Quidhampton is privileged to have one of the oldest village halls in the country. 

Built by public subscription in the early 1850’s it was first a reading room for the navvies who lived in tented encampments while building the railways and turnpike road.  When they moved on, the church took over the hall and called it the Mission Room. Quidhampton has no church of its own so services were held there, especially in the winter, for villagers who might not have bothered to walk to the church at Bemerton.

The hall was home to many other activities such as temperance meetings for children, winter concerts by and for villagers, and women’s meetings where during the First World War they first sewed sandbags, then repaired bandages and hospital bedding.  For a while it was a traditional reading room (more like a working men’s club but without alcohol.)  Inquests were also held there. 

Many clubs and societies have met there over the years and as the only public building in the village it is our polling station and hosts parish council meetings.

Today enthusiastic village supporters ensure it lives on to serve the local community for events, meetings and parties, with a carol service at Christmas and, since 2018, our own Remembrance Day service.  Private hirers are welcome:  it provides a small venue, comfortable for up to 75 people with free high speed Wifi to run meetings and seminars, and a floor to ceiling mirror ideal for dance practice. 

Though fundamentally sound the building needs regular maintenance and care to continue for the next 170 years.   Any donation you can give will be most welcome.