0n9th November, 1 953 this Conveyance confirmed the gifting, for £85, of a parcel of land adjacent to the Horseshoe Inn in Lavendon to be held in trust "for purposes of physical and mental training and recreation and social, moral and intellectual development through the medium of reading and recreation rooms, library lectures, classes, recreations and entertainments or otherwise as may be found expedient for the benefit of the inhabitants of Lavendon without distinction of sex or
political religious or other opinions."
The Lavendon Hall Management Committee decided to mark the 60th anniversary of this event, with a Diamond Celebration Dinner and a souvenir booklet for the guests, showed historical, pictorial glimpses of the site.
The first Village Hall was an ex-army officers' "pavilion", 90 feet long, 30 feet wide and 1 2 feet high at the eaves, purchased for the sum of £650.
Three guests of honour attended the Dinner;
Mrs Molly Cony, who was elected to the Village Hall Committee in 1 949; served as Chairman from 1 960; was booking clerk for 36 years and resigned from the Committee in 2005 after 56 years service.
Mrs Barbara Kitchener, who was elected to the Village Hall Committee in 1 949; worked tirelessly looking after all aspects of the Hall and is still, after 64 years service, issuing and receiving back the keys from hirers.
Mr William Tusting, Director of the Tustings family firm, whose generous donations over the years have been greatly appreciated.
The Village Hall is wearing well after 60 years, but is now beginning to look a little tired and show its age, so an ambitious 6-phase refurbishment project has been planned, at an estimated cost of £80,000. £40,000 has already been raised and the Committee is working hard to raise the rest. If you want to find out more about the Village Hall as well as how you can donate via the GiftAidSchemetothisworthwhilecommunity charity, go to the www.lavendonconnection. co  website and find the donate button on the left-hand quick link panel.
Lavendon Village Hall
Celebrates its 60th Birthday
John Salter
      34 Phonebox Magazine