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Village Halls Domesday Book 2021
A record of the good things village halls are doing to mark a century of rural community action
Foreword
Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity)
“Village halls have been a crucial part of rural life for the past century. They provide a space for activities and events that bring people together, create a sense of community, reduce loneliness and support local businesses.
At a time when many village halls are closed because of coronavirus, it is especially important to recognise and celebrate the work they do. As such, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone involved with a village hall to sign this ‘Domesday Book’ and help create a record demonstrating how important these buildings are, and what is needed to make sure they survive in the future” (January 2021)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Adlington Village Hall
Cheshire
We are looking forward to reopening as soon as we are allowed so that we can continue to serve this rural community.
Aldworth Village Hall
Berkshire
Opened in 2016, designed by a local architect, this beautiful hall is situated near the Ridgeway and the Berkshire Downs.
Alfold Village Hall
Surrey
Built in 1962/63 Alfold Hall is the culmination of many years hard work by locals of the time. In 2005 another era for the Hall saw the building extended; the kitchen enlarged, toilets refurbished; disabled facilities added and the “Green Room” built. 2015 then saw the Hall move further into the 21st century with the introduction of a surround sound system, stage lights, projector and screen.
The Hall is managed by a small committee of volunteers. Regular users include a toddlers group, short mat bowls, pilates lessons, dance classes and a well attended monthly lunch club. The Hall is also used for touring theatre, dances, wedding receptions and children’s parties. The Hall is managed by a committee of volunteers.
Alfold Village Hall
Surrey
Built in 1962/63 Alfold Hall is the culmination of many years hard work by locals of the time. In 2005 another era for the Hall saw the building extended; the kitchen enlarged, toilets refurbished; disabled facilities added and the “Green Room” built. 2015 then saw the Hall move further into the 21st century with the introduction of a surround sound system, stage lights, projector and screen.
The Hall is managed by a small committee of volunteers. Regular users include a toddlers group, short mat bowls, pilates lessons, dance classes and a well attended monthly lunch club. The Hall is also used for touring theatre, dances, wedding receptions and children’s parties. The Hall is managed by a committee of volunteers.
All Cannings Village Hall
Wiltshire
All Cannings Village Hall lies in the centre of an attractive village situated in the historic Vale of Pewsey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village lies midway between Devizes and Pewsey in Wiltshire. The hall dates from the 19th century when it was the village shop and Post Office.
Since the COVID restrictions have been in place, the village hall has provided a much-needed additional stock room for the volunteer-run community shop and has continued to provide the venue for the daily pre-school group to enable those parents and their children to have a degree of normality in these difficult times.
We are looking forward to reopening and for the normal range of community activities to take place in the hall. These include table tennis, pilates, arts group activity, book club and garden club meetings, in addition to other private bookings.
Allington Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Our village hall built in 1929, is the heart of our village with a wide selection of events and activities taking place for all ages and abilities. A selection of these are New Age Kurling, Carpet Bowls, Keep Fit, Yoga, Morris and Square Dancing, Craft Session and Community Choir. We also hold an Outreach Post Office. All these along with a wide range of fund raising events. We also hire out the hall for weddings, parties and funeral wakes.
Alstonefield Village Hall
Staffordshire
As we begin 2021, we look back at the challenging months of the COVID-19 pandemic with a mixture of satisfaction and nervousness. Satisfaction in maintaining at least some of our essential activities; nervousness in what lies ahead for 2021. When the pandemic began and community halls essentially closed, it was good to be able to continue with our outreach Post Office, at least. Getting suitably prepared even for that limited service - with risk assessments, deep-cleaning, signs and cleaning protocols in place - meant we remained technically open, and that was enough to be able us to offer the premises for a vital service - manufacturing scrubs and gowns. It’s hard to believe nearly a year on, but at the time, there was a huge national shortage of protective equipment for front-line workers in the NHS and care homes. A small team of locals, headed by Cathy Reavy (who normally runs embroidery workshops in the Hall), worked solo in shifts through until the end of May, having made an amazing 437 gowns and 183 sets of scrubs.
By the Autumn, things were looking more positive but restrictions continued and few of our normal users had an appetite to re-commence their activities, even in a limited way. But it has been good to see financial support to charities like ours being provided, with much-appreciated help from local authorities - themselves ‘locked-down’ with employees working from home. That support enabled us to continue with our maintenance plans, which included substantial works to re-surface and mark-out our car park - a well overdue improvement.
By the end of the year, the pandemic was showing no sign of abating - just the opposite, in fact. So we took the decision to try and generate some extra income and, at the same time, provide at least something for the community, by opening a takeaway food service for the first time. Within a couple of weekends of opening, it was proving a huge hit for locals, so we decided to invest a little in equipment (a hot cabinet, for example). Opening the service meant meeting Environmental Health requirements including registration as a food business, and the local authority have been wonderfully helpful in making things straightforward. Some further kitchen improvements will be needed for this, but we’re looking at the long term!
