Wappenham's village hall, also known as the old school, is situated at the end of School lane. Although, not thought of as being a pretty building, it nevertheless, has "balance" and several "gothic" touches, including the entrance porch, a high East rose window and arrow slits! The school was built in the 1860's and is attributed to Sir Gilbert Scott. It was closed and transposed in the early 1960's. After many years negotiation it was finally leased to the village by the Diocese of Peterborough, and funds were sought to make it more attractive and viable as a village hall. (Excerpt from Village Design Statement)

The hall has since undergone refurbishement, there is now a new toilet block, which includes a toilet for wheelchair users. A ramp was built at the side of the building. Making it very accessible to individuals with limited mobility. There is also a kitchen and ample parking.

The village hall can be rented out and at £6.00 per hour it is very good value for money.

Village Hall Committee: Jenny Szczerbowski, Eliza Bond, Michael Bath, Eileen Robbins, Jo Donovan.

Village Hall News 
Autumn 2008

Project Toilet Demolition is well under way, thanks to a few stalwart volunteers who braved the blistering heat and added their muscle to the job of dismantling the outside toilets then cleaning and stacking the re-useable bricks. Particular thanks must go to Paul and Matthew F, Clive and Rene W – a great Ploughmans, Rene, and to Brian P for taking a quantity of material to the tip, which saved having to hire another skip.

So far the project has not been completed due to bad weather, but we are hoping that a break in the clouds will see the area cleared, covered with membrane and then gravelled. If you have not seen either the article in the Advertiser or the photographs on Wiz, I’m sure the editor has included some photographs in this edition of the newsletter.

Our next social event is another quiz night with fish and chip supper. This will be on Saturday 18th October with John B from Syresham as our quizmaster. Arrive at 7.00pm for a few preliminary questions, then food will be at 7.30 with the quiz proper starting around 8ish. Tickets will be on sale in the shop priced £6.50.

Jenny

Jenny Szczerbowski

‘A working party at Wappenham Village Hall take an early look at the old toilet building’
(Towcester Advertiser)

Here are some extracts from the article in the Advertiser – Newsletter Editor

‘For the villager’s convenience’ An old toilet block was demolished during a village hall tidy day in Wappenham.. A group of volunteers grabbed their sledgehammers and other tools to take down the toilet block, which used to be part of the village school, as well as carry out a general tidy of the area...
Secretary Jenny S… said they had long term plans to build a community room, relocate the village play area from Helmdon Road to the back of the hall, and build a barbecue area. She said: “We spent all day working on the building, and it was a very hot day. We have cleaned up some of the bricks..we hope to sell some of them and use the money to put towards more work on the village hall.” She added that the land around the hall belonged to the church, and they were in discussions with the Peterborough Diocese with a view to renting a larger area for their long-term projects.