End of the journey (for now)
In March 2024 the fund raising group decided to pause the project as the obstacles seem too daunting to continue at present. There was much discussion at the Annual Village Meeting about the funds raised which remain unspent. The Village Meeting asked the Parish Council to write to the fund raising group and convey the sentiments of the Village Meeting. The Parish Council’s letter may be viewed here.
During the summer the leading members of the group that has organised the Country Fair and Flower Show, the main new hall fund raising event of the year, decided two things. Firstly, the 2024 Show would be the last they organise, though they will facilitate a smooth transition to any new group that emerges. Secondly, the sum raised for the new hall that remains unspent will be made available to the parish council for some improvements to facilities at the cricket ground, the site of the proposed new hall. Before Christmas 2024 they plan to finalise the sums and make suggestions for how it might be spent.
Background and the start of the journey
We have been dreaming about a new village hall for our community for many years now, in 2015 the village was canvassed and following the vote in favour of a new village hall plans were successfully submitted to Rother District Council in 2017 for a hall on the sports field site in the heart of the village.
The successful application was contingent on widening the entranceway to the site and once grant funding had been secured this work was carried out by local contractors. In addition, planning permission has now been secured in perpetuity by the successful laying of selective foundations for the new hall.
In order to secure funding we needed to ensure the lease agreement with the trustees of the Ashburnham Estate was agreeable to all parties. Following discussions via their agents, Strutt & Parker the parish council was extremely pleased with the outcome. The Estate has made generous provisions to protect the community facilities for current and future generations with the signing of a new 50 year lease in the summer of 2021.
The pandemic put the brakes on our meetings, plans and fundraising for two years but the New Village Hall Committee was soon up and running again!