Parracombe

An Exmoor Village

Category: Village Hall



Parracombe Village Hall is available for community group events and private bookings. Hire charges, where applicable, are £6 per hour. To book the hall please contact Karen Farrington on 07966 486743 or pvh@parracombe.org.uk.

The hall is managed by Parracombe Community Trust

  • Planning Consent Received for Village Hall Refurbishment

    Planning Consent Received for Village Hall Refurbishment

    In June, we learned that ENPA had finally agreed – with an insistence on a pitched roof – to the latest plans for the hall refurbishment which you will be able to see at the Community Trust AGM. Although they are not what we expected, this final amendment was a stipulation by ENPA to obtain planning consent and we had no choice.

    Now that we have secured consent, the focus moves to the Strategic Development Group to include preparation for funding and phases for building. By the end of this year, we will have a full report from our structural engineer which will be passed to the building control company. This detail will inform the quantity surveyor so that accurate costings can be worked out and the detailed building control drawings can be produced by our architects.

    Then will come the tendering process. All this has been paid for by the NLCF and has moved us into a position where we will accurately know final costs. The Fundraising Group will then be able to apply for funding for the majority of the grand total. This is when the real work in the community will start; showing that we can raise some of the funds through a wide variety of functions. We will, of course, be keeping you right up to date!

  • Village Hall kitchen now fully functional and refurbished!

    Village Hall kitchen now fully functional and refurbished!

    Whilst the exciting news about the long term future of the hall is still fresh, the Village Hall Committee are delighted to announce that the kitchen is now fully functioning and refurbished to get us over the next period.

    We managed to achieve this with large amounts of time sacrificed by our band of volunteers. I’m sure you’ll all join me in giving thanks.

    The cooker has been electrically tested and given a baking trial by Kim Castella (many thanks Kim). We also have hot water throughout , which is very welcome.

    So please come and use and enjoy the hall with its fully functional kitchen.

    To make a booking, please contact Therese Chapman, booking clerk on 01598 763812 or email pvh@parracombe.org.uk.

    You can also browse upcoming events via this Parracombe Village Hall Page.

  • Grant Received for Parracombe Village Hall!

    Grant Received for Parracombe Village Hall!

    Brilliant news! The National Lottery Community Fund has decided to give Parracombe Community Trust a grant for the first stage of the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Village Hall. We are hugely indebted to the work of Dave Austin in securing this grant.

    The grant will cover all expenses to undertake the surveys required for a planning application, complete the planning application itself, define and design the scope of work, and prepare detailed costings ready for commencement of building work itself. The grant does not cover any funds for the actual building work – that comes later when we have successfully completed the first stage.

    The first and most important piece of work that we will do is to consult widely and comprehensively with our community and all the various stakeholders (existing and potential) of the village hall. We really do want to hear the views of everyone about the future use of the village hall, and how we can make it better serve the needs of our community. The details of this consultation exercise will be publicised far and wide in the near future, and we will work as hard as we can to allow everyone to contribute.

    In the meantime, if you have a view that you want to express straightaway, do please get in touch with Harry Harrison on 07909 912462 or via email: mike@familyharrison.co.uk.

  • Village Hall Update: March 2022

    Village Hall Update: March 2022

    Since Christmas the hall committee and some very willing and competent volunteers have been working very hard in transforming the kitchen so that it is very nearly useable once again.

    The kitchen had to be decommissioned during covid as the rear roof of the hall was in disrepair and leaking into the kitchen.

    A small team of volunteers have carried out repairs to the roof that we are hoping will buy us 3-5 years protection.

    As the roof is now water tight, we have worked hard to repair and upgrade the kitchen so that it is functional and compliant with regulations.

    Work tops, units and sink have been repurposed. The floor has been re-laid and surfaced, a new hand washing basin fitted and a new hot water cylinder fitted to provide hot water for the whole hall (thanks to Dan Stone). The walls and ceiling have been clad with special thanks to Exmoor Facias for their generous support in supplying and fitting the parlour boards and cladding.

    Also a huge thanks to the volunteers who have given huge chunks of their time and effort.

    The longer term future of the hall is also being worked upon behind the scenes.

    We have completed an application to the National Lottery for the initial stages of the regeneration of our village hall. This is to get us to the planning stage, including a public consultation that we would love the whole community to be involved in, contributing on what you would like our hall to look like?

    We will then be in a position to make a full application for the funding of the works.

    In the meantime it is fantastic to see the hall opening fully after the easing of covid restrictions. It’s great to see returning groups using the hall again and for new groups starting.

