History of the Hall

BVH under construction in 1960

The History of Byfield Village Hall

The cost of construction and that of various extensions over the years, has come from many sources but largely from funds raised by the activities of the locals who recognised the importance of such a building to the local community.

The present Village Hall was officially opened in 1960 but on the north wall is a commemorative stone bearing the date of 2nd June 1953, the date of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The seven year delay indicates certain difficulties but note the name of Mr Alfred Brightwell who was aged 91 when he laid the stone. The village owes him a great debt of gratitude. In 1944 he had made a gift of land to the village in memory of his son who had been killed in action in the First World War. This land was the first section of what has become the Brightwell Recreation Ground adjoining the Village Hall.

Commemorative stone that preceded the eventual building

Expanding to Meet the Community’s Needs

Looking at the pictures of the Hall under construction in 1960 and that of the present day shows how the Hall has been extended on three sides so as to provide more space for additional activities. Requirements have changed over the years requiring extensions and alterations. For instance until the 1960’s the village’s medical services were provided from the general practitioner’s own home. From 1966 the GP was afforded a surgery beneath the stage of the Village Hall but the need for more space and the provision of greater security for prescription drugs led in 1974 to an extension on the lower level. The GP’s surgery operated from there until 1981 when the Byfield Medical Centre opened in Church Street.

Byfield Village Hall during construction
Mr Alfred Brightwell, then aged 91, laying the Foundation stone on Coronation Day 2nd June 1953 (Byfield Photo Museum: Lender Mr Derek Thornton)
BVH under construction in 1960
Mr Checkley outside the Village Hall during construction in 1960. Note the original main entrance was on the north wall but now the entrance is via the extension added on the east side. (Byfield Photo Museum: Lender Mr Fred Hutt)

Refurbishments and grants

The Management Committee are committed to improving the facilities available. In recent years we have installed air source heat pumps, improved the lighting in the Main Hall and on the stage and created storage for the tables and chairs.  In the past we have received grants from the Northamptonshire Community Fund and from HS2.  In January 2026 some work needs to be done on the floor and this is being supported by a grant from the National Lottery Fund.  We have small portable projector that is available to hirers but our next project will be a proper overhead projector.  Kitchen improvements are planned.

We work closely with the Byfield Parish Council and generally have a member of the BPC sitting on our Committee for mutual benefit.