Straw Bale Eco-Friendly Village Hall Opens
One of the most sustainable and eco-friendly village halls in Britain, built using locally-harvested straw bales was formally opened in Neatishead, Norfolk on Saturday 19th September.
William Dorsey, who donated the land for the project, unveiled the opening plaque and the event included the Wherry Brass Band, performances by local primary school children, various exhibitions and refreshments.
The £500,000+ energy-efficient building is the culmination of more than 10 years of tireless fund-raising by the local community, which has contributed over £120,000 from fund raising events and donations. It replaces the previous village hall, a much-loved but cramped Victorian building, which has been sold to help fund the new hall. Grants totalling almost £250,000 have been secured from, amongst others, the Big Lottery Fund, The Broads Authority Sustainable Development Fund and the Norfolk Rural Community Council.
Patrick Palgrave-Moore, Chairman of Trustees, said “Many villages are losing amenities as schools, post offices, shops and pubs close. We are bucking the trend! What at first seemed an impossible dream many years ago has at last come true, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team of volunteers. This new purpose-built hall will serve the inhabitants of Neatishead, Barton Turf and Irstead and provide many activities and services which were impossible in the old hall.“
Ian McFadyen, Project Co-ordinator, said “Straw buildings have a bad press because of the three little piggies tale, but we would like to challenge all the big bad wolves out there to come and see for themselves what a fantastic eco friendly facility this is – it will change perceptions and others will surely follow".
James Bond, Project Architect, said “It has been extremely gratifying to work with a client who insisted on an environmentally responsible approach from the outset. The new hall is contemporary in appearance yet has an appropriate feel for a rural setting. The use of straw bales has made this project particularly unusual and exciting. We have used the bales ‘traditionally’ in the form of building blocks (meeting room), and in combination with a timber frame (main hall) and I’m delighted with the outcome”.
More details available on the website www.victoryhall.info
21/09/09
