by Alan Quick

EAST Worlington Parish Hall, which is unusual because it is of cob and thatch construction, is celebrating after winning two large funding bids.

The converted 17th century tithe barn has won a £34,500 National Lottery grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project to: “Conserve East Worlington Parish Hall, Research Its Role Over the Last 100 Years and Celebrate its Heritage”.

In addition, Devon Community Foundation has awarded the hall a grant of £14,572.50 from the Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Fund to support the refurbishment of the hall kitchen.

The Centenary project will be led by volunteers from the local community.

Steve Baber, the hall’s chair of trustees, said: “The hall provides a focus which engages and harnesses local interest, knowledge, skills, energy and time to achieve the project outcomes.

“This includes ensuring the building is conserved in better condition, that a wide range of people have access to more information about the hall and its role in the community during the last 100 years and that it can celebrate the dedication of the community over that period of time in sustaining this vital community facility.

“While being a community project, especially exciting is the support and contribution made by the pupils attending East Worlington Primary School and students attending Chulmleigh Community College who will develop skills and learning as part of their work on the project and hopefully gain an appreciation of their heritage and the need to understand it, record it, preserve it and celebrate it.

“The support of the community is vital in enabling us to undertake this project and we continue to be appreciative and grateful for so many people from our community who volunteer and make such a difference to the sustainability of their community and community life.

“The outcomes from this project will support and further reinforce the role of the Hall as a Community Hub and Local Heritage Learning Centre.”

The Hall, which is a Grade II Listed, is of heritage value with archaeological, architectural and historic significance. As a Devonian Parish Hall, its construction and evolution as a building is unique and highlights the importance for further research and recording.

As a community facility, it provides a venue for learning, social and recreational purposes, health-related activities, meetings of community organisations and interest groups and is used by the local primary school for performances and events and therefore its viability and sustainability is highly important.

Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Building on successful conservation work at the village hall, which was also made possible by National Lottery players, we’re pleased to support these plans which will enable people of all ages to celebrate a century of their community heritage.”

Commenting on the grant for the hall, Steve said: “The grant is brilliant news and provides essential support to enable us to provide the facilities required by our community. This grant will make a huge difference to our community. Our thanks go to Devon Community Foundation.”