Wellingore Memorial Hall
A little bit of history...
The original Memorial Hall was built by a small committee who undertook responsibility for raising funds and building the Hall in 1946.
It was vested in the names of five trustees: George Aram, E.B. Burrt, Stan Grayson, R.Hewison and Frank Theaker.
The building was a converted, wartime, corrugated iron Nissen Hut! - nevertheless the Hall was up and running and well regarded - with people travelling from miles around to square dance, tango, waltz and polka to their favourite tunes.
The 'New' Memorial Hall opened in 1968 after refurbishments costing £21,500, the money was raised through grants, loans and the efforts of local residents holding various fund-raising events. The Nissen Hut was totally demolished, with only the original 'sprung' dance floor being retained. The mastermind behind the new Hall was Reg Brearley, a businessman from Welbourn.
In 1978 the Hall saw further modernisation at a cost of £13,000. Under the guidance of Stan Grayson, one of the original committee members. Grants, donations and lots of fundraising raised the cash. There was a celebration opening which featured Ronald Macgill the actor who portrayed Amos Brearley, owner of The Woolpack in Emmerdale Farm.
Between 1983 and 1993 various major jobs were carried out including a new flat roof to the supper room area (Renamed in 2021 as - The John Randall Room), double and triple glazed windows and a new heating system - more fundraising!
Wellingore Memorial Hall 'What was On' 1993
Monthly:
Monday - Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday - Women's Institute meeting
Thursday - Hall Management Committee meeting
Weekly:
Monday - Junior Youth Club 6pm - 7.30pm, Sports & Social Club 8pm - 10.30pm
Tuesday: Senior Youth Club 7pm - 10pm
Wednesday: Cliffside Players Theatre Group, Indoor Bowls Club (during winter)
Thursday: Darby & Joan Club (fortnightly), Karate Club
Fridays and Saturdays: Bookings taken for Weddings, Parties, Dances, Jumble Sales and various other fund raising events.
Annually:
Christmas Craft Fair, Spring Craft Fair, Annual Garden Show.
In 2006 the Hall closed for six months whilst the next phase of upgrades were carried out - this time at a cost of £75,000. Funds were raised with local fundraising events, supplemented with grants from Lincolnshire County Council, North Kesteven District Council, The Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership and The National Lottery.
A new kitchen and toilets were installed, disabled access, a new stage floor and curtains, internal redecoration to the Hall and new carpet to the bar area.
The opening celebrations included exhibitions by The First Timers Pre-School Group and The Royal British Legion. There was an active demonstration by the Spinners and Weavers Guild, An impressive display of Martial Arts by the Karate Club and pupils of the Danielle Rawlinson Dance Group entertained with ballet, jazz and tap dancing.