This month’s contribution is some of the snippets from an article which will appear in our new village book. It concerns the village hall which was given to the church in 1911, in memory of Mary Charlotte Hunter’s father from Beech Hill. In 1948, Mary transferred the title to all the residents of Spencers Wood and it was held in trust initially, by Maurice Magill and Ernest Mills of Highlands. Mary Hunter wished the hall to be used for recreational, educational, social, moral purposes and physical training through the media of reading and recreational rooms, a library, lectures and classes etc.
The first committee consisted of seven members who could co-opt others from the Parish Council. There were two members from the church, two from Spencers Wood Sports and Social Club, one from the British Legion, one from the Congregational Church and one from the Mothers Union. The basis changed in the 1960s when new charity rules came in and again in the 1990s. There are now thirteen possible representatives taken from the church, the parish council and various clubs.
The British Legion used to hold a carnival with a Queen every year as well as concert parties. These would go to other venues on Ted Clement’s lorry. The Congregational church would also hold concert parties in the hall. Reg Norriss can remember visiting the dentist walking up crocodile style from Lambs Lane School. The dentist would operate a foot driven mechanical drill for fillings as there was no electricity. Marion Pyke attended ballet classes there and magic lantern shows which were repeated annually. The magic lantern, powered by gas, caught fire once, adding excitement to the children. After World War I, the Women’s Social Club was formed and many whist drives took place followed by dances, accompanied by a piano. The dances were the most popular events held, particularly after the Second World War.
In latter years the hall has focussed on children’s events and the raising of funds for charities. In the 1970s, events such as shows and plays raised money for the hall’s extension. Because the hall is run by volunteers for community use, it is always in need of funds for repairs and our support.
The Group would like to thank Ron Holyday for his superb presentation of Philpotts bakery and his memories that he gave to us at the Carnival. This will feature later on.
Margaret Bampton.