The Centenary Refurbishment and Renewal Project
As the hall reaches 100, we are renewing it so it can serve Chewton Mendip safely, comfortably and sustainably for the next century.
Our fundraising so far
The full project will cost around £77,000. Through grants, fundraising events and donations we have already raised £42,000. Every quiz ticket, pantomime seat and donation helps.
Some works can be staged as money comes in, and volunteers are helping with smaller jobs such as painting and clearing the outside area.
£42,000 raised · 55% · about £35,000 still to raise.
What the project includes
- Electrics refurbishedCompleted – the hall's electrics have been refurbished. (status: done)
- Stage curtains refurbished and stage lights boughtCompleted – the hall now has its own stage lights. (status: done)
- Bar area refurbishedCompleted by the trustees, with costs covered by donations. (status: done)
- Front and fire-escape doorsFront doors installed. New fire-escape doors will cut draughts and improve safety. (status: under way)
- Heating upgradeReplacing the 1995 gas boilers with heat pumps that provide heating and cooling. Quotes in progress. (status: under way)
- New stage curtain trackReplacement track for the stage curtains – parts for the old track are no longer available. (status: planned)
- Kitchen refurbishmentA modern, well-equipped kitchen for events and hirers. (status: planned)
- Toilet refurbishmentRefurbished toilets, redesigned to free up storage space. (status: planned)
- New chairs and tablesComfortable, practical furniture for every kind of event. (status: planned)
- DecorationRedecoration inside and out – with help from trustees and volunteers. (status: planned)
- Rear outdoor areaClearing the rear area and adding seating and storage. (status: planned)
- LED lightingEnergy-efficient LED lighting to reduce running costs. (status: planned)
- EV charging pointWe are exploring adding an electric vehicle charging point. (status: planned)
Why it matters
For many residents the hall is the only shared indoor space in the village. Parts of the building are now worn out: the kitchen is out of date, the toilets are tired, draughts and rain get in under old doors, and the heating struggles to warm the hall.
The refurbishment will make the hall warmer, safer, more accessible and cheaper to run – and more attractive to hire, which helps pay for its upkeep.
How you can help
Come to an event
Our quizzes, murder mysteries, music and dance nights and the pantomime all raise money for the project.
See what's onVolunteer or hire
Lend a hand with events and small jobs – or simply hire the hall for your own occasion.