A LARGE turnout packed Blockley’s Little Village Hall for its official re-opening earlier this year.

Conservative Ward Councillor Sue Jepson welcomed the £18,000 upgrade and emphasized the appeal of the building’s uniquely beautiful interior.

Cllr Jepson said:‘The hall is a significant part of the village history and the part it plays in providing the village with such a delightful community asset’

‘It is so important that buildings such as this are protected but also used in today’s form of life.’

The hall’s chairman, Robert Willott thanked Cllr Jepson and Cotswold District Council for their support. He also paid tribute to the past and present trustees who, along with the custodian, Diane McCaul who ‘had worked enthusiastically to see the project through to completion.’

Cllr Jepson was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Clio Rose as a token of appreciation.

The Blockley Little Village Hall is a Grade II listed, 200 year old heritage building which provides a charming, unique environment for activities, meetings and community events for up to 50 people. Originally built as a church meeting house, the chapel was acquired after the First World War and placed in a trust on behalf of the people of Blockley by Edward Robinson, great-grandson of Baptist preacher Reverend Elisha Smith, enlightened social reformer and Blockley merchant, who founded the chapel.

It has twice featured in the BBC TV series Father Brown. A much needed refurbishment programme has just been completed and includes a new kitchen, upgraded toilets, a Smart Screen TV and its own website blockleylittlevillagehall.org