Our business support advisors are here to help educate and inform business owners of their fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety) Order 2005.
A presentation was delivered recently to village hall trustees, giving information and advice to ensure compliance with the new fire safety legislation Building Safety Act 2022 Section 156.
One of those in attendance was Michael, a trustee for West Parley village hall, which experienced a devastating fire on 16 January 2024. The flames spread across the roof and caused significant damage to both the interior and exterior of the building.
The hall had recently undergone work to replace its old wooden soffits with new plastic ones. Forensic investigators found an old squirrel’s nest, which had been concealed by these plastic soffits.
They suspect the nest may have smouldered, either from residual heat or due to the roof being sealed after the work was completed, which eventually led to a fire that spread through the gap in the roof.
The fire was first noticed by a dance teacher conducting a class in the hall. The alarm was raised and, fortunately, everyone evacuated safely.
The village hall has long been at the heart of West Parley’s community. In October 1937, a meeting was held to plan a new hall, but the outbreak of World War II delayed progress. After the war, a permanent hall was deemed too costly, so a temporary Nissen hut was built.
For the next two decades, the community worked tirelessly to raise funds for a permanent hall. By 1960, a public appeal brought in nearly £700, with support from fetes, whist drives, and the West Parley Women’s Institute. Their efforts paid off, and the hall officially opened in May 1964.
Nearly a year after the fire, the village hall remains closed, with one trustee voicing fears that it may never reopen. The delays are largely due to the removal of asbestos ceiling tiles, and there’s concern about discovering further damage once that’s done
The trustees, all volunteers, are doing their best to navigate these challenges. The clean-up started immediately after the fire, with dedicated residents sweeping the floors still flooded from the firefighting efforts.
The hall stands out as the only one in the area with a stage and auditorium, hosting plays, music events, and more. It serves as a gathering spot for all ages – from the elderly to socialise and stay active, to toddlers and even dog groups.
On special occasions like Remembrance Sunday, the village comes together at the hall to reflect and honour those who served.
As the heart of the community, its closure after the devastating fire is a huge loss, especially at a time when coming together is more important than ever. The damage, both visible and hidden, from smoke has made recovery incredibly challenging.
The cost of renovating the hall will be significant, but the hope remains strong. We look forward to seeing the hall restored to its former glory, once again hosting the special events and gatherings that unite the village, and our thanks to Michael for taking the time to talk to us about his experience.