Celebrated it’s own Platinum Jubilee in November 2022 – Click HERE for more info.
Follow The Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor on Facebook to keep up to date with current events.
To book, please contact Kirsty: 07388 780320 or email kirstyamoore@outlook.com
BERNARDS’ PLACE:
The village green, known as Bernards’ Place has undergone a fantastic transformation thanks to a Crowdfunder fundraiser, Sport England and a substantial grant from Dorset council. Officially opening at 11am on 12th November.
In the centre of Broadwindsor village, The Comrades Hall has its own car park with room for twenty vehicles. The village’s defibrillator is located at the front entrance on the right.
Within the premises three rooms are available for private hire:
1: The main hall, including stage, screen and video/audio projector system, wifi and use of the well-equipped kitchen and toilets. Chairs and tables are available. The main hall entrance is flat with no steps and therefore suitable for wheelchair or pram access.
2: The Servery, a smaller room that can either be hired in its own right as a meeting room, or be joined to the main hall through opening folding doors between the two rooms. This room also has direct access to the main kitchen through a large serving hatch area.
3: The Lewesdon Room, an upstairs room with a small kitchenette. This is ideal as a meeting/training venue, but also has a skittle alley, and various other pub games including table tennis available for your use. A stair lift is available for access to this room.
The Comrades Hall welcomes private hire events (e.g. birthday parties, weddings, wakes, workshops) and is also a suitable venue for fundraising events such as coffee mornings and music gigs.
The Comrades Hall also provides a base for a number of regular users (weekly/monthly clubs and societies) and we always are happy to welcome new activities. Please see our facebook page for further details of clubs and events.
Reduced rates of hire are offered to hirers residing within Broadwindsor Parish Group boundaries.
Capacity:
- Main Hall/servery 200 standing; 130 seated at tables.
- Lewesdon room 50.
The Comrades Hall Managment Committee meet officially four times per year, to oversee the management of the premises, including the grounds at Bernards Place. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact the booking clerk who will put you in contact with the Interim Chair, Andrew Hookings, or the Interim secretary Sheila Hawkins.
Alongside the opportunity of taking part in some of the decision-making process for the successful management of the hall, the Management Commitee also welcome anyone with general enthusiasm or a particular skill or trade who may be able to support this community facility on an occasional volunteer basis as needed, such as minor maintenance work or as part of work party.
Please contact the booking clerk: Kirsty: 07388 780320 or email kirstyamoore@outlook.com
HISTORY:
The land was Glebe land belonging to General Pinney of Racedown. The life of the Comrades Hall begins when members of the British Legion obtained the barn from the Pinneys. They borrowed £200.00 and converted it into a Hall which was used by the parish for many events. Prior to this, events had been held in ‘The Old Schoolhouse‘ opposite. There is a photograph of the men of the British Legion – all of them Comrades together and that is how the Hall got the name ‘The Comrades Hall‘.
On 25th November, 1952 – the British Legion returned the Hall to Lady Pinney and on that same day, she made a Deed of Gift…
This was completed in July the following year, with the Charity Commissioners & Trustees, giving the Hall and ground known as Bernards’ Place to the Parishes of Broadwindsor and Burstock. (Charity number: 301110).
On 5th December, 1952 – the first meeting of what became known as the Comrades Hall Committee involved four local families:
- Dorothy Shiner
- Mr. Boucher
- William Pascoe
- and a Miss Curtis
The 12 members at that time, remained the governing body until April 1953 when 21 members would be elected at their first AGM. It was then specified that:
- The Management Committee should be no less than 20.
- 5 members had to be women.
- 2 ex-officios – The Vicar of Broadwindsor & Headmaster of the School.
- Every organisation in the parish had to be represented on the committee
More info to come…
Follow The Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor to keep up to date with current events.
To book, please contact Kirsty: 07388 780320 or email kirstyamoore@outlook.com
