Otterhampton Village Hall

Otterhampton Village Hall is a nonprofit charitable organization located in the Parish of Otterhampton, Somerset, United Kingdom. Registered under charity number 1186747, the Village Hall serves as a community hub providing facilities and a welcoming space for the residents of Otterhampton and surrounding areas.

History

Otterhampton Village Hall was established as a registered charity on 8 August 1949. The initial committee included notable local figures such as William Pardoe, Edward Jeanes, Alfred Bryer, and Kenneth Haybittal, who was elected as Chairman and Treasurer. The original building was a renovated old malt house, with labor contributed by villagers. Early enhancements included excavating the floor, laying concrete, installing an electric charging plant (since electricity had not yet reached Combwich at the time), and adding a bar and skittle alley in the loft space above the main hall[5].

Mission and Purpose

The mission of Otterhampton Village Hall is to maintain and manage the facility for the benefit of the parish inhabitants and nearby communities. It aims to make the hall more attractive, accessible, economically viable, and energy-efficient. The hall functions as a central meeting place and an asset for local residents, offering a venue for a variety of social, recreational, and community activities such as short mat bowls and skittles[1][3].

Governance

The Village Hall is managed by a committee elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with representation encouraged from all user groups. This governance structure ensures that the hall responds to the needs and interests of the parish community[4].

Facilities and Activities

Otterhampton Village Hall features amenities including a skittle alley and space for indoor sports and events. It hosts diverse community activities and user groups, fostering social cohesion and providing a focus for local events and gatherings[3].

Funding and Refurbishment

The Village Hall has secured substantial funding totaling approximately £282,400 from various charitable trusts and local government bodies, including:

• Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE)
• Bernard Sunley Foundation
• Fairfield Charitable Trust
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• HPC Community Fund via Somerset Community Foundation
• Norman Family Charitable Trust
• Otterhampton Parish Council
• Sedgemoor District Council
• Somerset County Council Carbon Reduction Scheme

This funding supports extensive refurbishment plans aimed at modernizing the hall, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving accessibility, such as the installation of a hearing loop in the main hall. Once completed, these improvements will help the hall to better serve the local population and encourage greater usage by residents and businesses[5].

Otterhampton Village Hall remains a vital part of the Otterhampton Parish, dedicated to fostering community engagement and providing a warm, functional venue for a broad range of social and recreational activities.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5149653 [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=304605&subId=0 [3] https://otterhamptonvillagehall.co.uk [4] http://www.combwich.org.uk/village-hall/ [5] https://otterhamptonvillagehall.co.uk/history-of-the-hall/