Belbroughton Church Hall History

The Hall was built nearly 500 years ago as a Tithe Barn and was used as such for many years. Later in the early 1800's a change in the law meant all Tithe barns became redundant and were closed. Many were destroyed - with the rest falling into disrepair. Some 120 years later the Barn at Belbroughton was almost falling down but church officials decided against demolishing it and instead renovate it, gifting it to the village as a community building. This means that so long as the building is used for the good of the village community the Church will take no rent, portion of hire fees or donations made to the Hall, but all maintenance, repair and upgrading costs must come from revenue made from hiring out the building or donations. A management committee of volunteers living in the village was set up to run the building and the Church Hall as we know it was born. This has continued with great success for over 100 years and the Hall has become an integral part of Belbroughton village life, being used by all age groups for children and baby groups. weddings, family parties, social meetings, exibitions ... the list goes on and on.

When the Hall failed an electrical inspection, the wiring being deemed unfit for public use, the Hall was forced to closed in 2022. After a full structural survey the results were shocking. The Hall had not kept up with modern Health and Safety regulations - there was asbestos in the roof, zero insulation, holes in the walls and roof felt and everything to do with drainage and damp proofing was in a dire condition. The only light was that the hall had been run well financially and along with a gift left to the Hall in a villagers will, there was money to start the required work. 

Phase one of the work has been completed and the Hall is now fit for purpose and has reopened and I'm sure you would agree is now looking stunning!

There is still more work to do to ensure the Hall is preserved  for future generations. 

Donations can be made to the Hall and every penny of your donation will go to the Halls Restoration Fund.

If you would like anymore information about the hall, maybe a tour around or have any ideas for fund raising or possible grant applications please get in touch at belbroughtonchurchhall@gmail.com

Thank you