The building now generally known as Etal Village Hall began its life in 1926 as Etal Peace Commemoration Hall, its construction having been instigated by Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Joicey in memory of those lost during the Great War, and to encourage “Reading and Study, and the promotion of rational Recreation” amongst local residents.
The “Club”, as it is described, was open to people over 16 on an annual subscription basis, and was overseen by a committee made up of some members nominated by Colonel Joicey and others to be elected at an annual meeting.
The larger part of the hall was set up as a games room and contained a billiard table, the smaller section behind the wooden partition was described as “The News Room” and contained books, newspapers, and a “Wireless Receiving Set”. Both were open every weekday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.! Unsurprisingly, one of the rules specifies “The comfort of readers must not be disturbed by unnecessary noise” Only the person specifically appointed by Colonel Joicey was allowed to move the billiard table or to operate the wireless.
All of these fascinating period details come down to us because the hall is fortunate enough still to possess the original document of Standing Rules and Regulations drawn up for the opening of the hall in January 1926, printed up as a poster and framed for display ever since. It’s a fantastic starting point for the heritage project being undertaken by some members of the current hall committee this year, but they are hoping for more!
Have any of the older members of your family passed down any memories of the early days of Etal Hall? Perhaps you recognize the names of the original committee members whose signatures are still visible at the foot of the rules document? They are: J.L. Weatherhead (Hon. Sec., Treasurer and Librarian) Wm. Mole, J. Tully, A. Wilson, R.Guthrie, Wm Gusthart and T. Wallace.
We are especially interested to find out about how the hall may have been used in the 30s, 40s and 50s, as so far we have very little archival evidence for this period.
Meantime, dear reader, please take note, the next time you attend an event at Etal Hall, as Rule 5 very clearly states: “No gambling or bad language will be tolerated on the premises, and the committee shall have power to suspend or expel any member guilty of misconduct.”
You have been warned!!!
(Please contact Helen Moffit on 01890 820566 if you have any information to offer the project, or email hmoffitsvq@btinternet.com)