Village Hall History (1951)

A history of the Village Hall given out at a meeting in the Village Hall by Mr. R.D. Perkins on 23rd November 1951. Now preserved in the Minute book of the Village Hall 1945-1959.
I think I should give you a history as far as I know it of this Hall.    The money for building was given in 1911 by Mrs. Sturgess who, a few of you will remember, lived in the house now called Greyfriars. There are, apparently, no letters or documents in existence concerning this gift and so, presumably, the lady attached no conditions to her generosity.
The Hall is built half on the Churchyard and half on ground belonging to the Wanborough Estate. The Ecclesiastical Conmissioners, or whoever was the responsible Authority, appear to have handed over their part without documents or fuss but the then owners of the Estate – two brothers who lived in Liverpool – thought it necessary to instruct their solicitors to draw up this imposing document, all for a ground rent of 6d. a year for 999 years. I am afraid the gentlemen could not have got back their solicitors’ costs before they sold to my father. This document lays down a number of conditions, etc., and is really the cause of this meeting. First it is laid that the Hall which, of course, the gentlemen did not build or pay for, was to be used for the religious, and social life of the Parish. It also lays down that the Trustees should be the Vicar and two Church Wardens and that they should be responsible for the rent and upkeep. There is nothing said as to where these three unfortunate people should find the wherewithal to do so. In fact, it appears that from the beginning the money has always come from the Church Funds and any money received for rent has been paid into these Funds. This appears to be a wrong principle and it is felt that the Hall should be self-supporting and should be run by the Representatives of those to whom it was given. I do want to make it perfectly clear that this suggestion is in no way the formation of a club. It is essentially the suggestion for a formation of a committee elected by the Parish to undertake, the management and financial arrangements of the Hall.
Now as to finance. I find that expenses, that is to say, rent, rates, insurance, fuel and light, but without any repairs or decorations, where in 1949 £4 13 7 and in 1950 £13 15 3. Most of you know that there is in existence a Village social Fund. This now stands at £107 of which £5 was generously given last year by the Pig Club towards a Childrens’ Christmas Party which was cancelled owing to an infectious disease and must, therefore, be earmarked for a similar party this year which, I am sure, you will all wish to be held. Forty pounds is this village’ share of the Wanborough & Normandy Nursing Associations’ funds after Nationalisation. This was definitely handed over for use in connection with this Hall. The remainder represents profits from Rural Pies, the funds of the Club when it was wound up and, I believe, takings from a Jumble Sale. These sums were handed to the Social Fund for the general benefit of the village and, subject to your approval, could I think be spent in part on the maintenance of the Hall.
In conclusion it is felt that there is a very real need for an extension to include a small kitchen and also a lavatory and wash basin, but this and the necessary funds can be discussed after a committee is formed.
Before asking the Vicar to outline the suggestions for the committee I should like anyone to ask any questions on anything that is not clear.