A VILLAGE hall has celebrated its centenary since it was given to the community.
Wethersfield Village Hall has celebrated its 100th anniversary since being given to the people of the village as a meeting place.
The hall was originally the Maltings of the Wethersfield Brewery, run by the Raven family.
However, after the closure of the brewery in 1915, most of the property was sold to Greene King.
Edith Maberly, the only surviving child of the Raven family, retained the malting’s and Hillfoot House which had been her home.
She then decided to give the Maltings to the village to use as a meeting place, hence the village hall was initiated.
Mrs Maberly felt that it was important that men returning from the war, and unable to find employment, should have a suitable place to meet and socialise.
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Improvements were made to the building through fundraising, and weekly dances were held along with other games and events, with the hall becoming the hub of the village.
The use of the hall has changed over the years, and after being neglected, the board of trustees launched an envelope appeal in 2017 for funds to start the restoration process.
In less than two years, thanks to help given by grant providers, the Parish Council and residents, the refurbishing of the hall to the level it is today sees it modified from a dated and tired building to a significant asset for the village that is both modern and welcoming.
The village archive room is situated in the village hall behind the stage.
Wethersfield Village Hall has a dedicated committee of trustees, who work together voluntarily to keep the hall running smoothly.
To celebrate the centenary, there was an open afternoon that provided people with photographs and information on the history of the hall and showcased activities that regularly take place.
Wethersfield village hall secretary Debbie Brignull-Harvey said: “We had many stalls about the history of the hall and some members of the community there too, like SWAP (Stop Wethersfield Airfield Prisons), who were informing locals about what they do.
“It was a just lovely celebration and opportunity for everyone to get together.”
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