Village Hall no 1
From Lacey Green History
Research by Joan West
click Organisations for Children for others.
click Amenities for others.
click Village Hall for its history
also click Village Hall Committee for record of those people.
click Village Hall no 2. 1979-1999 for details.
click Village Hall no 3. 2000 onwards for details
click Strawberry Tea for this function organised by the Village Hall Social Committee.
The Village Hall no 1 is recorded from 1923 to 1979
3rd April 1924. Deed of Gift from Harold Edward Carter of Grymsdyke 27perches of land (click Harold Edward & Eliza Carter for their life story).
HALL HISTORY.
1923 Saw the first “Hall” purchased. A second - hand WW1 army hut
1934 The Village Hall committee stated that the Hall was beyond repair & a new hall needed.
1951 Some modernisation to the old hall
1979-83 The hall was completely renovated. Only the shell of the original being retained. A grant was available for this. Unfortunately no grant was available for a new build which had been the preference.
INFORMATION. The Following extracts are from articles published in Hallmark over the years. Some are anonymous, but research shows the contents to be accurate.
SAUNDERS AND SON by anonymous
“I contacted Mr John Saunders, who was able to give me more details. The Hall was originally built during the 1914-18 war at Halton Camp, where it was used as the Sergeants’ Mess. It was split into several “rooms” but the dividers were left out when it was re-erected. It was acquired in 1923 and he and his father J W Saunders (click John William & Daisy Saunders) dismantled it and brought it by horse and cart, in sections, to Lacey Green. When they rebuilt it they raised the foundations to give the building greater height.”
MONEY AND HELP. “Getting the Hall in those days meant a lot of work for these two small villages. To help get the money there was a house-to-house collection, also a call for volunteers for the road work for the entrance to the Village Hall. Mr Albert Kirby (click Albert & Fanny Kirby) was one volunteer and Mr Arch Lacey. I cannot say how many more.
INSIDE. The Hall in the first beginning had oil lamps for the lighting, also a round black boiler with coal, so it meant a lot of cleaning weekly. Three women applied, the lowest at 5 shillings per week.
WATER. Water had to be drawn from the tank adjoining the Hall. The copper had to be filled and lit by wood and heated up by coal. Later a new kitchen was added on the front, which was a treat, not to have the long journey to the original Kitchen.”
From the Parish Council Meeting minutes of November 1934
VILLAGE HALL BEYOND REPAIR 1934. A letter was received from the Hon. Secretary of the Lacey Green Village Hall to the effect that at the General Meeting concerning the Village Hall it was unanimously decided that a new hall was essential as the present hall was beyond repair. The committee decided to ask the various organisations of Lacey Green and Loosley Row to consider the subject and to send a representative who would place before the Hall Committee their ideas respectively at a General Meeting to be held November 16th, 1934
THE PARISH COUNCIL DECLINES. The Parish Council decided as this was an area over which they had no jurisdiction, it was not possible to send a representative to the meeting.”
RESEARCHER’S NOTE. In 1934 :-
1. The Church, the Methodist Chapel, Lacey Green, the Baptist Chapel, Lacey Green School, The Womens Institute and the newly formed Parish Council and any of their sub committees were the only organisations in the villages in 1934.
2. The country was in turmoil and heading into a severe depression.
It is not known what happened at the meeting on November 16th 1934, but the same old building had some modernisation in the 1950’s, after the 2nd world war (some 17 years after this cry for help had gone out in 1934 for a new hall.) (click Village Hall no 2 to read how the same old hall was renovated and extended in 1979. And click Village Hall no 3 to read how the “much needed new hall” was eventually built in 2000, 77 years after the old second-hand army hut was brought to Lacey Green.
Report in the Bucks Free Press 2nd February 1940 Researched by Rita Probert
Air Raid Lectures - Lacey Green.
On Monday evening Mr Day of Saunderton gave the second of his series on air raid precautions, at the Lacey Green Village Hall. About a dozen enthusiasts were present and were well rewarded for their trouble.
Mr Day explained how the appearance of gas bombs can be recognised by the ear, the eye and the nose and by special mechanical means, such as chemically prepared boards. He also, with the greatest precautions, allowed those present to small samples of the various gases like to be used!
Next week at the village hall, the third lecture will be delivered upon the use and care of gas respirators. All those attending are requested to bring their respirators with them.
