Case Study

Grant to Bradden Village Hall

Background

Bradden Village Hall was built on land donated by the then Lady of the Manor in 1887. Money was found shortly after to build a Parish Reading Room on this land for the benefit of the villagers of Bradden. No money was set aside for the upkeep of the building and its continuing existence has only been made possible by generous donations over the years. Sadly the hall was becoming dilapidated in recent years and in need of upgrading. Funding has been difficult to source especially since the pandemic when many charities were vying for the same money.

The hall has been used as a community centre for decades. It was once used as a toddlers group, Rainbows and WI meeting room. None of these groups use the facility any longer but instead it has become an important venue for social events which are well attended by Bradden residents as well as those from Greens Norton, Slapton and further afield from villages who like Bradden lack any facilities where they can get together socially.

The Project

Under a new management committee, a dilapidation list was drawn up and identified works were prioritised. Top of the list was to replace the leaking roof and cracked floor for which funding was obtained. However the hall was still cold, poorly lit and with unsafe electrical wiring and therefore not attracting enough rentals.

The Grant Process

The GNVH Trust was approached for money for electrical work and double glazing. They generously approved a grant of just under £5000 towards this work.

Outcome

The hall is now a safer, warmer and more attractive place for anyone wishing to hire it. Since the project was started bookings for private hire have increased and there are now regular bookings for an Art Group, Pilates and Dog Training classes as well as for social events such as coffee mornings, wine tastings, talks etc. The increased income has helped to secure the future of this important building in the heart of the village.