Did you know that the Village Hall in Ruddington is under threat of being sold for development by Ruddington Parish Council? If you live in the village and have read the consultation booklet written by the Parish Council you might be forgiven for thinking the Village Hall is an unused shell of a building that isn’t wort
h saving.
Well, did you know that Ruddington Village Hall is over a century old and, like Sellor’s Recreation Ground, was also built on land donated to the village? The Parish Council’s own website sings the praises of this historic building and details its fascinating past:
Here’s what the Parish Council website says about the Village Hall
”Ruddington Village Hall was constructed in 1912 at a cost of £800 on land donated by the Misses Paget, who also contributed £400 towards the construction costs. The remaining funds were raised by public subscription and the hall was opened to celebrate the coronation of King George V. It is typical of its period being built with solid brick walls with timber pitched roof covered in slate.
Originally there were 12 trustees, one of whom had to be the Vicar of the Parish. These trustees appointed 10 other persons annually to manage the affairs of the hall. Interestingly, the initial trustees stipulated that the hall must not be let on Sundays and Good Friday, also that there must be no games of chance, and no intoxicating beverages were to be bought or sold on the premises. There was no endowment and therefore the Committee was expected to make the hall pay its own way.
The hall was declared open on 15th March 1913 by Lord Henry Bentinck, brother of the Duke of Portland. Lord Bentinck was Member of Parliament for the South Division of the City of Nottingham and was for some years a resident of the village.
During the 1939-45 War the building was taken over by the Civil Defence Committee of the County Council for possible use as a rest centre for the homeless but in the meantime it was used as a recreation room for troops stationed in the district.
With increasing costs of maintenance, it was difficult to introduce modern amenities and the management committee proposed to the trustees that Ruddington Parish Council be asked to accept the Village Hall along with all its assets. After nearly 3 years of discussion and correspondence with solicitors and the Charity Commissioners, the transfer was completed in December 1955. The Trust’s Deed was suitably amended to cater for modern needs allowing Sunday opening, the sale of intoxicating beverages and the games of chance.
Following the Parish Council’s appointment as Trustees, structural alterations were made in the late 1950’s in order to cater for increased lettings and modern catering equipment, with a further £20,000 spent on refurbishing the hall in 1998.
The building comprises a main hall with refurbished wooden floor which is suitable for dancing, etc. and marked out for badminton. There is a small function room, bar room and large kitchen with serving hatches. Male and female toilets and cloakroom areas with an additional toilet adjacent to the kitchen.
In December 2012, further improvements were made to the premises to enable easier access for people with disabilities, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs and prams. A ramp was installed at the front of the building and a spacious toilet / washroom installed which also accommodates the baby changing facilities.”
The above words are on the current Parish Council website, highlighting our existing Village Hall’s great value to Ruddington. Even though the Hall is well used by villagers of all ages, is centrally located and generates the highest income of any Parish Council amenity, the Parish Council favour selling it and building a new hall towards Wilford rather than maintain this great building.
It is an attractive and historic asset that is part of our heritage. With vision and some investment it could provide a great performance and recreational space to generate even more income for years to come. ‘Issues’ with parking at the Hall could also be resolved if the Council consulted with local businesses regarding a car park sharing scheme.
It is also in a most convenient location for residents of the northern end of our village. But suddenly it is under threat of being lost to a characterless modern replacement. This proposed new structure might either be at Elms Park (where alternative venues already exist) or possibly not even within our village boundary at all! This would needlessly use up further precious Green Belt land.
Tell the Parish Council what YOU want by 31st August 2015
At least the Parish Council has finally agreed to consult with villagers before making a decision – so we urge you to make your views known to them HERE: by 31st August at the very latest. Or please make sure to fill in and return the booklet you should have received in the post.
#PROTECTRUDDINGTON
Protect Ruddington 