It is believed the building itself dates from 1861 and was originally built for use as a school. In later years it was used a Branch Library before being leased in 1951, to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St. Mary’s Church, Puncknowle by the Diocese of Salisbury Education Committee, for use as Church Hall for St Mary’s, Puncknowle and Holy Trinity Swyre.
In order to extend the use of the hall and its amenities, a Village Hall committee comprising local volunteers was formed in 2003. Discussions between the Church and the committee resulted in the formation in 2006 of a charity (The Puncknowle & Swyre Village Hall) which now leases the building from the Diocese for use as a community facility for the villages of Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington. Since 2006 the hall has been administered by the Village Hall Management Committee, elected by villagers at the Charity’s AGM.
Over the last few years the committee has embarked on a modernisation programme, the first phases of which were completed in 2008, resulting in:
- installation of new toilets fully complying with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act
- creation of a bright, welcoming entrance lobby area
- ceiling soundproofing to toilets and entrance, with improved normal and emergency lighting
- external painting
- new tables for use of hall users and an up-to-date electric cooker
- installation of central heating
- refurbishment and re-equipping of the kitchen
- lowering of the hall ceiling
Much of the work was carried out by local volunteers and tradesmen, and was funded by grants from various organisations, and by the generosity of a number of residents of all three villages. Puncknowle & Swyre Parish Council has also provided continuous valuable support in enabling and maintaining the broadband connection, and also with a number of small maintenance tasks that required attention.
Current work being carried out includes complete internal re-decoration (including repairs to the roof and ceiling of the store room) and improvements to the hot water supply in the kitchen. It is also hoped that a commercial dishwasher will be installed in the kitchen soon, largely due to the efforts of the Lunch Club, to ease the burden of the washing up after meals.
Work for the future includes:
- provision of extra storage facilities
- improved lighting in the kitchen
- resurfacing and landscaping of front access area
- suspended ceiling for the kitchen.