A REPORT BY THE VILLAGE HALL ITSELF in 1983. Suspected author Ted Janes, Village Hall Chairman
I was Re-erected from Halton in 1923.
Right away I was a great asset to the community, clubs, groups and organisations formed themselves to meet under my corrugated iron roof and to quote “When that rains it don’t ‘alf rattle”. But it was cosy enough inside, particularly when the wind was in the right direction to draw the two coke combustion stoves up to a red glow, and my oil lamps casting gentle shadows across the whist players’ hands
Quite soon after my opening, one such newly formed group was the Loosley Row and Lacey Green Women’s Institute. They quickly became my guardian angels, supplying many of my needs, window curtains, stage curtains and back cloths. With so many W. I. Members serving on my committee, for many years I was under ‘petticoat’ government. click The Womens Institute for more about the W.I
In those early days not much took place on week-nights other than the men's clubs, playing cards and billiards, also a few meetings.
But on Saturday nights it was Whist Drives (up to 20 tables) or dances with the local bands of Cecil Saunders (click Cecil & Maggie Saunders) and Harold Williams Many couples met at these dances, wed and held their wedding receptions under my roof.
These dances were at first attacked from the pulpit. The Vicar, the Reverend Gee, warning his young congregation that to attend these Saturday night jollifications would make them not eligible for his Confirmation Class. Click The Vicars of St.John's for more incumbents
My conflict with the church did not last long and I recall. The happy moments of those Sunday School Christmas parties, and combined denominational services, particularly those to mark Armistice Sunday (alas no longer held).
Luckily I have never been short of benefactors, from the first gift of ground from Harold Carter, to the new kitchen and toilet block in 1959 and additional ground in 1977, both by Lady Bateman of Grymsdyke. And more recently generous grants from the Bucks County Council and the Department of the Environment.
MY CARERS. For 50 years of my life I was lovingly cared for in a caretaker capacity by Min Adams, and if that’s not enough her husband Fred Adams was secretary or joint secretary for 40 years. (click Min & Fred Adams for their life story) Also their daughter Phyllis Adams (click Bill & Phyllis Dell for more about Phyllis) is at present (1983) the longest serving member of my committee. A unique record of 60 years dedication to me by one family
It seems that dedication is a quality I attract. The Chairman, Secretaries and Treasurers throughout my life could be counted on both hands; such people as the late Mr and Mrs Carter (Harold Edward & Eliza Carter) Fred Adams (Min & Fred Adams),the Reverend Steward, Mr Herbert Tong (Herbert & Phyllis Tong), Miss Beatrice Fagge, Mrs Jourdan (Hans & Peggy Jourdan, Arch Lacey. Lady Bateman (Sir Geoffrey,FRCS,KB & Lady Bateman), Michael Knott, "Mosh" Saunders (Mosh & Trudy Saunders) Ted Janes (Ted & Jean Janes), Vera Griffiths (Vic & Vera Griffiths), Geoff Prince (Geoff & Marcia Prince), Randall Evans(Randall & Peggy Evans), Brian Lunn (Brian & Evelyn Lunn)and Sue Paslow (Doug & Sue Parslow).
By the early 1970’s the influx of people into Lacey Green into Lacey Green and Loosley Row made it obvious that I was too small, and my committee began ten years of frantic money raising, helped by many of the newcomers, my seams were stretched to their limits by the success of month after month of fund raising events, making the sum of £15,000, that together with grants made it possible for my renovation.
My uses today are much more of a sporting and entertaining nature.
In the 40’s and 50’s I housed the baby welfare clinic for 20 years, dishing out 100’s of gallons of orange juice and cod liver oil, and the Bucks County Mobile Library every fortnight, manned by W. I. volunteers.
I recall with pride my wartime service, training facility for The Home Guard, and the entertainment I was able to supply the boys in blue from Bomber Command. After the war the victory celebrations, also the many celebrations for royal occasions.
Research Note. As mentioned above it was The Womens Institute in 1924, then newly formed, that transformed the army hut into a welcoming amenity during its early years here. When the first enthusiasm passed, a committee was required, a treasurer was needed to keep track of the expenditure and income from lettings, and a secretary to record decisions and bookings. This was done on an effective but somewhat casual basis until Ted Janes got involved.
