A Brief History of the Hall

Betley and District Village Hall is a registered charity, No 510948, operating under a Trust Deed dated 3rd April 1964. The Trust terms are that the property, "shall be held upon trust for the purposes of a Village Hall for the use of the inhabitants of Betley and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions and in particular for use for meetings, lectures and classes and other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants".

Over the years many local people have given their time and energy to take on the role of trustee and have continued to administer the affairs of the Charity in accordance with the original trust terms. The most recent hall charity details and accounts may be viewed here on the Charity Commission website. The current trustees are listed on the Contacts page

The plot of land for the Hall was generously gifted by the Fletcher- Twemlow family and many fund raising events were organised by the villagers, in particular the Betley Bonfire, to generate the funds for the hall to be built.

The hall was officially opened on April 24th 1965 by Major H. A. Hawkins, Chairman of Staffordshire Education Committee and blessed by the Bishop of Stafford. A celbratory dance for 250 people was held that evening.

The picture above, taken from behind the hall, is believed to have been taken soon after the hall was opened in 1965

Over the years since then, the Hall has been a vital focal point of village life; with many groups and societies meeting here weekly or monthly, as well as being a venue for many special celebrations.

The Trustees have worked hard over the years to improve the facilities, including the addition of a Sportsground with a bowling green, tennis court and playground and also upgrading the indoor facilities to meet the needs of the ever changing demands of the users.

In 1965 the hall was described as being the most delightful in the county of Staffordshire. We hope that it still is!