Whilton Village Hall

The village hall came into being 60 years ago when it ceased to act as the village school and was passed into the hands of the residents of Whilton parish, for their use for ‘social, leisure and learning activities’. So, the village hall belongs to all of us who live in Whilton or Whilton Locks. The hall is held in a Trust, which is managed by a group of Trustees who form the Village Hall Management Committee, with the Parish Council as the Custodian Trustee, holding one place on the Committee.

The current Village Hall Trustees are:

• Ann Gilbert – Chair
• Barry Lewis – Treasurer
• Sarah Hardman – Secretary
• Cathy Battison
• Gill Martin
• Brian Melling

The Management Committee is responsible for ensuring that the hall is maintained in good order and for raising the funds to do that, as well as providing a pleasant venue for parish residents.

So, the hall has a long history of providing space for clubs and societies of all shapes and sizes, most of which, like the Boys Brigade and the WI , have faded into the past. Sadly usage of the hall inevitably dropped during the pandemic, but looking to the future, it was updated and refurbished in 2021. Now, the Management Committee, which was newly formed in 2022, is working to provide a range of activities, some new and some old favourites, to re-establish the hall as a local social hub. However, we wouldn’t be where we are now with events having taken place and already planning for next year, without the help of a small group of much valued volunteers who have come forward so readily to help set up and run activities and events.

Together with Village Hall volunteers, the management committee began planning, creating Whilton Social Club, with an Autumn Programme which has generally proved very popular.  We had asked residents at our AGM in May 2022, to tell us what kind of things they’d like to see happening in the village hall and we have listened and prioritised some of those suggested. We’re always interested in hearing what residents have to say though , so do tell us through the website, if there’s anything you’d like to see happening. 

The village hall is the only space in the parish, dedicated to social activities and opportunities to learn and there are several groups which meet throughout the year :
Whilton Gardeners Association

Whilton Local History Society 

Whilton Creative Group 

Whilton Words Book Club