Constructing Wilbarston’s Village Hall: A Community Endeavor

During the early 1970s, the absence of a dedicated village hall in Wilbarston became increasingly apparent—and perhaps a tad embarrassing. Despite being one of the largest villages in the North West of the County, Wilbarston lacked a communal space for gatherings and events. To compound matters, neighbouring villages like Ashley and Stoke Albany boasted their own halls, leaving Wilbarston at a disadvantage.

Previously, social functions and activities were scattered across makeshift venues, including the village school and The Fox pub. However, these arrangements posed numerous limitations and failed to provide a truly satisfactory solution. Recognizing the need for a central hub, the Wilbarston Parish Council took action in 1974.

With support from the Kettering Borough Council, the search began for suitable sites within the village. The old Methodist Chapel on Main Street emerged as a strong contender. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the building, while quaint, was too small and the renovation costs prohibitive. The logical alternative? Build a new village hall from the ground up!

And so, fuelled by community spirit and determination, the project to create Wilbarston’s new hall was set in motion. From humble beginnings to a vibrant community space, the village hall now stands as a testament to collective effort and vision.

Wilbarston builds its new hall

Historical records reveal that fundraising efforts for the new village hall commenced in 1975, engaging the entire community from the outset. By the end of the first year, the fund had accumulated an impressive £2,000! However, the estimated construction cost for the hall was a staggering £40,000. To turn this ambitious project into reality, substantial financial support from local and national government was essential.

Enter the Kettering Borough Council, which, by 1977, had orchestrated a comprehensive package of generous grants and loans totalling approximately £30,000. Undeterred, the village community continued its fundraising drive. A diverse array of events unfolded, including dances held at the village school and Desborough Leisure Centre, as well as ticket sales for the 200 Club Draw at The Fox pub. By mid-1977, the fund had swelled to an impressive £6,000—an admirable achievement for that era.

With the grants and loans secured, the target figure of £40,000 was finally reached by the year’s end, paving the way for the commencement of building work.

The chosen site for the new hall was the playing field off Carlton Road. The landlord, Kettering Borough Council, agreed to lease a section of land to the Parish Council for this purpose. However, to facilitate the lease arrangement and unlock the necessary funding, the Borough Council stipulated that the village hall be established as a registered charity. The community readily agreed, and the hall’s charitable status was formalised through a legal Trust Deed.

In this Deed:

The Parish Council assumed the role of Custodian Trustees.
Day-to-day management and maintenance responsibilities were entrusted to a committee of dedicated volunteers—the Management Trustees.
The Parish Council leased the land on which the hall stood from the Council, with a rolling 25-year term.
The current lease was renewed in 2008.
And so, with unwavering determination and collaborative spirit, the foundation was laid for Wilbarston’s cherished village hall—a testament to community resilience and vision.