About
Our Village Hall
The
hall is operated under the Charity Commission by a locally
elected Management Committee. This was not always so, the
ground was donated by Miss Marion Thompson, a local resident,
for a village hall to be erected for the local community.
In 1946 a "Standard Hut" became available from
the National Council for Social Services. A local builder
was able to erect the hall in spite of materials being very
difficult at the time at a cost of £700.12s.6d. At
that time a licence was required for chairs but it was possible
to obtain Utility Windsor wooden kitchen chairs at £1.1s.0d
or stacking tubular chairs at £2.5s.0d. for a quantity.
The new Hall 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
fund raising and it is regulated by the Hall Committee for
the Charity Commission in the same way as the Hall.
Over the years there has been a steady improvement to the
Hall facilities to bring it to the standard you see today;
an extension to include a bar area, oil hot air system,
new floor, refurbished kitchen and toilets, making it one
of the most attractive village halls in the area. Improvement
is a constant process!
The Hall is used by local groups including Brownies, Table
Tennis, Art Class, Horticultural Society, etc. and is available
for hire for parties, wedding receptions, dances, etc.,
a special rate for children’s' parties is available.
The Management Committee consists of elected members from
the two villages and representatives from the user organisations.
It meets about every six weeks to consider lettings, arrange
cleaning and repairs and improvements. The income of the
hall to meet these requirements is from lettings and fund
raising events such as the Fayre today. Indeed, without
the Fayre income expenses would not be covered today. It
would appear that indoor sports are replaced by the health
club and social meetings by television. We believe there
is still a need for social gatherings in the hall to allow
us to enjoy our neighbours' company and to live a village
life.
The Hall holds Coffee Mornings and hosts Christmas Parties
for young villagers. Any resident in the area may offer
themselves for election to the Committee (and would be welcomed!)
and assist with the operation of the Hall. Committee members
are expected to help organise events and perhaps undertake
some service (from screwdriver to typewriter to tea making!)
according to their ability. Ask any Committee member how
you can help! |
