THE committee behind a village hall is celebrating after being awarded £20,000 of National Lottery funding for urgent roof repairs.

The grant, from The National Lottery Community Fund, will allow Walford Village Hall to replace its ageing flat roofs, ensuring the building remains safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for years to come.

Walford Village Hall, officially named the Robert Pashley Memorial Hall, has been at the heart of community life in Walford, since its opening in 1969.

Over the decades it has continued to evolve, with extensions in the 1990s, the addition of a children’s play area in 2017, and recent refurbishments including new toilets and redecorated spaces.

Today the hall provides a fully equipped main hall and meeting room, internet access, kitchen facilities and parking, making it a flexible and much-loved venue for a wide range of events.

From parish council meetings and exercise classes to summer and Christmas fairs and tea mornings, it plays a vital role as a hub where residents come together to celebrate, learn and connect.

Anthony Jones, Trustee, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our need to future-proof the hall. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now press ahead with essential roof repairs, safeguarding this space for future generations of our community.”

Tim Pople, chairman of the committee, added: “Walford Village Hall has been at the heart of our community for more than 50 years, and this funding means we can keep it that way.

“The hall is where friendships are made, skills are shared and memories are created. Thanks to National Lottery grant we can ensure that our hall continues to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.”

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded over £686 million to more than 13,700 projects, helping communities like Walford to thrive.