Greenham Common Trust helps with vital funds for a much loved village hall

Left to right: Sheila Ellison (Greenham Common Trust distribution committee member), Jo Naylor (Principal Policy Officer – Strategic Support, WBC), Jill Gent (Beedon PC Chairman and Renovation Committee member), Paul Bryant (Greenham Common Trust Director and Distribution Committee member), Stephen Price – Chairman, Beedon Hall Renovation Project , Hedley Day of Marshal Stone Ltd (contractor), Clive Hooker (Ward Councillor for Beedon Parish) and Wendy Dacey (Community Buildings, Berkshire)

A village hall has undergone a much needed makeover after a vital contribution has been made possible due to Greenham Common Trust’s support.

The Beedon Village Hall Renovation Project started in 2011 and since then, through many fundraising events, they have secured funding that has been matched to reach their target.

The heritage and history of the hall are an integral part of the village. It was built in 1924 and has been a mainstay ever since.

The Trust has given £30,000 from its Community Buildings Improvement Project, with £10,000 of that amount to be released during the final phase of the project.

The first phase comprised refurbishment of the kitchen and toilets plus provision of a disabled toilet.

Steve Price, chairman of the renovation committee, said: “We are very grateful to Greenham Common Trust for all their help and support. Their matched funding, together with a combination of grants from West Berkshire Council, Beedon Parish Council, and Englefield Trust, means we now have a modern, well-lit village hall whose renovation formed an integral part of the parish plan. Its completion means future generations will benefit for many years to come.”

Grants and matched funding accounted for approximately 50% of the £85,000 project; the rest was raised locally through a combination of village fundraising and donations, both large and small.

Over the years activities at the hall have included: bowls, keep fit, table tennis, pilates, mother and toddler sessions, whist drives, and craft classes, as well as regular quiz nights and bingo sessions.

Steve added: “We have some sort of booking most days, though spaces remain, as the hall is so popular. We have the added benefit of a sprung floor, making it ideal for keep-fit groups and pilates. We hope to introduce ballroom dancing and a ballet class.

“Internally, most of the renovation is completed, but future plans include additional storage, repair work to the exterior, more parking, and improvements to the rear garden.

“We also owe massive thanks to our builders, Marshal Stone Ltd, based in Headley. They have made it such a friendly project and kept us closely involved at every stage. Such was their commitment that they even provided the light refreshments especially for our grand reopening, along with a ceremonial ribbon and a large pair of scissors with which to cut it.”

Paul Bryant, Greenham Common Trust Board Member and member of the Distribution Committee said : “One of the cornerstones of our philosophy is recognising the value in these kinds of projects. There will be lasting value, through strengthened community ties, by supporting projects like the renovation of Beedon Village Hall.”