New housing was key to funding of cutting-edge village hall
A CUTTING-EDGE village hall is being built in the small rural village of Marston Montgomery – and its construction is being funded in a fairly unique way.
The community’s existing wooden village hall, at more than 100 years old, was in dire need of replacement, but villagers lacked the funds to get the project off the blocks.
A solution in the end came from within. A member of the old village hall’s management committee was the owner of Radmore Homes, and he was planning a development of a cluster of new homes in the village.
He devised a blueprint for a housing development that would incorporate a village hall, with some of the finances for a new hall and car park coming from funds generated by the sale of the houses.
The developer would then transfer the ownership of the hall, which will sport underfloor heating, modern Audio Visual equipment and internet connectivity, to the charity which runs the existing hall in exchange for the original car park which provides access to the new site. Treasurer of Marston Montgomery Coronation Hall Matthew Bates said: “There has been excellent collaboration between the developer and the current hall management committee and they have worked tirelessly to try to bring this project to fruition. “Fundraising is under way to enable the committee to invest in new equipment for the hall; this includes audio visual equipment, blackout
Fundraising is under way to enable the committee to invest in new equipment
Matthew Bates
blinds, furniture, and a stage. There will be a wall inside the hall which will feature bricks hand-pressed with a design, names or logo of those willing to provide sponsorship. Each sponsor can choose their own design. This is open to all businesses, organisations and individuals or families in the area.
“If you wish to take part in this fundraising scheme please donate online at www. peoplesfundraising.com/ wall/marston-montgomerycoronation-hall And hurry as sponsorships need to be in by August 30.”
The new hall will provide a modern community facility with a large main community space for performances, weddings, group meetings, social functions and fitness and sports classes.
It will also boast a separate smaller meeting room that could be used for business or local group meetings, training courses, and a modern catering-style kitchen to serve all types of events.
The expected completion of the hall is scheduled for early November and the management committee of the charity says it is looking forward to welcoming villagers and the wider community to the new facility.
To find out more about using the hall, email admin@ marstonmontgomeryvillagehall.co.uk