Sparkford Village Jall

Some of you will no doubt be aware that Sparkford Parish Council have secured a good size plot of land adjacent to the playing field and accessible via Cherry Blossom Way. This land is earmarked specifically for a new village hall, or, should this not come about, amenity land for the benefit of the village.

Whilst the ambition and vision very much remains alive, unfortunately we have to advise that since writing the magazine article, three of those within the Working Group set up to oversee the project, have had to step down for personal reasons. Whilst this a blow, we are determined not to let this set back derail the process and we have reformed the Working Group under the Chairmanship of Councillor Richard Sealey.

Our current hall has served us well for in excess of 60 years. However, the building was never intended to be a village hall, having originally been constructed as a small village school. In a village that has seen significant growth, we now find ourselves with a building which is not really fit for purpose. Its location unfortunately prevents any further development/extension and car parking is extremely limited.

Sparkford needs to work towards an accessible and future-ready village hall, shaped by the people who will use it. We can preserve and celebrate the story of the old village hall and the generations who have gathered there, while creating a new hall for present and future generations – a place of meeting, learning, sport/leisure/clubs, celebration and to belong. The project is ambitious, but it will progress through careful planning, honest communication, broad participation and a realistic funding programme.

The delivery of a new village hall will be no mean feat – not least by the level of funding required - but then anything worthwhile invariably involves effort and commitment. We are hopeful that this level of commitment will be shown by most in the village over the coming months and years until completion.

Without the support from people within and around Sparkford this will be a lost cause. As stated in the article, we very much need your help at all levels. We are now short of members of The Working Group - we would therefore very much like to hear from anyone that would like to be at the forefront of the decision making process and able to commit some of their valuable time by participating as a new member. If you are able to assist in any capacity, please do get in touch by emailing us on: nvhall@sparkford-pc.gov.uk or clerk@sparkford-pc.gov.uk or by speaking directly to any of the Parish Councillors.