Southbourne Village Hall sits on the site of a former orchard and farmland. In the 1950s, a scheme was created to raise money to build a much-needed village hall that would become the centre of the community. A group of local friends and family, spearheaded by one Mrs M.E Green conceived of an idea that a penny collection fund, monitored by a thermometer type gauge located at a site where the chemist and dentist now stand, was the best solution.

It took a while, but the hall was officially opened on 11th November 1972 by the aforementioned Mrs M.E. Green. The plaque to the right sits proudly above the entrance to the main hall.

The hall itself is built with nine inches of thick pre-cast concrete and the main roof is an unusual barrel vault design (to allow the sport of badminton). The hall has come through many stages in its life and during the 90’s it was almost torn down. But due to the hard work of its then chairman, Mr Barry Wood and the committee, who organised various activities such as sponsored walks etc, the hall was saved.

In 1986 an extension was built onto the hall, again opened by Mrs Green, named after Mrs Monica Sutcliffe, the then Chairman.

In the last couple of years, the hall has come on in leaps and bounds.

Between 2000 and 2018 the hall’s day to day management was supported by Jim Dobson, caretaker. Jim passed in 2018 and since then the ongoing management is supported by the committee team, with Robert Hayes tending to take on a lead role in maintenance.

Some of the improvements include an accessible toilet and shower room, complete redecoration throughout. Knocking through the store cupboard and extending the office space, facilitating a room that is of a good size. Adding in a wall between the Sutcliffe room and main hall, curtains have been replaced with new blinds.

We have also upgraded the electrics system and replaced this with a smart unit, as well as installing a CCTV unit.

More recently we have installed a upgraded fire alarm and replaced the roof.

We have also added a Sound and Light System, as well as updated the stage curtains.

We have installed a new advertising screen in the foyer, keeping it fresh and updated.

The Floor has been replaced in the main hall and new heaters installed, as well as sound boards to help minimise noise in the main hall. 2023

The hall is supported by a volunteer group of trustees and the day to day running supported by a team of hard working committee members. The hall plays host to many events and classes and due to the enthusiasm of the team.

Southbourne Village Hall will be here for many years to come.