2022: Various images of the newly rejuvenated hall

The Hall

On a sunny day in 1953 the village gathered together, in a meadow between the Plough and Harrow and Caldewell, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. After the party there was money left over and Tom Lewis suggested that this money should be put towards the building of a hall. 

It was added to by money raised from the annual ox roast and flower show held on the fields by Caldewell each year. Gradually the funds built up until finally there was enough for the hall to be built. 

In 1958 the brand-new Drakes Broughton village hall opened with its adjoining playing field it has been a focal point for village events ever since. 

In the 1990s it was very fitting that the room at the end of the hall was added and named the Lewis room. Tom Lewis, who initiated the project, is remembered to this day.

The land is generously leased to the Trustees of Drakes Broughton Village Hall by Lady Coventry. The hall has to be run by “The Drakes Broughton Village Hall Committee” (a registered charity) in line with the lease requirements. The committee is made up of willing volunteers.

During 2020 and 2021, with the help of the Drakes Broughton, Wadborough and Pirton Council, a number of grants were secured including a Community Legacy Grant of £200,000 from Wychavon District Council. Various fund raising events also took place and the grants and other funds enabled a major rejuvenation and building project to go ahead commencing in September 2021.

Building works included a new extension and Lewis Room, a new storage room and refurbished toilets and kitchen. The Hall also needed a completely new floor, roof, ceiling, lighting, heating and had solar panels installed.

The newly rejuvenated Hall was re-opened at a Big Lunch event which celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5 June 2022. It is a truly wonderful space and great asset to the communities or Drakes Broughton, Wadborough and Pirton.