Looking ahead into 2021 and beyond, the pandemic has made us think about what else we might do to ensure the Hall is of real benefit to our community, and remains financially viable. In normal times, we already host fitness classes, indoor bowls, arts groups etc., and the committee itself runs monthly live music events that attract locals and visitors (which is also good for the local economy in this rural area). But ideas are flowing for other activities we could run, or encourage(!) and to broaden the use of the premises for commercial or other bookings such as weddings and parties.
In summary, we’re very positive for the future. The pandemic will go away in time, and we hope to come out of it with an enhanced understanding of the role a village hall can play in our particular community.
ALTON BARNES CORONATION HALL
Wiltshire
Alton Barnes Coronation Hall is closed at the moment because of the current Covid-19 national restrictions. We very much look forward to resuming our role as the central hub of the three villages of Alton Barnes, Alton Priors and Honeystreet.
Normally the Hall is open for hire from the public all year although we have a policy that parishioners can use it free of charge for weddings and funerals.
The Management Committee organises events to promote a welcoming feeling and enable parishioners to get to know each other and have fun. Regular events include a Coffee Morning on the first Saturday of every month, a Midsummer Horticultural Show, a series of three Autumn Talks, and a Christmas Entertainment evening. Other events include a variety of evenings organised by Alton Arts, a Curry Evening, a Barbeque and Ceilidh, a Murder Mystery and a very popular Open Gardens involving all three villages.
Alveley Parish Memorial Hall
Shropshire
The Village Hall has been part of the community in Alveley since it was built in 1928 in memory of the people who died in the Great War of 1914-1918. Over the years it has been available for the residents of Alveley and the outlying district for family events and celebrations, village organisations’ fund raising events and meetings, drama and film evenings with the Alveley Entertainers, indoor bowling through the winter months with the Squirrel Bowling Club, and more recently to promote shows through the Arts Alive rural touring scheme, Saturday morning Dance Classes for school- aged children, Music and Movement for pre-school children and as a studio for The Alveley Art Group whose first exhibition was a great success. Covid Secure Guidelines were adopted between Lockdowns so the hall could still be open for suitable activities but like everyone else the committee are looking foreward to the hall being fully open for village life to flourish once again.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Arkwright Centre
Derbyshire
The Arkwright Centre provides a venue for local people to meet, hold events and support the community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 paying 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 all everyone in our community.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bunbury Village Hall
Cheshire
The hub of the village with classes/functions every day of the week
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Chalfont St Peter Community Centre
Buckinghamshire
Chalfont St.Peter Community Association 1957 – 2019
The Beginning
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.
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.
Charlestown Victory Hall
Dorset
Run entirely by a small group of volunteers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHEBSEY PARISH HALL
Staffordshire
Chebsey Parish Hall was originally constructed as a Victorian 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Child Okeford
Dorset
this is a good Idea TO HELP hALLS
Chinnor Village Hall
Oxfordshire
Chinnor Village Hall has been part of village life since 1939.
(Registered charity Number 304285)
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.
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.
Chitterne Village Hall
Wiltshire
Warm, welcoming and connected village hall in the beautiful Salisbury Plain village of Chitterne.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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 we’re in good shape and ready for our new normal.
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.
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.
Colnbrook Village Hall
Berkshire
We have mass testing this week, 8-10th February with a view to being available for mass inoculations. We also have the Colnbrook Cares group working from the hall who are distributing care packages to those that need them.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corston Village Hall, Bath
Bath & NE Somerset
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.
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.
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.
Cottenham Village Hall
Cambridgeshire
New in 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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!!
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.
Fernham Village Hall
Oxfordshire
A tastefully converted 1860s church which serves all the needs of our rural community
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hall pic.doc
Great Haywood Memorial Hall
Staffordshire
We’re continuing to keep links with our community this year despite the problems!
ghmemorialhall@gmail.com
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.
Greenacres Memorial Hall
Isle of Wight
Our hall was built after the Crimean War to recognise the men that we lost at Sebastopol
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.
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.
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
Groombridge Village Hall (formerly King Edward VII Institute)
Sussex
Built on land donated by the owner of Groombridge Place in 1911 and funded by local donations it opened in 1913. It burnt down in 1945. A new hall was built. A new extension was added in 2000.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Holmfirth Civic Hall
Yorkshire
Holmfirth Civic is run by our community for our community.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
HOUGHTON REGIS MEMORIAL HALL
Bedfordshire
A Hall in the heart of the community
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.
