over the years to provide a warm and comfortable location for many activities, including: parent & toddler group, lunch club, ballroom dancing, youth club, girl’s brigade, religious services, dog training, art classes, community events and more. The adjacent playing field has a children’s play area and football pitch which is also occasionally used for camping in the summer.
820
Weston on the Green Memorial Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Weston on the Green is a small village with a big heart, and the hall sits at the centre of both village and community life. The existing building was built in the early 1970s and replaced a 1920s timber structure built by the villagers in memory of those who died fighting in the First World War. The Hall has undergone some upgrades and modernisation in the last few years, with new lighting, a new kitchen and new external doors. Further upgrades have also taken place during lockdown with new fire doors, new chairs and a re-planting of the Memorial Garden. We enjoy hosting (in normal times) a lunch club for elderly residents, village clubs and societies, meetings, parties and fundraising events, including Quiz, Film, and Musical Nights. During the lockdown of 2020 our events went ‘virtual’ and we aimed to put on a monthly event for villagers to maintain community spirit. Our virtual events included Quiz and Bingo nights, a virtual flower show, dog show and hanging baskets competition, a fancy dress event, a scarecrow competition, the creation and publishing of a Village cookbook and an Advent windows event. A bulb donation event for the Memorial Garden saw over six hundred bulbs be dropped off at the Hall for planting and demonstrates the affection villagers have for the Hall. We have also been one of the collection points for the local food bank during lockdown and demonstrates the more serious nature of the Hall’s use. Weston on the Green Memorial Village Hall is an ideal multi-purpose venue and we have plans for further improvements in the future. The year 2020 certainly brought its challenges but the hall is ready and waiting to open again as soon as possible. Thank you ACRE for your support and guidance during these trying times.
821
Weston Village Hall
Hertfordshire
As we are in Lockdown, we are unable to celebrate Village Halls Week this year so we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who, in more normal times, have regular bookings in Weston Village Hall.
Exercise Club
Strength and Balance
Yoga
Pilates
Circuit Training
Ladies Badminton
Ballet classes
Jazz Dance
Musical Theatre Dance Classes
Cherry Tots Baby and Toddler Group
Parish Council
Luncheon Club
Art Class
Bridge Group
Guitar Group
Indoor Flyers
Drop in for a Cuppa
Nattering Needles
Patchwork Group
Cinema Club
Book Exchange and café
We are sorry that we are unable to welcome you into the hall. We miss you, and we are sad that we cannot run events, host parties or bring the village together at this difficult time. Better times lie ahead and we hope to be able to reopen later in the year. We have not been idle during the last year and work has been done to redecorate the hall, upgrade the kitchen and generally keep things shipshape ready to welcome you all back. When we are able to open, we shall be launching a new online booking and payment system to make all our lives easier.
Once we can open our doors again, we shall do so with a flourish! In the meantime, keep safe and well.
Stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
#VillageHallsWeek
822
Weston Village Hall
Staffordshire
The photograph dated 1953 was the Opening Ceremony of Weston's first Village Hall. It shows Bridget Malpass presenting a bouquet to Miss Mary Bagshawe of Uttoxeter, who opened the Hall. Also attending the ceremony was the Rev. W.H. Dodd, Vicar of Weston, Mr Eric Marks, secretary of the village hall committee, Mr R. Sindrey, Mrs Jessie Evans who represented the National Council of Social Service and Mr Afred Johnson, chairman of Weston Village Hall Committee. Mr Johnson lived in the Manor House in Weston and was the owner of Chartley Turkey farm on his father's estate at Chartley. Mr Johnson was a promoter of the hall which was funded by the villagers, Mr Johnson allowed his workers to go to the old RAF wartime aerodrome in Meir with one of his lorries and pick up one of the redundant huts, The men brought it back and erected it near the railway line.
The current hall opened in 1982 and was funded by the village community. The hall has held many events over the years, weddings, dances, various fundraising events etc. Current regular users are Badminton, Table tennis, dance classes, pre-school playgroup, football changings rooms. Post office facility, Embroidery, Indoor bowls, Parish council meetings.
