Contact Us    •   A-Z Index   •   Website Terms of Use   •   Privacy Policy   •   Disclaimer

© 2011 East Boldre

East Boldre Village Hall

East Boldre Village Hall is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registration No 1164549

History

East Boldre Village Hall is situated on open heathland in the New Forest National Park within the picturesque village of East Boldre. The historic building, with a lovely stage, was built in 1917/18 as part of the Royal Flying Corps training airfield during WW1. For ninety years, the village hall was said to have been a YMCA building. Since 2008, it has been called the Officers’ Mess. There is little documented evidence for the latter idea. One elderly villager remembers her aunt telling her that she was a cook in the Officers’ Mess, which is now the village hall. Alan Brown, in the second edition of his booklet, ‘Twelve Airfields’ states that it was the ‘Old Officers Mess - later YMCA’. In his 2010 booklet he repeats this idea but says it was the Officers Mess in 1916. We know that the building did not exist before late 1918.

Recent research, however, has produced documents that suggests it was built as a concert hall by the YMCA, which was superseded by the NAAFI. At the north end of the original concert hall, a timber barn-like extension was added which more than doubled the seating capacity of the theatre.

At the end of WW1, the airfield closed and 148 buildings and their contents, including two 10,000-gallon water towers were sold by auction. The concert hall was purchased by Mr I Power of Brockenhurst who dismantled the timber extension and removed it to Brockenhurst where it was reassembled and used as a Legion Hut. The brick-built part of the building was to be demolished but the Vicar of East Boldre, the Rev TJ Draper, approached Mr Power to ask if it could remain as a parish hall. Mr Power said he would give it to the village if the Forestry Commission would consent to it remaining on the forest. In November 1919, the Forestry Commission gave permission on condition that an annual rent of one shilling was paid. The north end of the hall, which was now open to the elements was covered with boards, a kitchen was added, the concrete floor was boarded over and the hall was furnished as a parish hall.

For the last 100 years, the building has been used variously as a parish hall, a church hall, a cinema, a WI hall and a village hall. During WW2, it was used as a base by the local Home Guard. On 11 May 1944, a doodlebug landed near St Paul’s Church, causing considerable damage. For the next 20 weeks, church services were held in the village hall.

Location

East Boldre is situated approximately two miles from Beaulieu and about half a mile from Hatchet Pond. The Village is on a rural by-road and there is little traffic, making it a safe and and quiet spot. It is often used by groups walking or hiking in the New Forest. The Village Shop and Post Office is well stocked with food, drink and almost all the basic items you may need. The proprietors, Ian and Kim, are friendly and very helpful.

The Turfcutters Arms is about a further 200 metres down on the same side as the Hall and can be accessed either by road or by walking around the back across the heath. It serves wonderful restaurant and bar meals and a number of local ales. It has a large garden for the summer months.

Licensable Activities

The Hall holds a Premises Licence for the performance of plays, exhibition of films, performance of live music, playing of recorded music, performance of dance and similar entertainments. A Performing Society Rights Licence is held. The Hirer must ensure they hold any other licence required in respect of the activity for which the Hall is used including the sale of alcohol or supply of hot food after 11 pm.

Facilities

Main Hall and Stage (Approximately 70 sq metres)

Can be used for concerts, parties or similar activities. Can seat up to 80 people in rows for a stage performance, 60 seated at tables or can accommodate up to 100 standing. It has been used for overnight accommodation for the conservation group. Chairs and tables can be made available.

Fitted Kitchen

Cooking facilities, commercial dishwasher, crockery and cutlery can be made available.

Meeting - Small Function Room (Approximately 33 sq metres)

A smaller hall is available for use for up to 40 people.

Free WiFi

Piano

There is an electric piano in the Hall which may be used on request.

Heating

Electric heating in the main hall, small hall, the corridor, the toilets and kitchen will ensure you do not get cold.

Toilets

There are gents, ladies and disabled facilities with a baby changing table.

Car Park

Ample, gated car parking is available.  

The Management Team

The East Boldre Village Hall is not a local authority facility. The building is run and maintained under Licence from Forestry England by a small, friendly team of dedicated volunteers.  We would appreciate as much of your help as you are willing to  give. If you would like to join our team or help out in any way, please contact Steve Antczak (Secretary) using our Contact Page.

Look at some photos of the hall and its facilities.

Click here for prices and booking details for East Boldre Village Hall

Learn more about the hall’s history. Download a Level 3 Historic Buildings Survey for East Boldre Village Hall (70 MB Download).

 Menu