The fire started as our Yoga teacher turned on the electrical switch in the lobby so that the heaters could warm up the hall in preparation for her class. She heard a loud bang, and then saw sparks flying out of the switch control board  quickly followed by smoke and flames. She then promptly phoned the fire service and it was this quick action that prevented the fire really taking hold.

The first Fire Service appliance was on the scene very quickly. As the source of the fire was known to be an electrical fault, the Fire Service had to wait for the electricity supply to be cut off by EDF before getting too far inside the building, and in the meantime kept damping down the whole area although the sparks continually re-ignited the fire. Once the power was off the Fire Service were able to get further inside and completely extinguish the fire,  and take all necessary action to make sure it would not re-ignite. By this time there were 5 appliances on the site. The situation was complicated by the presence of asbestos in the building which meant that special precautions had to be taken.

Due to prompt action all round the damage has been limited to the front of the hall which includes the lobby, kitchen and toilets, although it is fairly extensive in that area; water and smoke damage adding to the destruction caused by the fire itself.

A loss adjuster has inspected the damage and a report is awaited,  but it is safe to say that whatever the outcome, it will be some considerable time before a Village Hall facility is restored.

The Village Hall Management Committee are drawing up contingencies to find alternative venues for all the various events, meetings, clubs and classes that are held in the Village Hall and information will be posted to this website as soon as it is available. Please check the diary for the month.

If you require any further information or have any offers of help, please contact

Sue Foulsham email suefoulsham@googlemail.com
Or
Liz Schmitt email  l.schmitt@btinternet.com