823
Westoning Village Hall
Bedfordshire
Westoning Village Hall was built in the 1840's as school rooms and was bequeathed it to the village in 1940. Maintaining such an old building is challenging but new toilets are being built in 2021 to help ensure the building is fit for many more years.
824
Wetheringsett cum Brockford Village
Suffolk
Celebrating 100 years in 2021
825
Whimple Victory Hall
Devon
Currently we are open for the Primary School (sited next door) to use the main hall on a daily basis, as it does in ‘normal’ times. A separate room hired by the Pre-School is also currently open to children. All other groups are not able to hire or use the hall at the moment (as at January 2021). We are hoping to undertake a major refurbishment in the near future; the building is 100 years old and in need of some fabric related repairs as well as a general upgrade that we hope will make it fit for use for the next 100 years.
826
Whitchurch on Thames
Oxfordshire
originally a building erected by Canadian Air Force during WW2- the regiment was learning her to build emergency bridges. then it was used by the polish refugees living in a new camp organised next to the building- later it became the Village Hall- last 2 years we raised donations over £8000 and also with the help of the Parish council we renovated most of the building, making it more welcome and attractive. we started free afternoon teas once a month with delicious cakes and with success.
whitchucrh on Thames web site
827
Whitecross Village Hall - Lanteglos-by-Fowey
Cornwall
Whitecross Village Hall is an historic building dating back to 1896. It was originally the local village school, but when the school closed in 1948, the Village Hall Committee acquired the building. Whitecross Village Hall is a focal point for the local community. Whilst retaining its historic character, it now offers modern facilities with a large hall and stage, a well equipped kitchen and parking. It is an ideal venue for meetings, exhibitions, wedding receptions, parties and other functions and events.
828
Whitley Chapel Parish Hall
Northumberland
Whitley Chapel Parish Hall has been the centre of Hexhamshire life for generations, hosting community groups, dances, classes, weddings, parties – the list is endless.
It was built by public subscription in 1932 as a memorial to Shire men who lost their lives in World War One, at a cost of £837/5/7. It was then enlarged and improved in early 2000.
The Parish Hall provides excellent facilities for a diverse range of user groups of all ages and interests, from the Young Farmers to the Womens’ Institute, the Bowls Club and the school. It is also well used by private individuals for birthday parties, weddings, family events and funeral teas, and is regularly used for dances, concerts, stage productions and other club and charity fund raising events
829
Whittlesford Memorial Hall
Cambridgeshire
Whittlesford Memorial Hall originally opened on the 21st September 1921 and has served the Community as a hub of the village ever since. The Hall was refurbished to a high standard in 1998 and has proved to be an extremely popular venue for local events as well as for the wider community, especially with having easy access to Junction 10 of the M11. The Memorial Hall has numerous regular hirers as well as many 'one off's' at weekends. There are two rooms for hire, the Larger Main Hall which has underfloor heating and the smaller, Millennium Room which can each be hired separately or as a complete unit.
830
Whixley Village Hall
Yorkshire
Whixley Village Hall is at the hub of the community. It’s the central venue for events and activities throughout the year and hosts a wide range of activities including Badminton, Bridge, Quiz Nights, Dances, Film Club, Village Panto, Yoga, Fitness, Dance classes and many other events booked by local residents.
831
Wicken Jubilee Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
Our lovely old hall was built by public subscription to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It has been extensively extended and modernised since those times and is now comfortable and well equipped. Originally owned by the Church it was purchased by the Parish Council in 2016, and is leased and run by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with trustees drawn from a variety of village organisations. It is the hub for all our village activities both community run and private and is entirely self sufficient , deriving income from hire fees and events organised by the trustees.
832
Wickham Community Centre
Hampshire
When Covid and restrictions hit, we closed our building, and the surrounding community showed its true colours and supported each other like never before. Although we stayed shut to most activities, we did open up for blood donation and became a mobile covid testing site. We spent the time we were shut making the building covid secure in preparation for opening in the summer. It’s been such a turbulent time and we miss all our regular visitors and can’t wait to welcome everyone back when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime we’ve got funding for not only a community fridge, but also a community pantry - the projects will help our community to both tackle food waste, and support people who may be struggling. We are going into 2021 with positive ideas and plans to continue making the centre sustainable and ready for anything!
