Hewish and Puxton Village Hall returned to former glory
Hewish and Puxton Village Hall received £40,000 from National Grid to help save it from closure and return the hall to its former glory; having long served as a community hub since its opening in 1965.
The hall has served as a community hub since its opening in 1965 but in 2019 the lease on the hall was set to run out galvanising the local community which raised £100,000 to prevent the building from closing down.
National Grid’s first Community Grant provided £20,000 and, along with other generous supporters, allowed the hall’s trustees to extend the lease and continue providing a valuable space for the local community to enjoy.
Despite being saved from closure the hall still suffered from a lack of insulation, making it freezing in winter and too hot in the summer. In addition, an asbestos roof was leaking and various ceilings were falling down.
In 2020, the hall received an additional £20,000 from National Grid through the Community Grant Fund to address these issues and ensure the building was comfortable and safe for all to enjoy.
The donations have give the community a warm and pleasant place to socialise in .
This helped finance the removal of asbestos and the purchase and installation of a modern roof. In addition, some of the funds were put towards better insulating the outside of the building, making it environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat.
The funding also helped locals redecorate the venue and renew its kitchen and toilets, transforming the hall into an attractive, modern space for all.
The new look hall was officially opened at the end of 2021. Since then it has been at the heart of the local community; providing and safe, comfortable space for a host of events such as Little Kickers, and dog training classes. Recently the hall hosted a 24 hour classical guitar sight reading marathon that raised £11,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.
Lynda Redding, Chair of Hewish and Puxton Hall said:
“National Grid's donations were not only generous but given up front which was an immense help. They have helped give the community a warm and pleasant space to socialise in. The WI ladies can now take their coats off!"
“The hall is now used for family parties and community get-togethers - even weddings - as well as a wide variety of clubs, children's activities, music rehearsals and meetings.”
National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Community Grant Fund has now provided over 100 grants worth £1.5 million that have enabled community groups like Hewish and Puxton Village Hall to thrive.
Steve Haskayne, Project Director for National Grid, said:
“The transformation of Hewish and Puxton Village Hall from the threat of closure to a thriving community hub is truly remarkable to see. These kinds of spaces bring communities together and provide families with opportunities to socialise and try new activities.
“Our team is committed to leaving a positive legacy for the communities affected by our works and this revitalised village hall is a fantastic example of this."