    We welcome bookings and any enquiries for future events. We would love to see the hall being used by the whole community. To make a booking, please contact Therese Chapman, booking clerk on 01598 763812 or email pvh@parracombe.org.uk.


    Si Young, Village hall committee Chair.

  • Village Hall policies, forms and risk assessments

    When hiring you hall, you must agree:

    · to keep the fire doors closed from 11pm during parties and music events

    · to stop any music at midnight

    · to provide written communication to neighbours on the rare occasion live music or a party is held at a late hour

    Here are the documents you need to read and use if you are going to organise an event at the hall. These documents are likely to be regularly updated so be sure to download the latest versions before you organise each event.

    Policies

  • Village Hall Update June 2020

    Village Hall Update June 2020

    The Village Hall sub-committee of Parracombe Community Trust held it’s inaugural meeting on the 4th of March. The committee will be responsible for the day to day running of the Hall under the umbrella of the Trust. An enthusiastic committee was appointed with Keith Denby, as chair and Helen Minns secretary until the AGM in September 2020. Other members are Nick Backhouse, Simon Young, Jaye Jones, Linda Blanchard, Karen Farrington, John Minns, Juliet de Falbe, and Alison Smith.

    There’s a lot to be done and our enthusiasm has been somewhat hampered by lockdown but some of the planning is underway. The immediate need is to make sure that the building remains safe, sound and watertight. Committee members will inspect the fabric of the building , carry out assessment of fire risk, and ensure that the kitchen and toilets meet necessary hygiene standards. We also need to ensure running costs can be covered as far as possible from Hall hire fees so others are looking at long term budgeting and making the booking and payments system easy to use for all.

    After a few difficult years where the hall and village events survived due primarily to the heroic efforts of Sue Rawle and Karen Farrington the Hall is now owned by the Parish and we can at last begin the exciting job of planning for the future. Over the coming months (and when it is safe to do so) we want to build an exciting programme of events where there is something for everyone. Regular events like the charity coffee mornings , craft group and exercise classes we hope will continue but we need to look for new ideas too. If you would like to run events at the hall or you have a great idea for something but need help please do get in touch and we will try to make it happen.

    We also need plans to upgrade the hall to make better use of the space and make it generally more attractive place to be. Over the coming months there will be a chance for everyone to make comments and help build a plan for the future. Of course, that will take money and we will need grants to help. So here is some great news, our chairman successfully applied for a Business Rates Grant in April and we now have a cracking £10,000 to help us deal with essentials as soon as we can do so safely.

    We are of course now waiting for the lockdown to be eased and news that we can re-open the Hall and enjoy meeting you all again.

  • Trust Committee Volunteers

    Trust Committee Volunteers

    Formation of Village Hall, Shop and Affordable Homes Committees

    Volunteers are needed to form the three committees which will steer and manage Parracombe Community Trust’s main projects – the village hall, a new community shop and six new affordable homes.

    If you’d like to get involved there’s a meeting at the Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday February 25th 2020

    The aim is for membership of all three committees to be determined on the night and for those committees to immediately arrange meeting dates at which they will appoint their chairs, secretaries and PCT Board representatives.

    Agenda

    1. Welcome from PCT Board member Jeremy Holtom
    2. Brief update on the hall, shop and housing projects.
    3. Remit of the three committees – how they’ll work.
    4. Formation of the three committees (note that volunteers need not be present)

    The intention is that once the above business is concluded volunteers will meet in their respective committee groups to agree meeting dates.

    Please note: committee membership is subject to the Rules of Parracombe Community Trust.

    Nick Constable, PCT Board Secretary

  • Parracombe Community Trust Spring Update

    Parracombe Community Trust Spring Update

    It’s time for a brief update on progress.  And progress is indeed being made – maybe not quickly but at least steadily.  Since the last PCT member update we have made progress on governance and management of the village hall, securing land for local needs affordable housing and planning for the shop. As a key stake holder in the hall and shop, the Trust board have been in contact with Parracombe School meeting Jayne Peacock, executive head teacher and Jan Stokes, chair of governors, to keep them abreast of our plans and listen to their needs.

    Affordable Housing

    We’ve agreed in principle terms for the sale of land on the northern edge of the village as our site for local needs affordable housing.  We’re now in the process of making an application for initial funding to cover legal costs from the local authority.