833
Wickhambrook Memorial Social Centre Village Hall
Suffolk
Our village hall is now recovering as regular hirers return. This means we are now increasing our booking. We have recently refurbished the roof at a cost of £70,000+, a huge undertaking which has been many years in the planning. We saved in a special fund and were lucky to get several grants including one from the National Lottery. The hall has been completely redecorated during the lockdown and the times when we could not have the clubs and activities in. Social distancing and all other regulations had to be observed at the same time. The hall was lucky to have the Trustees willing to do the work which would have cost a small fortune. Since the easing of restrictions we have had many enquiries for children’s parties and other events. We also now have wi-fi and a conference room available. We hope that the future is bright for the village hall.
834
Wilberfoss Community Centre
Yorkshire
Wilberfoss Community is relatively new, having been purpose-built in 1999. It has had a number of upgrades over the years and was thriving before being forced to close due to COVID. We’re extremely positive and hopeful about the future, having welcomed a number of new trustees to the committee. In addition, as soon as we can open the Centre will be the new home of a Martial Arts Academy. We look forward to welcoming the return of our regular users, some of whom have been with us since opening in 1999.
835
Wilbrahams’ Memorial Hall
Cambridgeshire
The original Wilbrahams' Memorial Hall was opened in 1921 on land owned by Squire R S Hicks, in memory of the men he had fought alongside in WW1. In 1949 the adjacent land was gifted to the Trustees of the Memorial Hall by the squire for the purposes of a sports and recreation ground. Our modern hall, built in 2016, serves the villages of Great and Little Wilbraham, and is situated in the heart of Great Wilbraham, overlooking our spacious recreation ground, cricket and football pitch, and opposite St Nicholas Church. It is surrounded by picturesque cottages and farmhouses.
Our facilities include a large, well-lit hall, comfortably seating 100 -130, a presentation-equipped meeting room seating 30, a large servery kitchen and toilets. The facilities are fully accessible and are equipped with hearing loops. The complex also houses the village Bar & Social Club and changing facilities for the Sports Club. There is parking for 22 cars and ample parking locally. The village hall is normally used on a regular basis by village groups, including Great Wilbraham Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council (PCC), Wilbrahams’ Community Choir, a youth group, a baby & toddler group, and an over 60s club, whist drives, yoga classes, a film society, bridge, scrabble, and gardening clubs, quilting classes and community events. It is also a popular venue for parties and weddings, and other meetings. The village hall complex and recreation ground are managed by a committee of Trustees for the benefit of the local community.
836
Willington Old School
Derbyshire
Willington Old School has served the local area as the Village School for 100 years, then in the 1990’s the building was renovated by the Villagers and it still serves the area, now as a Community Hall. COVID-19 hasn’t stopped us, we continue to provide Pre-School and After School Clubs for the Children of Key Workers. We keenly await the return of all of our clubs and activity groups.
837
Wilstone Village Hall
Hertfordshire
In normal times our village hall is booked solid with exercise activities, children’s parties, music rehearsals, whist drives, Morris dancing and much, much more. The Hall Committee runs many of its own events to raise additional funding, such as fetes, film nights (so successful that we have purchased our own projection and audio kit), cabarets and other community inclusive events.
838
Wilton Community Centre
Wiltshire
Our busy Community Centre was founded in 1979 converted from an old Victorian school with three large rooms, a meeting room and kitchen for hire. The Centre is right in the middle of the small town of Wilton, near Salisbury, and has good, clean, warm, inexpensive accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a large car park. Before lockdown in March 2020 we had over 35 user groups with an estimated 36,000 people attending annually for social gatherings, classes, events, meetings and interest groups of all ages. It is run by a volunteer group of Trustees, volunteers and a caretaker and is a registered charity No 278026. To so many people, the Centre and it’s activities were a vital part of their week and social interactions and they have all missed this important aspect of their lives. Our Users and the management all very much look forward to reopening again and to restart this valued community asset when the world gets back to some kind of normality.
839
Wimblington Parish Hall
Cambridgeshire
Our Parish Hall is a centre for many community activities and events. Although it was built in1905 and originally the village school, it has recently been updated and has insulated floor and roof, energy efficient windows and doors, solar panels connected to a storage battery, reducing our carbon footprint as much as possible. Although currently closed we are looking forward to being able to open for our residents.
