Norfolk village hall rebuild plan after Walsingham fire

People in Walsingham were rocked in January 2023 after the "devastating" loss of their village hall in a suspected arson attack, which saw the arrest of a teenager a month later.

Keith Tuck, Walsingham parish councillor and a committee member for the village hall (Image: Keith Tuck)

Since then people at the parish council and village's recreation trust have been working to rebuild the hall by fundraising.  

Keith Tuck, who has been part of the efforts, said: "The payout from our insurance will be much lower than what’s needed to provide a building deserving of the people of Walsingham." 

Despite this, Mr Tuck, along with so many others in the village, is committed to do all he can to see a new hall rise from the ashes of the old one.

Kevin Bowers from Vinedme Wine bar presented a £1000 cheque to Keith Tuck towards the rebuilding of the Walsingham Village Hall effort after raising money at its wine tasting evening (Image: Supplied)

Mr Tuck added: “We’re confident that good will come out of the disaster, and that we will be able to rebuild a better and more attractive village hall.

"The plan is to have a slightly larger building which will use the space more effectively, will be more cost-effective to run, and will provide a modern attractive venue to serve the community for many years.

Claxton Hall Architectural (Image: Claxton Hall Architectural)

“This year will be launching an appeal with ‘Buy a Brick’, and host Rock on the Rec on June 22 and other events to to cover the shortfall.”

Grant applications are currently being made.

The aftermath of the fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Last year a questionnaire was sent to all households to gauge support and opinions for replacing the hall. People's ideas were used by the architects, Claxton Hall Architectural, which then created an image of what the new building could look like. 

The original village hall was erected over 40 years ago and played host to everything from wedding receptions and wakes, to a warm space and polling station.

Keith Tuck, from Walsingham, is working alongside colleagues at the parish council and committee members for the village hall to fundraise the rebuild (Image: Keith Tuck)

If anybody wishes to donate the village hall has a Facebook page where donations can be made, alternatively call 07788937314