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Our Story In Brief

The establishment of Drimpton Village Hall, affectionately known as "The Hut," was a community-driven endeavour that began in the early 1920s. The Drimpton Hut Fund Committee (DHFC) spearheaded the project, diligently organising fundraising events to finance the construction. A significant milestone was a fête held on 21 July 1923 in the grounds of Greenham House, which raised £40 5s 4d—a substantial sum at the time.

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By September 1923, the committee had accumulated approximately £90 towards the hut's cost. They reviewed several tenders for the construction, ultimately accepting the bid from Messrs. Wakely Bros. of Broadwindsor for £165. The specifications for the building were prepared by Mr. L. Clarke of West Chinnock, who generously provided his services free of charge.

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The land for The Hall was owned by Mrs. Gale, a committee member, who agreed to legally transfer the site to the committee, ensuring proper legal standing for The Hall's location. Construction proceeded under the supervision of committee members, with Messrs. J.E. Miller and W. Doble appointed as general supervisors during the building phase.

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The Hall was completed in December 1923, and its opening ceremony on 20 December was a momentous occasion for Drimpton. The event featured a concert and dance, with music provided by local musicians, and was attended by a large gathering of villagers and guests. The success of the opening festivities underscored the hall's importance as a communal space, a role it has continued to fulfil for over a century.

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The early history of Drimpton Village Hall exemplifies the community's dedication and collaborative spirit, with local residents contributing time, resources, and effort to create a lasting institution that remains central to village life.

In December 2013, the village celebrated The Hall's 90th anniversary with a special event attended by approximately 150 villagers and friends. The evening included a traditional Christmas show, a pop-up Nativity, a visit from Father Christmas, and the premiere of 'Len Baker & The Hut,' a play commemorating the hall's central role in village life over the years.

 

Drimpton Village Hall celebrated its centenary on Saturday, 25th November 2023, marking 100 years as a cornerstone of the community. The event featured a dinner dance attended by villagers and friends, commemorating the hall's rich history and its role in village life.

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The centenary not only honoured The Hall's past but also celebrated its ongoing significance as a vibrant hub for events and gatherings in Drimpton.

The Story of Drimpton Village Hall

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Early Beginnings: Inspiration and Vision (1922-1923)

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The origins of Drimpton Village Hall lie in a public meeting held on 27th November 1922 at Drimpton Schoolroom. Chaired by Mr Herbert, the meeting introduced the idea of establishing a "Village Hut," which would serve as a communal space for local gatherings. Mrs Gale presented specifications for a potential Hut, which included a 60-by-20-foot structure available from the Army Surplus Depot at Larkhill Camp for £20. The estimated total cost, including dismantling, transportation, and reassembly, was £70—a significant sum for the era. Villagers immediately pledged £10 10s towards the project, and collectors were appointed to canvas for more funds.

The second public meeting, held on 4th December 1922, marked a turning point with the formation of the Drimpton and District Hut Fund Committee (DHFC). Colonel A.P. Douglas of Greenham House was appointed President, with Mrs Gale and Mr Miller as Treasurers and Miss Jarrett as Secretary. The committee also included a cross-section of villagers, ensuring representation from across the community. Early debates centred on the location of the proposed hut. Mrs Gale suggested using land at Springfield Farm, while others considered the site of the old Drimpton Institute. Ultimately, logistical challenges with the old site led to a consensus on the Springfield Farm land​. 

Fundraising began in earnest, with events such as whist drives and dances organised over the Christmas period. A Whist Drive and Dance on 28th December 1922 yielded a profit of £2 1s, providing early momentum for the fundraising efforts​

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The Decision to Build a New Hut

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By early 1923, discussions about purchasing surplus army huts shifted to the prospect of building a completely new structure. On 9th January 1923, the committee heard a report from members who had inspected a hut at Hinton Hill and found it unsuitable. Mr Chubb estimated the cost of constructing a new hut at £180. Fundraising efforts intensified, and another dance held on 30th January 1923 further boosted the fund. 

Mrs Gale played a pivotal role, offering to donate land at Springfield Farm for the hut. This generous act was formalised in committee discussions on 7th February 1923, when her proposal to transfer ownership of the land to trustees was accepted. Meanwhile, new fundraising initiatives took shape, including a Grand Summer Fête planned for 19th July 1923 in the grounds of Colonel Douglas's Greenham House.

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The July fête was a resounding success, raising £40 5s 4d—equivalent to approximately £2,000 in today’s money. This brought the total fund to £90, a remarkable achievement for a small rural community​.

 

Construction and Final Preparations

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On 11th September 1923, the committee accepted a tender of £165 from Wakely Bros of Broadwindsor for The Hut's construction. The specifications, drawn up by Mr L. Clarke of West Chinnock free of charge, included a tongued-and-grooved wooden floor. Trustees were appointed to oversee the project, and Mrs Gale ensured that the land transfer was completed in proper legal form. The committee also appointed Mr Miller and Mr Doble as general supervisors during construction​. 