840
Wingates Village Institute
Northumberland
We are a small village hall in rural Northumberland, we have tried to continue some of our regular activities online this year. We play bridge online every Tuesday with video and audio, and have done this since first lockdown, some of the main social contact some of us have had. Our reading group actually has more people attending on line, as people who have left the area can join in again. We have held several quizzes via zoom through the year, including Burns night with music, poetry and Scottish quiz. We had already done some major hall improvements in 2019, and are now working on the outside space of the hall developing garden, path and patio area. We have held our first socially distanced Highlights rural touring event and looking forward to having some more Highlights events.
841
winscombe community centre
North Somerset
Winspace development plan in progress
842
Winsley
Wiltshire
We are closed just now, but stayed open whenever permitted by Government regulations during the pandemic. We actually managed to attract several local bands for practising, as our size allowed greater social distancing than their normal venues. We are optimistic that we shall continue to thrive after the present emergency - we are popular for children’s parties and may even have an opera singer again too! She first performed for us in 2019.
843
Winston Village Hall
Durham
Covid Secure and ready to welcome community members again as soon as we’re able to
844
Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall
Dorset
Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall is run by eight committee members at present. We have recently had a change in the members and roles. Our hall is used by a variety of local residents for activities and events. These include activities such as Zumba, keep fit, dance fitness, tai chi, taekwando, circuit training. We also have a weekly slot for a family with a disabled child. Our hall is used by the doctors surgery and as a polling station.
Recently a local farmer has installed a milk station which provides fresh milk and produce which is a real asset for our residents. It runs off our hall electricity and WiFi, so we have a small fee coming in from this facility.
We have also just converted our meeting room into a community library. We are hoping to open this once the coronavirus is under control.
Our committee are looking forward to getting back to normal and running our events such as, tabletop sales, auctions, tea dances, fayres and workshops.
845
Winwick Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
We have recently built an extension to the hall as well as upgrading the rest of the hall to include an accessible toilet. Much of the work has been done on a voluntary basis. The hall was originally a Congregational Chapel in a poor state of repair and acquired for the benefit of the village in 1960. The village is very small and does not have a pub, shop or other facility so the hall is very important to village life. Once the current lockdown eases we hope to be able to resume our social events. We are very grateful to all of those who have helped us raise money for the building works including villagers, National Lottery, Cambs County Council and Huntingdonshire District Council. ACRE are always available to help and offer advice.
846
Wistaston Memorial Hall and Community Centre
Cheshire
Our Memorial Hall was constructed and opened in 1949 , in memory of sixteen Wistonians who perished in WW2. We have been fully supported by ACRE who supply top class advice and support.
847
Withington Parish Room
Shropshire
Currently closed but hold fortnightly online coffee mornings
848
Witton Park Village Hall
Durham
Witton Park is a small village of around 3000 people, we no longer have a shop or pub. The building itself is about 25yrs old but was built on the site of a much older community building. The village itself is the actual starting point of the Stockton and Darlington Railway - the first train starting from the village and being hauled up and over the hills to Shildon where it was attached to the first Locomotive to be hauled then to Darlington and on to Stockton. It is also known as “the village that would not die” being put into Category D by the council for total demolition in the 1960s. During the first lockdown we completely redecorated the hall and laid an extension to our carpark. We are shortly to build an extension to the side of the building for much needed storage. During the week we usually have regular classes including Pilates and art classes, host Rainbows and Brownies and hold a very well attended (and much missed) Bingo night. The hall is well used by the local community for birthday, christening and occasion wedding parties, the latter may be in decline as our local church is has just been closed. Looking forward it is hoped we can take advantage of the upcoming 200th anniversary of the opening of the S&D Railway and keep our doors open for the local community.
849
Wiveliscombe Community Centre
Somerset
Our building, with some changes, has been providing space for a wide variety of activities in the town since 1928. With a growing population we needed to expand and took the opportunity this last year to begin to improve our facilities. During the Covid -19 pandemic we have mostly been able to keep the weekly outdoor market open, but are looking forward to opening for our regular users and new ones too. We still have a lot of fundraising to do to finish the renovations, but are able to open within restriction guidelines to meet the needs of the community.