TED JANES, CHAIRMAN of the VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE RECALLS :-
“In the late 1950s my wife and I ran the Village Youth Club and I attended the Village Hall AGM to repudiate criticism that the youth were causing damage to the Hall. I left the meeting having strongly made my point and also having been elected Chairman, proposed by Mrs. M. Bateman (her husband had not yet become Sir Geoffrey).
In this new position I soon found my job not very easy. A quartet of ladies, namely Miss Fagge, Mrs Frederick, Miss Gwen Fletcher and Mrs Bateman had set themselves, very commendably, as custodians of the hall. The week before a meeting, over coffee mornings and telephone conversations, the contents of an agenda would be cut and dried. I had to be very firm and made it plain that if I was to remain chairman, things would have to be conducted a little more democratically.
Like many organisations, the post of secretary was vacant and no-one could be found until Mrs. Bateman volunteered. So, as Chairman and Secretary, we worked harmoniously and happily for several years. I got to know what a kind, considerate and caring person she was and of course, she was very generous.
The old hall benefited greatly from her generosity, as did the Sports Club, Lacey Green and Speen Schools and many other charities she supported. But it was never Margaret – always Mrs Bateman and never Ted – always Mr. Janes.
About this time, I was also Chairman of the Parish Council and several times I pleaded with her to sell or give the field that is now Roundlands and Eastlands estates for a playing field, but to no avail. But the fact that those estates include some old people’s bungalows was through her initiative. And she did give a good strip of ground at the back of the old Hall, without which it is doubtful the new Hall could have been erected. Sir Geoffrey and Lady Bateman retired in 1970, moving from the village.
Research Note. In Researching the Hall it does seem that many of the residents here never think about “What makes it tick?”. They can’t think it runs itself!! Luckily there has always been a dedicated committee to keep it ship- shape and running successfully. Over the years finances have sometimes been very tight, especially when the building needed major work done to it.
Hallmark is a Village Hall Committee magazine, first published in 1970. There is always a report from the Village Hall Committee in that.
Hallmark February 1964 (extract) - "The electricity heating restriction that came into force on November 15th looked at frst that it might close the Village Hall for the duration. But then the ban was lifted on the Playgroup, and organisations that had functions booked, dance bands etc., got down to begging or borrowing heating appliances that got round the ban".
A REALLY MAJOR PROBLEM. By 1970 with a rapidly growing population and a very ancient building, the Village Hall applied for a grant towards a new Hall. It was turned down. However, grants were being given for renovation. Architects drew up complicated plans.
1972. A Turkey Supper was held in the new year. A fundraising event which is hoped may become a regular annual event.
Another Research Note. Although the villagers may seem to take the everyday running of things for granted, when the call goes out to raise money for a major project they always seem to “pull out all the stops”. Something in which the residents of Loosley Row and Lacey Green excel. It has been proved over and over again.
Hallmark February 1977. Report by the Village Hall committee
The piece of ground at the rear of the hall, loaned for many years, is now kindly being given by Lady Bateman. For the purpose of conveyance Mrs Vera Griffiths and Mr E W Janes (Ted Janes) will act as trustees. cick Vic & Vera Griffiths and Ted & Jean Janes for more about these)
Concern expressed about the improper use that the hall receives; fire extinguishers moved from their positions, electrical appliances tampered with. A letting code of conditions and conduct is to be prepared.
The Social committee is finding it harder to raise money than last year. The Christmas sale made £105, the Turkey Supper £50 and £135 for catering for a private party The carol singing on a terrible night, poorly attended, raised £7 for charity.
CALL TO RAISE £15,000 in 1978. Is raising money a good excuse to have some fun? Yes there was certainly that. But I also remember the vicar, Reverend Bernard Houghton (Bernard & Kitty Houghton) setting off on a 15 mile sponsored walk, limping, for he had painful arthritis. And, yes he did complete it. Over and above the call of duty! I’m sure there were others too who were not just having fun, but rising to the call.
Hallmark Feb 1978. Report by County and District Councillor Geoffrey Spear. When the Council purchased the area of land behind the Village Hall for development, there was a strip of land included which connected the land to the Main Road It is proposed as part of the layout to provide a three metre wide path between the estate and the Main Road for use of residents, and this will leave an area approximately 295 square metres spare.
