Brenchley Memorial Hall Charity
Brenchley Memorial Hall and Grounds
Brenchley Memorial Hall was constructed in 1922 on land which was part of the village playing fields, upon which Siegfried Sassoon played cricket in 1903. The Memorial Hall and the surrounding recreation grounds were bestowed by the Podmore family for the use of the inhabitants of the Parish of Brenchley and the neighbouring area. It was built to commemorate those men belonging to the Parish and its neighbourhood who gave their lives in the First World War. The Hall and complex were officially opened on 5th February 1923. The Memorial Hall and Grounds are vested in the Brenchley War Memorial Hall and Grounds Charity, which is administered by Trustees nominated by its user groups, sports clubs and the local community. All of the sports facilities are run independently by individual clubs. The former Working Men’s Club is now leased commercially to the Brenchley Sports Bar and is open to all.
Memorial Hall Facilities
The Memorial Hall has a number of facilities consisting of a main hall with a stage and lighting, together with kitchen & toilet facilities. The adjoining Meeting Room, originally called the Ladies Room, also has a small kitchen and toilet facilities. The building is surrounded by an extensive car park which provides parking for the Memorial Hall and for the sporting facilities. As well as being used by local societies and groups, the rooms may be hired for private functions, such as wedding receptions and birthday parties, as well as for bring and buy sales, cheese and wine parties, bazaars, fairs, etc.. For information and details of the reasonable hire charges contact the Hall Manager, Ruth Bateup, on 07899910015.
Regular users of the premises
Brenchley Pre-School 723026
The Brenchley Pre-School was founded in 1963 and rents the Hall during term time, providing high quality education for children from 2-4 years.
Brenchley Evening Women’s Institute 723964
The Brenchley Evening Women’s Institute has monthly meetings on a Wednesday starting at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room.
Brenchley and Matfield Local History Society 722339
The Brenchley and Matfield Local History Society has its monthly meetings on a Thursday starting at 7.30pm in the Hall, alternating each year between Brenchley and Matfield.
Brenchley and Matfield Horticultural Society 722165
The Brenchley and Matfield Horticultural Society was founded in 1895 and uses the Hall for social events and shows.
Brenchley Choral Society 722773
The Brenchley Choral Society holds rehearsals and social events in the Hall.
Brenchley Body Control Pilates 725303
The Brenchley Body Control Pilates rents the Hall on Tuesday evenings starting at 7.30pm
Tai Chi 723369
Tai Chi classes are held in the Hall and meet on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm
Scrapaholics 724030
Day classes are held quarterly in the Hall with simultaneous lessons in the Meeting Room on a weekend day.
Memorial Hall Grounds
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The local Podmore family had great vision when making land available for the leisure and recreational use of the local community. Totalling 3.35 hectares (8.27 acres), the existing sports facilities on the surrounding land around the Brenchley Memorial Hall consist of Bowls, Cricket, Football, Tennis and Squash.
Sporting Activities
Brenchley and Matfield Bowls Club 723288
The club has four top class rinks, a pavilion, changing rooms and viewing patio. Members at present total 70 and have the opportunity to play league and friendly matches against other Clubs in the area.
Brenchley Cricket Club 832037
The Cricket Club was founded in 1749, one of the oldest in the country! It competes on Sunday afternoons throughout the cricket season from April to August, normally playing around 15 matches against other local clubs in the area.
Brenchley Football Club 824729
Saturday and Sunday football is played on the one pitch, with a changing room and shower facilities located in the Memorial Hall.
Brenchley and Matfield Lawn Tennis Club 826098
The Tennis Club offers four all weather floodlit tennis courts, a practice wall and pavilion. Membership at present stands around 250 for all ages and abilities, with opportunities to play in local and county leagues, club tournaments and open social sessions.
Brenchley Squash Club 833609
The Squash Club has one coloured squash court, a gallery and two changing rooms with showers and toilets. Membership at present stands around 100 for all ages and abilities, with opportunities to play in internal box leagues.
South East Road Race League 01795-426211
The South East Road Race League cycling club utilises the Hall as their headquarters and changing rooms twice a year, normally in April and July.