850
Wolviston Womens Institute Hall
Tees Valley
We are situated in a quiet village in the northern area of the Tees Valley. We are a small hall used primarily for WI members but we hire our facilities out to the community at large. We have very close links with the Parish Council, St Peter’s Church and Wolviston Village Community Centre.
851
Women's Hall Billingshurst
Sussex
The Women's Hall was built in 1923 and given to the women of Billingshust by the Miss Becks, sisters and friends of the Pankhursts. Since the pandemic our hall has continued to be used by a local child care facility as an over spill for their after school and holiday clubs. In 2020 a cabin was built at the rear of the hall with a new kitchen and toilet block. Although the childcare facility has made some use of this we can't wait to be able to open it up to past and new users!
852
Woodgreen Village Hall
Hampshire
The hall opened in 1931 and the interior walls in the main room are covered in murals depicting village life in Woodgreen at that time. The hall is regularly used by the community for exercise classes,the horticultural society and WI. Then there is an annual steam rally, horticultural show and various community shop events along with wedding receptions and other social events. Sadly as with all halls we were pretty much closed in 2020 so we hope that 2021 will be a better year and allow events to resume.
The murals mean the hall attract a lot of interest as it is such a spectacular settings for celebrations.
853
Woodham Village Community Association
Durham
Formed in 1986 we have trebled footfall over last 12 years and average over 800 visits per week
854
Woolacombe Village Hall
Devon
Our hall had just started on an extensive renovation work when the first lockdown occurred. The work is long since completed and we are waiting patiently to hold our official ‘reopening’ celebrations 51 years after the hall was built.
855
Woore Victory Hall
Shropshire
Opened in 1950, replacing the existing wooden army hut, Woore Victory Hall is at the heart of the village. Entirely run by a small team of volunteers, it provides a centre for the local community with a range of clubs and classes, a venue for local organisations to hold meetings as well as very popular events run by the Hall committee.
856
Wootton Courtenay Village Hall
Somerset
The original Wootton Courtenay Village Hall was constructed on land kindly donated to the charity in 1931 by local families.
The new hall, constructed and opened in 2002, was funded by a lottery grant and the local community. It comprises a large high ceiling timber frame / clad airy building with disabled access to main hall, meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and toilet facilities.
The hall, along with the village owned shop, is at the heart of the community and provides a venue for variety of village activities including Short mat bowls, Table tennis, Art Classes, Pilates, Yoga, Cinema and Theatre events, Gardening club, Photographic club, Dance classes and other well supported village events.
It is also available and used for a variety of local and private functions and is equipped with a large removable stage with full theatrical lighting system for our local Dunkery Players theatrical group events and live entertainment presentations.
We love our Village Hall.
857
Worplesdon Memorial Hall ,
Surrey
We are relaunching the Sime Gallery in2021, now a CIO which is within WMH to make the artworks more accessible as well as educate the public in the amazing works of a somewhat neglected artist illustrator of Victorian/Edwardian renown who lived in Worplesdon 1904-1948. Sidney Herbert Sime’s widow bequeathed all the works in her possession to the Hall trustees and paid for his dedicated gallery built on the first floor from the proceeds of her cottage after her death!It opened in 1956 to great acclaim. A wonderful story to tell as well as inspire others and bring more people to see the Hall as well as gallery as that is built as an Arts and Crafts designed Memorial Hall, begun in 1921 and opened in 1922.
858
Worplesdon Memorial Hall and Recreation Groun
Surrey
Worplesdon Memorial Hall in 2020 has gone through the transition of changing to a CIO along with the Sime Gallery which has been inside on the first floor since 1956 also as a separate CIO. Of course the hall over the last 100 years has been the centre of the village, WI, fetes, plays, dances, parties, weddings, badminton, and the grounds for football, cricket and tennis just to mention a few things.
2020 covid restrictions saw only the odd club being able to use facilities when covid rules allowed however thanks to Worplesdon Pre school that have been in operation since the late 1970’s they have provided early years education most of 2020 and continue. Even the WI met outdoors socially distancing who have been hall users since it opened in 1922.
