Village hall transformed after major refurbishment

A village hall has undergone a major refurbishment after receiving a substantial grant from a council.

The village hall in Higham Road, Stratford St Mary, near East Bergholt, was built in 1928 as a memorial for horses that died in the First World War.

The building, known as the Village Institute, has just undergone a refurbishment programme to improve its insulation, allowing for cost savings as well as a more pleasant environment for users.

The project came after a grant from Babergh District Council (Image: Stratford St Mary Village Hall)

Trustee Stephen Kite said: "The provision of the generous grant from Babergh encouraged us to get this done.

"It’s a hall that’s approaching its 100th birthday and we welcomed the opportunity to improve the fabric of the building plus generate a ‘feel good factor’.

"It’s an important resource for the area and maybe we will be able to get the roof renovated next."

It is well-used by the community for weekly events and other celebrations including a beer festival planned for the summer.

John Ward, acting leader of Babergh District Council, is due to attend the official opening of the hall on Monday, April 22.