Article created : 06/07/2009

Since its formation in 1929, RCCE has given support and guidance to village hall committees right across the county.



Eighty years ago land was being donated and many halls were being built in memory of local soldiers killed in the First World War. Funding for these and later halls was generally met by public subscription and grants from the Ministry of Education. Nearly every hall built at this time had a committee that was a member of the RCCE. Support for village halls has remained a core activity for RCCE and this has since been extended to include other community buildings.

In 1936, not long after RCCE became established, Leighs Village Hall held its opening event. It was the 26th hall to be built in Essex and RCCE used its design as a ‘model’ for other village halls. It was a simple timber framed structure providing a main hall, with stage, toilets and a kitchen. The village residents from Great and Little Leighs held fundraising whist drives, concerts, dances, and rummage sales, raising £438.5.2d towards the total cost of £833.5.2d – I wonder what the 2d was spent on?

The hall served the village residents through the Second World War when it was a canteen for soldiers stationed nearby. There were dances, meetings and talks held in the hall, while trips to the seaside and theatre were organised by the hall committee. As time went on and the village expanded, new extensions were built to meet new demands and interests.

Since its opening in 1936, the hall committee has remained a member of RCCE. In 1998, one of the hall committee members, John Wright, became the longest serving volunteer and was awarded the RCCE Mackmurdo Medal for 50 years of service. John went on to complete 62 years of service before retiring.

A few years ago, it became apparent that the hall needed to be more energy efficient and provide more space and facilities for the recently extended village. However, the committee could not raise sufficient funds to rebuild the hall.

Now, in 2009, the hall committee, led by Brian Poultney as Chair, is about to start work on a major refurbishment and extension project. The RCCE Village Halls Adviser has provided advice and support on grants, funding organisations, applications and energy efficiency. The project will see the simple timber structure reinforced and insulated, the roof re-laid and insulated, the toilets refurbished and the existing side extension rebuilt to provide a new entrance lobby, kitchen and second hall.

Using the RCCE Energy Efficiency Audit, the committee has applied for funding for a new biomass boiler, which will use wood pellets to heat the hall - just as in 1936, the hall will become a ‘model’ for renewable energy.

By early 2010, the residents of Great and Little Leighs will have a hall that will truly meet their needs – welcoming, modern, energy efficient and fit for the next 80 years!