........for the purpose of a Public Playing Field and Village Hall for the use of Clubs
Societies or Organisations having athletic social or educational objects and other
purposes defined by Section 4 of the Physical training and recreation Act 1937........
........have agreed with the Trustees for the sale to them of the said property at the
price of eight hundred and thirty pounds........
........the Vendors convey to the Trustees all that plot of land situate
at Coal Aston aforesaid fronting the main road from Coal Aston to Eckington containing
in the whole four acres three roods and thirty two perches or thereabouts........
[Extracts from the Conveyance dated 25 August 1948]
In 1948 a plot of land was made available for a Village Hall with Playing Fields
for the benefit of Coal Aston and its immediate vicinity, to be held in Trust and managed
by the Committee. The Organisation was named Coal Aston Village Hall and
Playing Fields
and registered as Charity No 520438 in 1948. The Capital for the building was raised by
public donation and the Hall was built in 1958 and opened on 12th September 1959. In 1962
the local council purchased the Playing Fields and in 1972 acquired another parcel of land
for use as a car park.
The Village Hall has operated very successfully for many years, with a varied programme
of uses and events, such as Drama Groups, Dancing Classes, Folk Groups, Keep Fit, Short Mat
Bowls, Art and Craft Fairs, W.I., Discos, and an Annual Gala: in fact, all the events a Village
Hall is expected to provide.
Over the years, the fabric of the Hall has deteriorated and the requirements of the
community have changed with respect to the standards and facilities expected. Apart from
the problems associated with the fabric of the existing building, limitations arise because
access to any room is difficult without causing disturbance to users of other rooms. The
heating is gas-fired and is delivered via warm-air vents in the suspended ceiling.
Unfortunately, this is a costly and inefficient scheme, because much of the heat is lost
through the metal roof, which is not insulated. Other drawbacks include a lack of
sound-proofing, limited storage space and an absence of properly designed access facilities
for disabled persons.
With this situation in mind, the Committee, with input from various user representatives,
explored the feasibility of extending or altering the current building. Many suggested
schemes were investigated, but it was soon clear that to achieve any real improvement,
major capital expenditure would be necessary.
Dronfield Town Council, who were looking to upgrade their sports facility in Coal Aston,
became aware of this dilemma and put forward a proposal whereby our Organisation would work
with them in a joint venture. Both the current and potential users of the Hall were asked
to put forward ideas and suggestions, from which a discussion plan was produced. In order
to establish the need for such a development, an Open Forum was organised via a letter box
appeal throughout the area. Over a period of two days, local residents and all other
interested parties were given the opportunity to consider the suggested scheme and pass
judgement. The overall feeling of those who attended the Forum was one of great enthusiasm
and this provided the encouragement for the Committee to pursue the project further.
The successful progress of this new venture is reported elsewhere on the Website.