Bigbury Memorial Hall
‘Bringing the Community Together’. Charity No. 300767.
Bigbury Memorial Hall offers a welcoming, well-equipped space for gatherings, celebrations, learning, exercise and local initiatives.
The aims for those managing the Hall are:
- To maintain the structure and facilities of the Hall in line with current Health & Safety recommendations, the Equality Act and the requirements of our users
- To ensure presentations of a socially inclusive programme for entertainment, education, amusement and interest
- To support all appropriate local social and business activities
Throughout the year, the Hall buzzes with activities that bring people together – both residents and visitors to the area – from lively musical evenings and plays to exercise classes and quizzes; not to mention the special events for Jubilee Day, St. Lawrence Day, Ascot Day and other special community moments.
Some of the performances taking place are sponsored by the Villages in Action charity which gives the community the chance to see a range of professional entertainers whom they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see. These performances include folk music, jazz bands, singers, plays, comedy events, talks and poetry.
Details of upcoming events appear below and are also shown in our Calendar of Events.
Please ensure you check the calendar before requesting a booking.
Community Charity Coffee Mornings
Coffee mornings take place on the 1st Wednesday of alternate months from 10.30am to 12 noon – but please check the calendar for the planned dates.
These friendly mornings offer a relaxed chance to catch up with friends, meet new people and enjoy a warm community atmosphere.
Jean’s popular cake stall is always a highlight with lots of tasty homebaking for sale. In addition, you will find stalls selling gifts, crafts, celebration cards, books etc.
Entry is only £1.
A Raffle is held at each event with proceeds supporting various local charities with some mornings resulting in donations of up to £400 to £500 making a real difference to local causes.
Contacts:
Jean Wright Tel: 01548 810029
Yvonne Klidjian Tel: 07766767917
Fit to Go with Jill
Men and women of all ages exercise in a pay-as-you-go Pilates class with the aim of living a pain-free and independent life for as long as possible. Not only is it fun but it is also a non-judgemental group, reaping physical, mental and social benefits. Equipment is provided or bring your own.
Jill is a qualified and experienced fitness instructor, having taught aerobics, body condition, Pilates, senior exercise and aquafit over many years and also runs classes in Modbury. (contact Jill if you are interested in other classes).
If you are new to exercise or to the area, please contact Jill before attending a session.
Classes are generally run on Thursdays at 9.30 am usually during term time but please check the calendar for any changes to dates.
Cost: £5 per session
Morning Exercise
These classes provide an hour of functional strength training to maintain and improve strength and mobility for everyday life. Open to all ages.
Classes are held at 7am on Wednesdays and usually restricted to term time so ensure you check with the Calendar for relevant dates.
Costs: £7.50 per session if booked for a block of sessions otherwise £10 per session.
Table Tennis
A lively and sociable group of people play table tennis on Mondays between 3.45 pm and 5 pm. We are of varying standards but always have fun and enjoy the occasional win!
We play friendly matches (best of 3 games), mixing players so everyone gets a chance to play together. The session usually ends with a high-energy game of ‘Round the Table’ which never fails to raise a laugh.
- Two tables are available
- Players typically bring their own table tennis bats and balls are provided.
- Newcomers can borrow spare bats
Cost: £2 per session
Bigbury Chorus
A friendly fun singing group of about 20 people who just love to sing! We learn songs in harmony in a capella style with our dynamic teacher Apple Taylor.
We meet during the Spring and Summer months for Sea Shanties and in Winter for ‘Christmas Chorus’ and may add a Folk element to our repertoire.
We perform locally and on special trips out; and raise funds for charity too.
Experience of reading music is not necessary and everyone is very welcome.
Film Night
Twice a year we have a Film Night generally on a Thursday at 7 pm, usually showing a recently released film.
Entrance is free and those attending are invited to bring a plate of food to share with others and bring their own ‘tipple’.
These evenings are always popular and offer a chance to unwind and meet new people.
Quiz
Our annual quiz is always great fun and suitable for young and old. Questions cover a range of topics, ensuring everyone can contribute.
Teams consist of 6 people but you will be welcome to join with others to form a team.
Small prizes are sought after by the ‘clever ones’ and sometimes the ‘not-so-clever ones’
Contestants usually bring their own drinks and nibbles.
Cost of entry will be published with each event.
Contact: Dane Vanstone 07563 110009
danevanstone@gmail.com
Wine Tasting
This is a very popular annual event hosted by someone who usually knows more about wines than the rest of us and who guides the group through a selection of interesting bottles. However, places are usually limited and tend to fill up quickly.
Cost of this event will be published prior to the event.
Bigbury History Society
When the Bigbury History Society is not visiting other places of interest, events are held at the Hall.
See separate page for Bigbury History Society.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers looks after the Hall’s finances, facilities, maintenance and operational decisions. The Committee includes representation from the main regular user groups.
They meet about four times a year.
If you have questions, suggestions or wish to raise a concern, you will find the contact details here:
The idea of establishing a Village Hall at St. Ann’s Chapel was first proposed in 1945. Construction began in the early 50s and the Hall was significantly refurbished in 2006/7 to create the modern venue we use today.
The Hall is designed as a social hub for residents and visitors alike.
It offers:
- Main hall (for up to 70 people)
- Stage area (approx. 6m x 4m)
- Meeting room (for up to 8 people)
- Kitchen
- Toilets (inc disabled)
- 3 storage areas
Additional facilities include:
- Parking for approximately 14 cars plus 1 disabled space
- Projector and screen
- Stage lighting
- Excellent sound system
- Wifi
- Good heating system
- Tables (22) and chairs (60)
- Ramp for disabled access
The fully equipped Kitchen contains:
- electric oven,
- warming cupboard,
- fridge,
- freezer,
- water boiler,
- microwave,
- crockery/glasses,
The Hall also hosts the fascinating Bigbury History Society archives of events dating back to the 9th century. These can be viewed by contacting a History Society committee member.
Adjacent to the Hall is a building rented out to the Coastguard Service.
Hire Information
Prior to booking the Hall, please check the calendar for availability.
Hire charges:
|
Regular groups |
£15 per 4 hour session, or £7.50 per hour |
|
Private use (parish residents) |
£35 |
|
Weddings/parties |
£150 |
|
Non-parish residents |
£45 |
|
Children’s parties |
£25 |
Contact: Charles Harrington 01548 810023 charles_harri@yahoo.co.uk
Guidance for users
To keep the Hall pleasant for everyone, please leave it as you would wish to find it. The following actions (also displayed on the Hall notice board) should be checked at the end of your hire.
MAIN HALL
- All Windows closed
- Window Curtains left drawn back
- Stage Curtains drawn together
- Furniture stored
- Floor swept; surfaces left clean
- Heaters and lights switched off
KITCHEN
- All equipment used switched off
- Surfaces left clean, rubbish removed
- Hatch and other doors closed
STOREROOM AND DISABLED TOILET
- Furniture safely stacked
- Toilets flushed, taps off
- Lights off and Doors closed
LADIES & GENTS TOILETS
- Toilets flushed, taps off
- Toilet rolls supply checked
- Basins and counters clean
- Lights switched off
FOYER/EXTERIOR
- Doors leading off foyer closed
- Lights switched off
- Both front doors locked
- Return the key as arranged.
Please be considerate of neighbours when leaving the Hall, especially during and after evening events.
Please report any equipment or maintenance concerns to the contact below.
Contact: Dane Vanstone Tel: 07563 110009 danevanstone@gmail.com
