Borley Village Hall has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £16,800 grant awarded by Braintree District Council from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The funding has allowed the historic village hall to undergo a complete renovation, including fresh paint for the walls and ceilings and installation of tongue-and-groove panelling. The grant also covered the purchase of comfortable furniture including a sofa, new tables and chairs as well as new curtains and blinds.
The village hall, which started life in 1880 as a school, now serves as a vibrant hub for the community, hosting events, markets, parties, coffee mornings, classes and meetings. The makeover has transformed the space into a welcoming and functional venue for individuals, families, community groups and businesses.
Councillor Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: "It is fantastic to see the transformation of an asset that is so integral to the life of this community. The improvements made possible by this grant will ensure the hall continues to be a place where people can come together, share experiences and build connections. Supporting projects like this is at the heart of our commitment to strengthening rural communities."
Andrew Le Sueur, Chair of Borley Village Hall, said: “The grant has been transformational for our small community. We’ve created a new kind of social space, now regularly used by Borley residents and people from the surrounding villages. Borley people feel better connected with each other through our programme of social events and classes ranging from stained glass making to willow weaving.”
A total of eighteen organisations have been awarded £589K from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund for the execution of capital projects in rural areas.