The first Village Hall on the Recreation Ground was a wooden hut, which stood parallel to the hedge, backing on to Mrs.Goschen’s field (pictured right in 1941). Its repair is mentioned in several Minutes, but it would seem that the Whist Drive committee were the first village group to hire it, when they asked the Parish Council if they could use it for their meetings.
January 22nd 1934
“Council agreed to lay on gas to Hut in Recreation Ground if it did not cost more than £7. They would pay half of this amount. Gas fires would replaces stoves. Furniture and crockery to be property of Whist Drive committee with sole right to make a charge whenever used. Light and Heating to be payed for as used. Charge of Hut 2/6 per meeting. Free access to be allowed for Teas for Sports, such as Tennis, Football or Cricket. “
August 22nd 1934
“A letter was read with regard to the 2/6, asked for, per meeting, of the Mothers Union which stated they could not afford that amount. On reflection it was agreed that 7/6 be accepted for the season.”
The Second World War was a time of pulling together:
March 21st 1941
“Letter read from Miss Pelton of Oak Cottage on behalf of W.I. of Froyle stating that Ministry of Food in issuing instructions for jam making required that jam must now be made in public buildings and not in private dwellings. Hut on rec was only place available. That a sink with waste was required and special cupboard accommodation would be required also.”
March 26th 1942
“Chairman stated Hut had no proper blackout curtains but that recent whist drive in connection with War Week Collections had made them imperative. Mr. Hill had provided and fixed same at a cost of £3.10.0.”
July 1945
“A Special general meeting was called to discuss letter received from RDC as to building of a block of cottages outside Alton for small villages as a war memorial which was considered. It was given that a fund was running for a new village hall and put to the meeting for a decision it was agreed that a new hall be built as a memorial.”
May 2nd 1949
“Hut cleaned and prepared for the issue of Ration Books.”
September 21st 1953
“Mr.Freeman was granted permission to place a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen in the Hut.” In 1955 a new Village Hall was erected on what is now part of the car park of the present hall.
May 12th 1955
“It was proposed that the Village Hall Committee be offered a site for the Village Hall on a lease for 99 years at a yearly rental of £1. The Committee to erect and maintain the hall.”
September 7th 1955
“Village Hall in future to be known as Froyle Community Association and Hall known as Froyle Community Centre. “
The old Hut was used for a while by Froyle Youth Club for boxing and, in 1956, after confirming that none of the Sports Clubs wanted to take it on, the Council advertised for tenders for its demolition and clearance of the site.
November 26th 1956
“Mr. Andrew’s tender of £33.10.0 accepted.”
January 16th 1962
“Car park at Community Centre to be enlarged. Committee formed and empowered to spend up to £65.”
The Village Hall was to serve the community well for almost 30 years. In June 1984, following the erection of our present hall, the old building was dismantled and sold for £100. The new hall was officially opened by Mr.Derek Evans on Fete Day of that year. In 1992 a store room was added to the building.