    In the meantime we’ve approached some housing associations to see if they would like to build these homes in partnership with ourselves. Possible partners include North Devon Homes, ASTER and South West Homes and it’s important to note that we’ll choose the ‘best fit’ rather than necessarily the best financial deal (although those two things are not mutually exclusive). Sympathetic designs, strong environmental awareness and a track record of delivering projects on time will all be key.

    Looking ahead, the housing partner will offer homes only to eligible candidates registered with Devon Home Choice.  So if any PCT members, or anyone they may know are interested in being considered for one of these homes it is vitally important they register with Devon Homes Choice right now.

    PCT will be working with the housing partner to help verify a prospective tenant’s local connection using guidelines formulated by the local planning authority.

    Village Hall

    Following the advice from Wessex CLT Project, our advising partners, the existing Village Hall charity has now been wound up.  The governance model of the Trust’s incorporation as a Community Benefit Society, in conjunction with a new village hall constitution, provides us with a robust system of governance.  We’re currently waiting on lawyers to draw up a new lease – this will allow Parracombe Parish Council (the hall’s owners) to formally lease the property to the Community Trust. Once this is done it will vastly improve our chances of getting grant support from outside charities and organisations.

    A big thank you to the members who helped clear out and remove a large number of aging (sometimes rotting) bits of furniture and fittings from the hall back in March. More soon on plans to give the hall a temporary facelift (cleaning / painting etc) together with a new exterior name-sign and an information board.

    Village Shop

    After a great deal of work by the shop sub-committee, we are now at the final stages of the business plan development and planning application submission. The team have been working closely at every stage of development with Exmoor National Park Authority on pre-planning advice and we are confident that we have a well thought out and efficient design that doubles the footprint of existing building.  The design ensures that the project not only creates the required trading space but also retains the public toilet facilities and enhances the building and its surroundings as a social meeting space.  We have also consulted with Sport England on our proposals and they have indicated that they don’t have any concerns about using part of the playing field, currently the terraced area in front of the pavilion, to increase the size of the existing building.

    The next step, in tandem with the planning application and public consultation, is fundraising.  The initial project costs (architecture design and ecology study) have so far been funded by the Trust from the its small reserves.  Funding for the capital building and capital running costs will be sought through a number of sources; a community share offer, match funding, grants, donations and community fundraising events.  The capital building costs are estimated at £90,000 to £100,000 (building conversion and extension is estimated at £75,000 – £80,000 and £15,000 – £20,000 required for landscaping, access improvements, car parking and hard surfaces).  Fixed assets (displays, shelving, refrigeration, POS etc,) and working capital (stock and cash) are estimated at £20,000.  So in total we are looking at raising up to £120,000.

    We are targeting community share fundraising, share offer matching and donations to raise half the required costs, the other half from grant funding. In the next few weeks you will receive details on our community share offer.

    Fundraising events for the PCT

    There was another excellent Beaford production at the village hall on May 24th in the shape of Paul O’Donnell’s ‘musical extravaganza’ We’ve Got Each Other. This was a brilliant and innovative comedy which completely won over an initially mystified audience. It was a great advert for going to see a Beaford event even if you have no idea in advance as to its content. The shows are a really important way to support your hall’s financial security so please, if you possibly can, do keep buying the tickets.  Our Autumn production will be announced shortly.

    In the meantime, our next event in aid of the Trust is the Parracombe Open Gardens on Sunday 21st July. Eight gardens around the village, including Heddon Hall, will be open to visitors from 10am to 5pm.  There will be plants for sale in some gardens and refreshments will be served at the Village Hall.  Cost £6 for gardens entry (children free).  Please come along if you can.

    And finally …

    There’s still a lot to do and to help us achieve our goal of opening the doors to our new community shop in 2020 and update the hall for the 21st century, we are looking for people to assist us. We are particularly in need of legal, project management or retail management experience. Whatever your experience there’s plenty to do, if you have a little spare time and would like to get involved we’d really love to hear from you.

    Not a member?  Join us and make a difference. Becoming a member is a simple, but hugely important, act in itself. It means we can keep you updated invite you to meetings and ask your opinion. Find out more and join here.

    Best wishes,

    David Austin, Chair Parracombe Community Trust

    Parracombe Community Trust Limited registered under the Co-operative Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 as a Community Benefit Society Registration Number 7804.

  • Parracombe Community Trust – Members Update January 2019

    Parracombe Community Trust – Members Update January 2019

    Dear Parracombe Community Trust Member,

    Firstly, a big thank-you to everyone who attended the Special General Meeting on January 16th to elect a new Trust Board. We should also welcome the many new members who signed up on the evening – we now have a membership of 63 which is a fantastic result just six months into this new venture. A number of members couldn’t make the meeting and sent their apologies; this brief report will hopefully keep everyone appraised.

