Willey and District Village Hall was opened by HRH Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone on 31st July, 1948. Princess Alice was the longest lived princess of the Blood Royal of the British Royal family and the last surviving grandchild of Queen Victoria. She was also great Aunt to Queen Elizabeth II. So, how did such a humble village hall warrant a royal visitor? It appears that Alice's husband, Alexander Cambridge, the 1st Earl of Athlone, was appointed Governor-General of the Union of South Africa from 1924 -31 and the father-in-law of Catherine, Lady Forester, mother of Lord George Forester of Willey Hall was his Aide-de-Camp. Alexander later became god-father to Lord Cecil Weld-Forester's son, Brook Weld-Forester, late husband of Catherine, Lady Forester.
The Estate built the Hall for the people of the district as it was felt that after the austere years of war, a place was needed where all age groups could go to meet up and have fun ... it was to be run by the people for the people of the surrounding area.
In 1977, for the Queen's Silver Jubilee, games were organised for young and old in the fields around the Hall, and medals handed out the the winners of the races. They organised a football match for the men, but it had to be abandoned when Jack "Chippy" Hayley's dog kept running off with the ball!
In the 1970s the locals would come to the Hall on Boxing Day evening with plates of food to share, and would dance and chat the time away.
A vibrant WI group met at the Hall well into the 90s and, judging by an old programme that survived, they met monthly and had a full programme of events organised.
To run alongside the WI, at the same time, a men's club was also meeting one evening a week, where the chaps could bring their own drinks and play on a full-sized snooker table. Unfortunately, when the old toilets were closed in 1998, and new ones put in, that took up more space and the table had to go!
In May 1993, a rural youth club was started at the Hall, run by Simon Howley. On the opening night nearly 50 youngsters turned up from Shirlett, the Smithies, Barrow and Benthall, with activities ranging from canoeing, sail-boarding, brass rubbing and shirt printing on offer. This youth club only ceased about 3 years ago when too few youngsters were attending to make it viable.
In 2004, a cherry tree was planted on the left of the Hall, in memory of Brook Weld-Forester, late husband of Catherine, Lady Forester, mother of Lord George Forester of Willey Hall.
So, what of the Village Hall today? Well, times have changed and WI's and Youth Clubs may flourish in towns, but in a rural setting like ours we struggle to get support for such activities. However, we run a small but enthusiastic committee which meets every two or three months and, on the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors to an Adult "Youth Club" where participants bring their own drinks and nibbles and we offer skittles, table football, billiards, table tennis, darts, dominoes and other board games. Everyone is welcome and entry is free, although a small contribution wouldn't go amiss! All our events are advertised on our noticeboards in the surrounding areas, and on social media, and our website.
All elections, both local and general, take place in the Hall and the local council meets there too.
At Christmas, after the service at Willey Church (St. John's) the committee are waiting at the Village Hall to provide mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls to warm up the congregation!
We often put on a New Year's function where a disco is provided and everyone brings a plate of food to share.
The Big Willey Fun Quiz is in its fifth year now and takes place in March. Teams come from near and far to win the coveted trophy. It's a very popular event, and we are packed to the gunnells with everyone - especially the prize winners - having a thoroughly fun and entertaining evening.
In the past we have organised Summer Balls for those long, balmy evenings, and we have even held the Silly Willey Olympics with games for old and young, complete with a BBQ. We've had "wellie wanging" and "sack race" competitions amongst others at our autumnal Apple Pressing Day, and as we write this, our regular Pop-up Pubs have become a hub for meeting up with friends (and making new friends!) and having a jolly evening out.
Finally, our "piece de resistance" is our Conker, Curry and Pumpkin Night, which takes place every October. This, too, is a very popular night where children and adults get to play for the "Willey the Conkerer" trophies! The sight of 80 people all pinging conkers around the Hall is a sight to behold, and with 4 curries on offer (including vegetarian/vegan) it really is good value for money.
Keep looking for the posters on the local noticeboards and check out our social media page and website too! We very much look forward to welcoming you!