The Challenge
Maisemore near Gloucester only has about 200 homes. But faced with the prospect of maintaining its existing Second World War timber village hall or completely rethinking the options, the community decided to aim high.

Now it has a 21st century multi-use hall to be proud of.

It opened six years ago on a former field close to the original hall and boasts a full-size stage, badminton court, fully equipped kitchen, two meeting rooms, state of the art lighting and sound equipment and, outside, a multi purpose playing field area.

Not only have the traditional village hall users supported the new-look hall, its forward-thinking design is appealing to new users all the time.

Developing the idea
John Williams, chair of the Village Hall committee for the past 10 years, says a survey which looked at all the options showed a new hall was needed.

Maisemore Village Hall is now a multi-use venue

"Our thinking was that we should get the very best and to build something for future generations which offered something for everyone," he said.

A complicated deal was agreed whereby the site of the old village hall was sold to developers for housing with the developer agreeing to build the new village hall on farm land 200 feet away.

A battle with Tewkesbury Borough Council over the number of houses which could be built was eventually won, making the land value sufficient to cover the cost of the new hall.

Making it happen
"A local architect drew up plans for the housing as well as for the village hall, on the basis that if we got planning permission, he would be paid by the developers," reports John.

"That was extremely useful to us, and ensured we got the design we wanted.

Maisemore now has a village hall to be proud of

"We also had to do some delicate negotiations to move the War Memorial from outside the old village hall.

"We got a £50,000 grant from the Arts Council Lottery to help pay for an extra room, lighting, sound system and first class electronic piano, and a Sports Aid Foundation grant for developing the multi-use outdoor area.

"Although we had no badminton club in the village, we agreed the hall should have a full size court and now people of all ages play regularly."

People representing all sorts of local groups are now using the hall regularly. There has been a slight rent increase with no effect on bookings, and plans for the future include adult education classes, weddings and small conferences.

Key tips

Contact: John Williams 01452 523725.

. . . and in Dymock

Dymock Village Hall has been extended and the local pub is now run by the community

The local Beauchamp Arms pub was saved by villagers after being threatened with closure. It is now owned by Dymock Parish Council but run on their behalf by a local management company.

When the community took over the running of the pub it was on condition that the village hall was extended. The work is nearly complete and when finished will include an upstairs room for a youth club.

A Business in the Community guide to this sort of community enterprise says: "The work of Dymock Parish Council is an excellent example of an astute use of funding for rural community services combined with the drive of local people to preserve the pub and extend the parish hall.

"The main benefit to the pub is the new sense of ownership which has been created among the villagers. Services are tailored to the needs of villagers who now feel a strong sense of loyalty to the pub, using it regularly for a range of meetings and events."

Contact: Mrs J B Thick, Frogs Hall, Leddington, Dymock GL18 2EG. 01531 890453.

Who can help?
Key organisations that could offer help and support in the development of your ideas. Their details can be found in the Contacts Directory. Further information on funding sources is available from Gloucestershire County Council's Economic Development Unit on 01452 425702.