Some History of The Village Hall

The Village Hall has a long history as a valuable asset for the village of Great Cheverell.

It was originally built as a chapel in 1837 by Baptist Mark Sawyer. In 1907 the building was then owned by Mr. G Watson-Taylor. According to records, he had no need for it and so the property went up for auction. It was purchased by Revd J Burns on 14th December 1934, who outbid the Baptist bidders and paid double the property's worth. The Revd Burns saw this as an opportunity to “get rid of the nuisance” as it was reported and stamp out Nonconformity in the village. He thought it best that the building should be a Parish Room, as it is now. [1]

From 28th May 1946 Mr. JJ Sainbury owned the building until on 10th February 1964 upon payment of £200, the hall passed to the Trustees Sir Charles Carter Chitham (Old Rectory) and Norman Frank Giddings (Glebe Farm).

They subsequently passed the Village Hall onto the ownership of the village.

Committee meeting minutes dating back to the 1960’s highlight that the Village Hall has continued to be an amazing asset, hosting many events, meetings and parties.

Like all other village halls, Great Cheverell Village Hall relies on a team of volunteers who help to maintain the building and importantly continually look at more opportunities to raise donations to keep the hall available for others to enjoy.