Dorset
Child Okeford
Centenary of our Village Hall
Child Okeford Village Hall was built in 1909 on land given, leasehold, to the village by the second Lord Portman. It was built to replace the existing Primrose Hall, a less substantial structure, sited between Child Okeford House and the old cottages nearer to the village centre. The significant sum of money required to build the hall was assembled by Lord Portman and others and the hall was put into use in early 1910.
Following the death of our main benefactor, his will instructed that the leasehold should be converted to freehold, which was carried out in 1921.
The hall has had a varied career including occupation by the military in WW2. It has had highs and lows and at times has fallen into disrepair. It has frequently been short of cash.
Towards the end of WW2 the hall came under the general stewardship of the Charity Commission which remains the situation to the present day. The hall is not owned by the County, District, or Parish Councils but by the village and the villagers who elect a committee and 4 trustees each year at the AGM, through their representatives. The Custodial Trustee [as defined by the Charity Commission] is the Parish Council who are responsible for the safekeeping of the deeds of the hall. Our Village Hall is funded entirely by the Village residents.
2009 was our Centenary Year.
Contributions of memories or loan of old photographs about our hall or the old Primrose Hall would be very much appreciated.