As you enter the old Village of Clifton from the A453, the Village Hall is situated by the Green near the Dovecote.
It was built in 1871 as the Village School by the Clifton family, who lived in Clifton Hall at the end of the Village. When the school closed in the 1950’s, the building was entrusted to the Village by the Clifton family for the use of its residents and the wider community. It became the Clifton Village Hall and has been managed ever since by a group of Trustees, all volunteers, who live locally.
The hall is hired out regularly to a number of groups – including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides; Clifton Doves WI; the Village Gardening and Art groups; as well as church groups. Several activities take place weekly – including karate; pilates; adult dancing; boho yoga & relaxation; and a new baby sensory class. It’s a very popular venue for adult and children’s parties, wedding anniversaries and other events, including meetings and photography.
However, the hall is in need of refurbishment to ensure that it is ‘fit for purpose’ in the coming years, to meet the increasing demand, and to improve the storage facilities.
Planning permission has been granted for our new development, which includes a new entrance, a new multi-use room, an extended kitchen and new and improved storage facilities. The building works will be in contrast with the old Victorian building. This will make a huge difference to all those who use the hall now and in the future and ensure it remains a sustainable, attractive venue.
All the money raised by hiring out the hall is invested in the hall. In addition, various fundraising activities such as raffles at Village Resident events, sale of the Gardening group annual calendar and donations, have all helped to raise the funds necessary to enable the building works to take place. This has taken several years to achieve. However, we still have a shortfall and are now negotiating a bank loan.
For enquiries regarding hiring the Village Hall or making a donation for the new development, please contact: 07982 830120.
Written by Clare Ashton – Chair of Clifton Village Hall & School House Trust