The Village Hall

Whether your bent is for badminton, bridge, bingo or bowls, the Village Hall offers the ideal venue for your needs. An old abacus on the wall, bearing the legend, "Manners makyth man" is the sole reminder of the hall's original role, as the village school.

Hatches, matches and despatches may start in St Agatha's Church, just across the road, but they will often end here. Where once children toiled over their desks, villagers now gather for sports, jumble sales, meetings, meals and celebrations.

It was in 1970 that the then committee made moves to enlarge the existing Village Hall, further up The Street. While this was under discussion, the school decided to move to a newly built building on Greenmere. Despite opposition, the committee decided to sell the existing hall and purchase the old school. The project took a number of years to negotiate with the Church, the Charity Commissioners and the buyer of the old hall.

Finally it all came together. The old premises were sold for £21,000, and the school building was duly purchased. The total cost of the school building, including refurbishment, was £34,000. The official opening was carried out by Sir John Hedges, who lived at Red House, in February 1975.

Since that date the various committees have progressively carried out improvements. The addition of the Stewart Room and extension has proved its worth, providing a home for the Parish Clerk as well as an attractive room for meetings. Powerpoint and multi media presentations are now possible, with a new projector, electric screen and audio system. Click here for pictures and more detail.

The Hall today is used very extensively and we are grateful for the support we have had over the years from the users. The hall has provided, and will continue to provide, a safe, warm and appropriate building for the many activities which people take part in.

In October 2004, a special celebration was held to mark the hall's 30th birthday, and a presentation was made to Mrs Viola Crowe, who has served on the committee for over 30 years.

Chairman
Mike Maughan 01491 837502

Hiring Clerk
Shena Luck 01491 834543
Phone Monday or Tuesday evening before 9 pm