The Village Hall Committee are anxious to acquire this land for additional car parking space, and discussions have accordingly been held with them which have resulted in a provisional agreement whereby the public path will follow the boundary of the adjoining property and will connect with the Main Road in the position at present occupied by the bus shelter. It is proposed accordingly to convey to the Village Hall committee the land, most of which will provide an extension to the Village Hall boundaries, but one triangle of which will be on the other side of the footpath. The sale will be subject to the bus shelter being moved onto this land and the triangle of land to be available for public use. There will also be a condition that the remainder of the land forming an extension to the Village Hall grounds will be used only in connection with activities in the Village Hall.
A NEW VILLAGE HALL. Report in Hallmark by RANDALL EVANS, CHAIRMAN, VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE
A letter from the County Education Department was presented to the committee of 13th July 1978. The letter made formal offer of grant aid for the extension and restoration of the Village Hall. The sum offered is three-quarters of the first half of the total estimated cost. No promise for the second half until next year’s grants are considered. The committee agreed to accept the sum offered totalling £17,775 and to instruct the architect to proceed with working drawings and specification for the whole scheme.
The committee fell that it must take the slight risk involved as we might otherwise lose our place in the queue.
Hallmark August 1978. Thanks to The Womens Institute for a gift of 10 teapots to serve up the Sunday teas in the Village Hall with more decorum.
VILLAGE HALL AGM REPORT 7th MARCH 1979 (Hallmark)
“The A.G.M. of the Village Hall was held on March 7th, surprisingly with a smaller attendance than last year. I say surprisingly, because with building work in progress at the hall I would have expected stimulated interest. Those who did attend were welcomed by the Chairman, Randall Evans, who outlined the work already in progress on stage 1 on the hall renovation and extensions, to be completed by June, and the second stage, provided grants are available, to carry on from June, to be completed by the end of September or early October. (click Randall & Peggy Evans for more about Randall)
A jubilant Treasurer reported a record year with income from lettings, fund-raising and investment totalling over £4,000.
click Village Hall Committee for the Elected Committee Members for 1979/80
BALANCE SHEET 31st DECEMBER 1978. Reserve fund 1st Jan 1978 £11, 685.97, plus Excess of Income over expenditure £1, 031.51 TOTAL £ 12, 717.48
June 1979 in Hallmark BY RANDALL EVANS, CHAIRMAN of VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE
Dell Bros.Ltd are well on with the first phase, which comprises the larger extension along the back of the hall. This will provide the new entrance where the old bar was, with off it mens and womens toilets on either side, and straight ahead the committee room and bar. The new entrance to the Hall proper is here too, in the opposite corner from the old one.
COST. Exactly half the total cost is in this phase - £23, 698, including fees and V.A.T. Of this sum we have to find less than £6,000, the remainder being grants, 25% from the County and 50% from the Department of Education.
2nd PHASE. The second phase should start at the end of May and all approvals for this have been given, but we are waiting for these in writing This phase consists of new building right along the street side, containing stores and extensions to the Hall, all the work of renovating inside the old Hall and a new covered portico at the entrance.
DOUBLE IN SIZE. With the extensions the Hall proper will be more than doubled in size, but sub-divided by sliding, folding partitions into five spaces so that multiple use will be possible. We shall have a dismountable stage which can be placed wherever it is wanted for functions, and to enable us to dine 150 or seat 200 for a show.
BEST IN DISTRICT. When we reopen in October this year we will have made from the old 1914-18 hut one of the best equipped and best looking Halls in the district.
D.V and W.P. We are going to be tight for money to pay for kitchen equipment and external works, but D.V.* and W.P* we will get this before the day. by Randall Evans, chairman. (** God Willing and Weather Permitting. Hallmark Ed.)
CIRCULATED LETTER. FINAL APPEAL
Researcher’s Note. This letter signed by the chairman and the treasurer explains the expenditure involved in renovating the Village Hall and thanks for the generous and willing support that has been given. It goes on : -
“We are now desperately short of money for fixtures and fittings. For example we need £300 for curtains, £600 for stage, £1,272 for extra chairs and tables, £1,000 for kitchen equipment and £250 for piano renovations.
With this issue of Hallmark we are taking the liberty of launching a final appeal. Enclosed is an envelope which will be collected in a few days’ time, or can be posted to the treasurer Cheques or donations whether £100, £50, £10, £5, or silver will be gratefully received and will ensure that the hall can be completed as originally intended.