History of Village Hall
The origins of Sheldon Village Hall can be traced back to the early 20th century, when social gatherings were held in temporary structures such as an 'iron room'—a galvanized iron building near The Lodge—and the schoolroom of the National School, which operated from 1874 to 1948, now known as Sheldon House. These venues hosted a variety of social events, most notably dances.
In November 1930, a public meeting convened at Eastcott to explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated village hall. The meeting led to the formation of the Village Hall Building Committee, chaired by Fred Kittow of Higher Northcott. By June 1931, at the Parish Meeting, the committee had secured an offer from General English of Sheldon Court, who pledged to donate a plot of land for the hall’s construction, contingent upon the building not being made from galvanized iron. After careful discussion, the proposal was unanimously approved. Mrs. English played a pivotal role in securing a loan and grant to fund the project.
Three initial estimates were considered for the construction, but without a clear consensus, the committee was entrusted with the authority to make the final decision. They selected the revised tender of £252 3s 4d from H. Howe of Kentisbeare. Fundraising efforts were extensive and included donations, whist drives, dances, jumble sales, social evenings, clay pigeon shoots, and a Summer Fête at Sheldon Court. Within a few months, the hall was completed and formally opened in October 1931, with a celebratory dance featuring the Brights Band of Honiton.
For nearly fifty years, Sheldon Village Hall served as a hub for local social activities. It wasn’t until October 1977, during a Parish Meeting, that discussions began regarding substantial improvements. The East Devon District Council had introduced the Rural Aid Scheme, which provided funding to enhance the quality of life in rural areas. The Village Hall Committee began developing proposals, and it was agreed that an extension would be added to the hall, incorporating the existing outdoor skittle alley and expanding both the kitchen and toilet facilities to meet the needs of a public building.
In February 1979, the committee set about obtaining estimates, and by November of the same year, they had secured a grant of £4,000— the maximum available under the scheme. The agreed quotation for the work stood at £6,450, which was considered highly reasonable given the circumstances. Despite a significant shortfall in funding, under the leadership of George Kittow, the committee decided to proceed with the project, saving costs by enlisting volunteers for tasks such as excavation and decoration, as well as holding further fundraising events.
The success of the fundraising campaign is reflected in the Treasurer’s Report of March 1980, which noted contributions from concerts organized by Mrs. Wren, a film show by Mr. Savage, whist drives, skittle weeks, a jumble sale in Honiton, and a profitable gymkhana. By March 1980, £529 92 had been raised. Additional funds came from Mrs. Drew’s cream teas, a children’s concert, and Mrs. Donnithorne’s swimming pool events. Cost-saving measures included omitting plastering of the alley and a reduction in the scope of the rear and east side concrete path.
The extension work began in May 1980, with excavation carried out by George Kittow. The builders, D&R Hart, oversaw the construction, while villagers painted the interior with donated paint. The new facilities were officially opened on September 26th, 1980, with a celebratory dance attended by 125 guests.
The next significant expansion came three decades later, in 2011, when the committee turned their attention to the hall’s storage limitations and the need for a more welcoming entrance. The relocation of the main door from the east to the south side and the creation of a bright new lobby marked the beginning of this project. A large storeroom was also added to house chairs and tables, which had previously been stored in the skittle alley. Funded by a Devon County Council grant and generous contributions from Viridor through the landfill tax, the £35,000 extension was completed by May 2012. Due to limited frontage, the hall could not accommodate disabled access, but wide steps and handrails were added to improve accessibility.
Further improvements were undertaken between June 2020 and May 2021. The old asbestos ceiling was replaced with a safer and more aesthetically pleasing one, and fluorescent lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED panels. The hall itself underwent a thorough refurbishment, with all walls and woodwork repainted by the committee and dedicated volunteers. The skittle alley floor was repainted, and the main hall floor was sanded and varnished, culminating in the attractive venue we enjoy today.
Through decades of community involvement and sustained efforts, Sheldon Village Hall has evolved into a cherished institution, reflecting the dedication and spirit of its villagers.