In the following months, the committee focused on detailed arrangements for The Hut’s interior and exterior. By 26th November 1923, plans were in place for oil stoves to provide heating, hooks for lamps to address the lack of electricity, and a small moveable ladies' WC. The committee also organised the construction of a stage and steps for the front entrance. Mrs Gale and Mrs Miller lent oil stoves and lamps to ensure the hut was operational for its opening.


 

The Grand Opening (20th December 1923)

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The new Drimpton Village Hut opened with great fanfare on 20th December 1923. The ceremony, performed by Mr A.R. Hayward of Misterton, began with a formal address introduced by Colonel Douglas. Speeches followed from key figures, including the Rev. Wesley Clifford and the Rev. G. Ford. Colonel Douglas expressed gratitude to Wakely Bros, Mr L. Clarke, and the committee members for their dedication and effort. 

The opening was celebrated with a concert featuring a sketch titled Aunt Penelope, followed by a dance that lasted until 2 a.m. Refreshments were provided by volunteers, and fundraising activities included the auctioning of a Christmas cake and a goose. The evening closed with the singing of the National Anthem, marking the start of a new chapter in Drimpton's community life​.


 

Early Challenges and Operations (1924 and Beyond)

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Despite its successful launch, The Hut faced challenges in its early days. On 3rd January 1924, a fire caused minor damage, leading to an insurance claim of £12. Fundraising events continued to be a priority, with regular dances, socials, and whist drives generating steady income. By February 1924, the hut had already generated £49 18s 9d in revenue. Mrs Gale provided additional financial support, lending £90 to cover outstanding debts.

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The Hut quickly became a hub for social and cultural activities, hosting weekly dancing classes and monthly socials during the winter. Its popularity grew, particularly during World War II, when it became a favourite venue for American servicemen stationed nearby.

 

Modernisation and Transformation (1970s-1990s)

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By the 1970s, the original Hut was showing signs of wear. An extension was added, providing modern facilities such as a kitchen and toilets. However, by the 1980s, it was clear that a more substantial upgrade was needed. Under the leadership of Len Baker, the community once again came together to fundraise for a new Hall. The new structure, built over the old Hut, was completed by Hardwill of Blackdown and opened in 1990. The modern Hall retained its role as a central hub for Drimpton's community life​. 

 

Legacy

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Drimpton Village Hall’s journey from a modest wooden Hut to a modern community facility is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the villagers. For over a century, it has hosted countless events, fostering connections and enriching the lives of those it serves. As it moves into its second century, The Hall remains a cherished symbol of Drimpton’s community pride and determination.

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​With heartfelt thanks to Norman Marsden for his invaluable archives and records, which provide a wealth of detailed history about our village. For more information, please visit the Drimpton Village Website

A look at our village hall over the years

The following scans, detailing the history of 'The Hut,' are taken from the book Village Voices: Local Lives by Andrew Pastor. These have been included here with his kind permission.

Click the images to enlarge.

Historic photographs below

The placemats used at he centenary celebrations in 2024 featured a commemorative design

Video from The Halls 100th Anniversary dinner dance

Drimpton Recreational Ground and Home to Drimpton FC

The Drimpton Recreation Ground has been a focal point of community life since its establishment in 1957. The journey to its creation began in the late 1960s when villagers embarked on a significant fundraising campaign, amassing £3,890—equivalent to approximately £46,900 today—to purchase the land designated for the Recreation Field and the home of Drimpton Football Club.

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On 17 September 1972, the village celebrated the official opening of the children's play equipment. The event was marked by enthusiastic children who enjoyed the new facilities until dusk.

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This development was followed by the extension of the Village Hall in the late 1970s, providing changing rooms and a purpose-built

The Recreation Ground has also been integral to local sports, serving as the home ground for Drimpton Football Club since its founding in 1956. The club has a storied history, with honours including winning the Premier Division in 1972-73 and various division and cup victories.

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Despite challenges, such as folding due to recruitment difficulties after finishing second in Division 1 of the Perry Street League, a new team has been formed to compete in the 2024-25 season.

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In May 2015, the village further enhanced the play area by installing equipment suitable for older children, funded by a generous grant.

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The Recreation Ground continues to be a vital asset for Drimpton, providing a venue for sports, leisure, and community gatherings, thereby enriching the village's social fabric. It is managed by the Drimpton Village Hall and Recreation Trust, a registered charity dedicated to maintaining these facilities for the benefit of the community.

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Information about Drimpton FC can be found on their page here

Thanks again to Andrew pastor for these images of his book Village Voices: Local Lives 

Click the images to enlarge.