A quote from
the minute book of those who met in the Church Institute on
Thursday 30th August 1945.
“The sole idea behind the Great
Barton Thanksgiving Fund is that by this venture the parishioners
will be able to show their gratitude to all who had served their
country during the war and at the same time provide facilities for
recreation upon their return as well as for the
children.”
Other notable extracts by Peter Turner from the 1945 –
1965 VH Minute book
Aug 1945 - Public Meeting held in Church Institute to discuss the
possibility of having a VH and a playing field.
Agreed to establish a committee and to call it “The GBTF”
.
2 sites were suggested A (the area where the VH is
located)
B Site off School Road opposite school lane.
Local fundraising events were held as it was estimated that over
£1000 would be required for the project.
June 1947 - WSC Agr Comm agreed to offer 6 acres 1 rod 23
poles or thereabout as a playing field for the sum of £315.
A site for a VH was being included by Thingoe RDC as part of the
housing development in the area. The current VH site and car park
was eventually established with a 99yr lease.
Jan 1949 Redundant huts were located at RAF Honington and
thought to be suitable.
These were made over to “The National Council for Social
Service” who were prepared to finance the removal and
re-erection at GB up to £1500.
The playing field was ready to sow.
Nov 1949 - Concern that “undue delays had occasioned”
Mention of parts of the building laid on site.
Reason given was “awaiting licence from the Ministry of
Education”.
Negotiations and modifications continued.
Sept 1950 Delay due to obtaining a timber licence.
Not until Aug 1951 First mention of a meeting held in the new
hall but still reference to getting electric current connected to
the premises so that the contractor could lay the floor.
Discussion re Arrangements to Open the Village Hall.
“Considerable discussion having ensued as to the person to be
invited to open the hall and it having been suggested that a
concert should be arranged in this connection”.
No further reference that this took place.
A lot of discussion about charges for the hall.
May 1952 they compared charges for halls in the Borough of
BSE.
Athenaeum Hall only £11. 11. 0d up to midnight.
Hall and lounge £13. 6. .0d
Corn Exchange £6 17. 6p
Co-op Hall £2 2. 0p
Agreed for GB Hire of hall, cloakrooms,stage and dressing rooms
£2.2.0d.
Piano 10. 0d
Kitchen 7. 0d
Crockery 16.0d + breakages
So after 6 years and a lot of hard work and dedication in 1952
the playing field and hall was provided.
Feb 1965 “The secretary noted that the past year had been
notable in that the Village Hall had been purchased from the
National Council of Social Services in the sum of £300.