Swinford Village Hall
 


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Please contact the booking clerk, Jemma, directly on 07801 024318 to enquire reference bookings. 

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Swinford Village Hall
Chapel Street
Swinford
Lutterworth
LE17 6AZ

 
The engaging and nostalgic story about a cherished place in our village -  Swinford Village Hall.

Swinford Village Hall has always been a cornerstone of our community, a continuous presence for every Swinford-born resident since it was first built in 1905 by the Oddfellows. Over the years, the hall has seen many transformations. Once a builder’s yard, a blacksmith’s forge, and a builder’s workshop, it has evolved to become the vibrant hub we know today.

The journey to our current Village Hall began in the late 1950s with a group of public-spirited villagers. Recognizing the need for a communal meeting place, they rallied together, and with the support of the Parish Council and public subscriptions, they set the wheels in motion. On 18th March 1958, the Oddfellows Hall was acquired for the village, thanks to the efforts of these dedicated individuals.

By October 1st, 1959, the hall was placed in trust for the villagers, with three trustees appointed. A significant milestone was reached on February 26th, 1960, when the Charity Commission officially vested Swinford Village Hall in The Official Trustee of Charity Lands. Formal registration of the hall as a charity followed on March 4th, 1963. The hall's Schedule of Title Deeds and Documents meticulously tracked its ownership changes from May 8th, 1885, to February 26th, 1960.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the car park was further developed with the addition of garages for rent to villagers. Though these garages were demolished in 2019, the car park continues to serve visitors and hall hirers.

Throughout its history, Swinford Village Hall has been a versatile venue, hosting a variety of activities including Badminton club, youth club, whist drives, harvest suppers, monthly ‘Soup & pud’ lunches, craft club, WI, Parish Council meetings, elections, amateur dramatic productions, fund-raising events, private parties, keep fit and yoga classes, and dance classes.

The mid-1980s saw several small but significant improvement works. These included the creation of a "club room" by removing an internal wall, altering a urinal and WC for internal access, and providing disabled facilities. Additionally, a storeroom for tables and chairs was built as a small extension.

In 1996/7, a new vestibule was constructed, connecting the main hall and the small hall, upgrading toilet facilities, and enhancing the entrance with better lighting. This project incorporated mezzanine storage and a lighting gallery, reusing the period semi-circular window from the original gable wall. These improvements were largely driven by the residents themselves.

In the summer of 2005, grant funding allowed for the installation of sound absorbent panels, greatly improving the hall's acoustics. The kitchen saw a major revamp in 2011, incorporating the external store into the kitchen floor space and upgrading the equipment to modern standards. Between 2012 and 2015, UPVC windows and doors were installed, and in 2018, new heaters were added in both the main and small halls.

Fast forward to 2025, the Village Hall has embraced modern sustainability with new internal insulation, air source heating, and solar panels. These upgrades not only enhance the hall's comfort but also ensure it remains a safe haven during power cuts.

The story of Swinford Village Hall is a testament to the dedication and community spirit of our villagers. It has grown and adapted over the years, continuing to serve as the heart of our community. Here's to many more years of memories and community gatherings in our beloved Village Hall.