Bray Village Hall Centenary Event
This year Bray Village Hall turns 100, and everyone is invited to celebrate on Saturday 8th July. There will be events taking place all day from 10am, including an Alice in Wonderland children’s theatre event, right through to an evening party – with plenty going on in between.
The hall is a hub of the picturesque village of Bray, for locals to use and enjoy. There is a bar area which has recently been refurbished (with plans to make further updates), a separate hall which is hired out for private parties, celebrations, classes and the local pre-school. A kitchen area which can also be separately hired for catering events and parties and an outdoor space at the front and an enclosed space at the back.
There have been various activities at the hall, including fundraising activities such as quizzes, dances and jumble sales.
History of the Hall
The hall has been used for celebrations of many great national events over the past 100 years. These include V.E. Day, the Coronation, the Silver Jubilee, as a polling station and more. It was built through the charitable auspices of Mr William West-Neve who was a resident in the Fishery Estate, along with the subscriptions from the villagers.
Over the years, Bray Village Hall has almost doubled its size, but it has never lost its character. During the war, it played host to many visitors – from Texas to Tennessee and from Vancouver to Victoria. For about a year, Bray became a huge transit camp for young Amercians and Canadians. The hall was used in a variety of ways to support the war effort. In 1940, the committee removed the billiard table to make space for the lady volunteers to assemble magnetos for Spitfires and Hurricanes.
After the war, the hall resumed its role in village life, and in the sixties, the land it stands on was purchased from the ‘Fishmongers’ Livery Company for £500. Today, the hall is held in trust as a registered charity.
Bray Hall Modernised
Over the years, Bray Village Hall has been changed and modernised – with a boxing ring built in the 1950’s (with is now served as a stage) and a new sprung floor was laid, which is still in immaculate condition.
Today, volunteers continue to give their time and effort to ensure its continuity. With grants from the Parish Council, there has been a new roof, double glazing, and an up to date heating system – so the hall can continue to support local parish activities.
Centenary Event on Saturday 8th July 2023
Celebrating 100 years of serving the community, supporting the UK’s WW2 effort and being the hub for locals. There will be a full day of events starting from 10am and continuing into the evening.
- 10am throughout the day – history exhibition, including re-enactors of Home Guards, US Gls.
- 11am – 12pm – Alice in Wonderland immersive theatre production ‘bringing theatre to you’ by M&M Theatre Productions. Free event suitable for 4-11 year olds.
- 12:15pm – Plaque unveiling by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP and Frieda Hughes.
- 3pm – 4pm – Cream teas and entertainment.
- 4pm – 5pm – Short talk on her latest book ‘George – A Magpie Memoir’, book signing by author, poet and artist Frieda Hughes.
- 7pm for a 7:30pm start – Ticketed centenary evening (£20 per head) of music, dancing, food and fund-raising. Dress in your favourite centenary decade outfits, or smart/casual. Tickets from Mike Charleton – 07813 922219 / mikecharleton@gmail.com
Food/coffee and other drinks available throughout the day. Plus a fayre from Bray Cured.
Donations to support can be paid on the Bray Village Hall Just Giving Page.
Where to find Bray Village Hall: High Street, Bray, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 2AR
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