Our Parish council are now leaving after 100 years connection to be in rented facilities, however 2021 sees Evolve bootcamps using the room as office and personal training.
We look forward as a community to celebrating 100 years in 2022 since opening the Memorial hall gifted by members of the Worplesdon community as the memorial to the fallen men of the Great War.
859
WORTHEN VILLAGE HALL & RECREATION GROUND
Shropshire
WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RUN OUR COVID 19 GROUP FROM THE HALL WHICH INCLUDES A FOOD BANK . WE HAVE ALSO HELD A COVID 19 VACCINATION CLINIC AND FLU VACCINATION CLINICS.
860
Worton and Marston Village Hall
Wiltshire
Usually Worton and Marston Village Hall provides a meeting space for groups and indivduals of all ages, primarily from either village, though it is open for hire to people and groups from further afield as well. We regualrly host a toddler group, Brownies pack, Ladies Group. WI, Pilates group and Gardening Club, as well providing a venue for monthly Parish Council meetings and a Polling Station. Villagers also use it for celebrations of important events in their lives or national landmarks and Trustees endeavour to ensure that there is at least one community event each month. It is also used by a couple of local businesses. Use in 2020 was sporadic and although the Trustees worked hard to ensure that the Hall was available and ‘Covid-19 Secure’ during times we were permitted to open, most hirers did not feel confident in resuming activities. Trustees therefore used the time to refresh the decor and review our policies (both ongoing) and we have explored improvements to make the Hall more accessible once we can open again e.g. a sound system and hearing loop. We are indebted to Community First, Wiltshire Village Halls Association and ACRE for advice and support and to Wiltshire Council for financial support during what has been a challenging time and we look forward positively to when we can use the hall fully again.
861
Wraysbury village halls
Berkshire
At the moment we are running a drop off point for a foodbank . Also the local voluntary group are using our kitchen to cook meals on wheels for local residents . Also have a local radio station based in our building (Swan Radio ) which is keeping the local area upbeat in this difficult time .
862
Wrelton Village Hall
Yorkshire
A small village hall and playground which serves a rural village community in North Yorkshire. The hall committee arrange a range of functions - music, barn dances etc to provide a focus for the village. The hall is also hired out for a variety of classes and community groups as well as private functions.
863
Wren Hall
Warwickshire
A building of character set in a lovely green space: Wren Hall is a listed building, formerly the village school. Recently refurbished to the highest standards, it now boasts a fabulous new hall completed just as lockdown started in spring. Unable to open our hall we kept busy behind the scenes, working on new signage, a new website, an on-line booking platform and contactless payment system. We developed our social media skills and, following guidance from ACRE, we made our hall COVID-secure.
In the absence of activities at the hall we worked hard to keep our community connected.
A much enjoyed Scarecrow Festival brought smiles to everyone who passed by.
We participated in a Live and Local Livingroom project and were delighted to be twinned with professional Berber performance duo Tiwkilin. Our challenge was to learn to sing a Berber song. A group formed over Zoom to meet and sing regularly - much laughter ensued.
We were able to host Mudcakes, a new outdoor stay-and-play-group in our versatile green space.
Wren Hall is famous locally for its charity-fundraising Sunday Teas and of all lockdown’s privations these have been missed most within our community. In October there was a short window when we were able to open the hall over four Sunday afternoons. Delicious, socially distanced teas were served, pre-booked, COVID-secure and with waitress service - it was a sell-out!
In November, we joined Warwick District Council’s “Light up the District” campaign with an enormous brightly light tree positioned close to the road where all could enjoy. We encouraged local households to join in and to switch their Christmas lights on early to brighten the mood.
Before Christmas we received a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation to spread some festive cheer. We created 32 beautiful hampers bursting with tasty seasonal gifts. These were delivered around our local parish by Wren Hall helpers. It was a joy to see the delight on recipients faces and the feedback received was very moving.
Perhaps the most exciting event of 2020 was Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve when, starting at Wren Hall, he toured the district in a blaze of light on the biggest tractor we have ever seen!
Now our hall is closed again, but we are still keeping connected via our social media channels.