Hunsdon Village Hall
Hertfordshire
Our Grade II listed hall is very much at the geographical and cultural centre of village life. An older building on the site was rebuilt in the early C19th to serve as the village school through until 1926, when it was entrusted to the parish for the benefit of its residents. Various outbuilding at the rear of the hall were replaced with a new annex in 2010 to provide modern toilets, storage and a satellite doctor’s surgery. Nowadays (Covid-19 permitting) the hall accommodates a number of village organisations - providing activities for all ages and interests, but is also available for outside organisations to provide additional activities, and to individuals for parties, weddings, etc
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!
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.
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
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.
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)
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
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.
Iver Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
IVER VILLAGE HALL
The old Village Hall was opened in 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.
The new Village Hall.
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!
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!
Keele Village Hall
Stafordshire
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.
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.
Keinton Mandeville Village Hall
Somerset
Built in 1998, the hall is so well used we are now considering adding an extension.
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.
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.
Knowbury Memorial Hall
Shropshire
The memorial Hall was opened on Sat 29th Nov 1958. The origional trust deed stated that, represented on the committee would be all the village organisations such as the church, chapel,Parish Council, WI, british Legion etc.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
Liddington Village Hall
Wiltshire
In 2019 we celebrated 25 years since the hall opened and being at the centre of village life
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.
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...
Longhirst Village Hall
Northumberland
History - 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.
Facilities - 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Meltham Parish Church Hall
Yorkshire
Unfortunately closed due to Covid but hope to open for the community benefit in the Spring.
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..
Merton Hall
Northumberland
MERTON HALL, PONTELAND, 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.
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.
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
Mickleham Village Hall
Surrey
Going since 1902
Middleton & Todridge Village hall
Northumberland
Closed but very keen to reopen our newly extended hall to show what a wonderful facility it has evolved to become. We await Highlights Rural Touring, weekly table tennis and a celebratory opening with eagerness.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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!”
Nettlebed Village Club
Oxfordshire
Built for the community in 1913
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
Penn Street Village Hall
Buckinghamshire
Our Oak Framed hall makes a huge difference to our community, hosting exercise classes, children’s classes and ad hoc events. It also acts as our Cricket Club Pavillion in the summer
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Rauceby Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Here for the community, in the sun and the snow
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.
Red Gables Community Hall, Stowmarket
Suffolk
Former town library, extended and refurbished to serve as community space for all with gardens and parking
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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)
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: -
Ropsley Hall
Lincolnshire
Look forward to sharing experiences
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.
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.
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 🌈
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sawmills village Hall
Derbyshire
Doing our best for the local community
www.sawmillsvillage hall.org
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.
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”!
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Silverton Community Hall
Devon
A much valued village community.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
St Bees Village Hall (Hodgetts)
Cumbria
St. Bees Village Hall, also known as “Hodgett’s Club”, was built in about 1882 by Alfred Hodgett as the St. Bees Liberal Club.
By about 1900 the building was in reality being used as a village club.
In 1924 the building was bought by the Parish Council for £850 to officially become the village hall.
Today it is run by the St Bees Village Hall Management Committee who have just taken on another 50 year lease of the building. The St Bega Masonic Lodge sub-lease two rooms for their activities. The Management Committee are currently planning major refurbishments of much of the building to bring it up to date and to continue to serve the local population once we can open again for business.
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
St. John’s hall meadowfield
Durham
New build opened 2019 after five years of fundraising.
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
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 1965, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tetney Village Hall
Lincolnshire
Our village hall sits on a large site with a playing field attached. We have play ground equipment that has been installed in the last few years. The hall is well attended during normal times with Womens’ Institute, Rainbows, Brownies, Dance Groups and Dog Training. Also just pre Covid we had a Karate group wanting to start. We have been closed during the Pandemic however we have had a chance to refurbish during the pandemic. We are looking forward to opening again soon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
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
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.
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 an additional smaller Hall 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.
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.
www.info@Thecentreinpoynton.co.uk
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Tilston War Memorial Hall
Cheshire
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.
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
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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.
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.
Treverbyn Community Hall
Cornwall
It’s the people that make this place so special. Everyone brings something, helping to make it a vibrant place for the whole community x
Www.the hall.org.uk
Treverbyn Community Hall
Cornwall
it’s an amazing supportive, caring and generous community
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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"
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 !
West Down Parish Hall
Devon
Popular Hall serving the community of West Down in rural North Devon
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the 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. Weston on the Green Memorial Village Hall is an ideal multi-purpose venue and we have plans for further changes 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winston Village Hall
Durham
Covid Secure and ready to welcome community members again as soon as we’re able to
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.
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.
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.
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.
Woodham Village Community Association
Durham
Formed in 1986 we have trebled footfall over last 12 years and average over 800 visits per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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