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Fundraising efforts see Walpole St Peter get new £385,000 parish hall as old one was ‘beyond repair’




Residents are “very excited” about the opening of a new parish hall after its old one had “fallen apart”.

Construction of Walpole St Peter’s new facility has finished, and it will be ready to welcome villagers with an opening ceremony on Saturday, June 28.

Its former hall had stood for a century, but calls for an upgrade came in before lockdown after a survey revealed that it was “beyond viable repair”.

Walpole St Peter's new parish hall is on the same Church Road site as the old one. Pictures: Gill Henderson
Walpole St Peter's new parish hall is on the same Church Road site as the old one. Pictures: Gill Henderson

“Some of the clubs had made the decision not to meet in January and February because it was just too cold,” volunteer Gilli Galloway said.

At the time, fundraising plans were made - but they were soon put on hold due to Covid restrictions.

When they were lifted, the village got to work hosting a variety of events to raise the £385,000 needed to build the new facility.

The old parish hall was "beyond viable repair"
The old parish hall was "beyond viable repair"

The cause received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund as well as businesses from the area.

“It was a combination of everyone pulling together, very much full of community spirit,” Gilli added.

She thanked the committee secretary, Gill Henderson, for leading the project.

“Without Gillian, I don’t think the momentum would have been kept up - she’s been the driving force behind this,” she said.

The new hall, on the same Church Road site, will be home to dog training classes, scouts, yoga clubs and much more.



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