    One of the key messages from the meeting was that, while the Board will be limited to eight people, any Trust member can be co-opted onto the committees steering its three main projects (shop, hall and affordable housing).

    This means all members can play a key role in shaping these vital parts of our community. If you’d like more information about how to join a committee please email our membership secretary Alison Smith at or call on 01598 763679. Find out more about membership.

    The newly elected Board:

    • Dave Austin (chair)
    • Nick Backhouse
    • Nick Constable (secretary)
    • Keith Denby
    • Jeremy Holtom
    • Sue Rawle
    • Alison Smith (membership secretary)
    • Tom Wilde (treasurer)

    The Village Shop

    The village shop is currently the Trust’s main focus. Initial drawings for conversion of the playing field pavilion are in process and consultation is ongoing with Exmoor National Park as the planning authority. The Board’s Shop Committee met this week and considered next steps, including applications for grant funding and more detailed designs for a formal planning application. Parking and footpaths may well form part of an overall master plan. The target opening for the shop is spring 2020 and, while this is ambitious, it is felt a deadline is essential to ensure the project doesn’t stall. Many of you have shown your support by pledging money towards start-up costs while others have promised to volunteer their time. Please do keep those offers coming – these are investments in our community and, ultimately, our quality of life.

    The village hall

    Parracombe Parish Council is now proud owner of the village hall. It is hoped a lease will be drawn up with the Community Trust Board who, as tenants, will be responsible for day-to-day management. A meeting of the Board’s Hall Committee was held on January 21st when various short-term improvements were discussed, e.g. better access to hot water, the need for a new lock on the disabled toilet and alteration of its window, proper flushing of the men’s loos and the installation of an electricity smart meter (to name but a few). Looking longer term moves will soon get underway to explore grants and funding streams.

    At present the Village Hall Charity is being maintained as a separate and independent organisation and it has agreed – at least for the time being – to continue overseeing fundraising, paying essential bills and supervising hire. The Charity’s funds will be held separately although one trustee is also a member of the Hall Committee and can provide regular financial updates. Steps are underway to appoint at least one other trustee. Looking ahead, both the Charity and the PCT Board will seek legal advice to establish how closely they can co-operate while still complying with governance rules.

    Affordable Housing

    Good progress has been made in terms of identifying three potential sites in the village. The Board is in discussion with one of the landowners concerned but unless and until a formal agreement is made to acquire land it has been agreed that details should not be made public. The maximum price for purchasing affordable housing land is £7,000 per unit which is clearly below the amount a commercial developer would have to pay. The Board’s working assumption is that there will be a development of six affordable homes, allocated according to criteria which define an occupier’s local link and need. The precise criteria has not yet been drawn up but it is important to understand that it must at least conform to that already laid down by Exmoor National Park. It may also become necessary to allow one or two open-market homes (alongside the affordable ones) to attract a trusted developer and ensure good quality designs. That will be a matter of negotiation but whatever the final agreement Parracombe Community Trust will seek to benefit from ground rent income. And all the homes – affordable or not – will require any occupier or owner to have a local link and permanent occupancy. They cannot become second homes!

    During the question-and-answer session following the Special General Meeting one member raised concerns that we may be taking on too much in one go. This is a fair point, but your Board feels it is quite possible to run the three key projects in tandem. Hall management will continue pretty much as usual and plans for major improvement work there will in any case need time for consideration and consultation. In the case of affordable housing the Board is effectively acting as fixer. Our role will be to ensure land ownership, contractual agreements and outline planning permission are all in place before appointing a developer – such as a housing association – to see the project through. Be assured, none of us are looking to pick up a hard hat, high-vis jacket and shovel!

    So while we’ve taken on a lot we also have a clear idea of priorities. The shop has to be the main one because this is a service the community has actually lost. It will be a challenge but, given the superb support you have all shown, it is certainly achievable.

    Once again, sincere thanks to all our members and supporters. While we do not intend to bombard you with updates, we will share any significant news with you as soon as we possibly can.

    Best wishes,

    Dave Austin
    Chair

  • Village Hall Clear Out

    Now that Parracombe has the keys to the village hall, we need to make it our own! The first thing to do is have a clear out of stuff that has accumulated … and there is quite a bit of it.

    Saturday 26th January 10.00 – 12.00 Please come along and lend a hand – only willingness required! !