‘January Joy’ is a call out to share a photo of anything that sparked a little joy, images (e.g., something baked or seen on a local walk) are posted to Instagram, Facebook and on to our website and so shared with the wider community.
Winter Lockdown walks - a virtual group of local walkers sharing weekly achievements to keep each other motivated and out of the house.
We are so looking forward to opening up again sometime in 2021, to welcome our community in, to be able to enjoy our regular exercise classes (Tai Chi and Yoga), our regular community events, to host artists during Warwickshire Open Studios’ Summer Art Weeks, to be entertained by fabulous Live and Local performances, to hear laughter and the buzz of a community enjoying spending time together.
864
Wwhittington Village Hall
Staffordshire
We are at the heart of a small Community and have become a vital hub and centre of Community Activity. We have over 60s groups, WI, Flower Club, Mother and Toddlers Computer Group, Zumba, Fitness classes Martial Arts. Dance Groups, a Drama Group, Craft Club, Sewing Club as some of our regular activities. We also have weekend childrens parties, Wedding receptions and even Charity Black Tie Balls.
We work hard at keeping the Community together providing a super venue at lowest cost possible. We have been going since the 1960s. Prior to that he the ground was an old allotment. The Hall was built by local labour, augmented by young Quaker folk from Eastern Europe.
865
WYLAM INSTITUTE COMMUNITY HALL
Northumberland
The Institute is a large Victorian building opened in 1896 which makes it 125 years old this year. It has six meeting rooms, a main hall with a stage and an office. The size of the building allows us to accommodate 30 regular user groups - they range in age from the very young to the elderly and cover a huge number of activities, everything from babies cooking to chair based Pilates. Also we have regular bookings for private parties, fundraising and cultural events and wedding receptions. In fact two wedding receptions were cancelled in 2020. Our paid staff have been furloughed on and off for many months during the pandemic and, together with keeping up with the government guidelines, this has been a steep learning curve for our trustees. Having to close the building for long periods has left a large hole in our community and we can’t wait to get back to normality.
866
Yarm Youth & Community Centre
Durham
Here at our hall we run a group called Yarm Lunch Club for the over 65’s in our local area. Under normal circumstances this would be a place for them to meet up and socialise whilst enjoying a low cost, freshly cooked meal. Our aim is to reduce loneliness and make those who are alone feel included and cared for. Since lockdown we have turned to cooking meals for hone delivery so that we have been able to stay in contact with our members and stay within reach if they need someone to chat to and to share news of their friends.
Photo courtesy of Mike Lowe
867
Yelling Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
In a village of just 300 people, the Village Hall has provided the residents with a place to meet and party since the school was closed and the building transferred to the ownership of Yelling in 1976. We opened at every permitted opportunity in 2020 but now remain closed, waiting for the time when the villagers can come together again and celebrate our wonderful village at its hub - the village hall. Our funds are solid and we view the future very positively.
868
Yelvertoft Village Hall
Northamptonshire
Our Hall was established in the early 1950s on a site where WW2 POW accommodation was located and a building for the Youth Club. It is in a rural village setting with long distance countryside views and is close to the M1/M6 and A14 in a nationally central location. Since 2000, when the Hall purchased an adjoining area of about 8 acres, the Hall has been refurbished and significantly extended. The space around it comprises a sports area for football and cricket, children’s play area, basketball court, skatepark, Pocket Park and an outdoor Theatre by the Pond. The Hall has excellent facilities for groups of varied sizes and wedding receptions. It has a high quality specification catering kitchen and local suppliers and service providers are available to assist with any function.
869
Yetminster Jubilee Hall
Dorset
Yetminster Jubilee Hall was built in 1922 next to St. Andrew’s Church on the site of the old Rectory. The Bishop of Salisbury had backed an appeal to raise money by public subscription saying, “ . . its value in bringing people together, in promoting friendliness and an opportunity for doing good can hardly be over-estimated.” Completely refurbished, it was then re-opened by the Bishop of Sherborne in 2003. Since then, the Hall has been regularly used by a wide range of village groups and organisations as well as hosting parties, celebrations, meetings, film shows and other forms of entertainment. It has also enjoyed theatre and musical performances promoted by Artsreach, the Dorset charity that supports rural touring in all its forms around the County.
There are no rows in this table
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.