Thornhams new hall

Villagers have been fundraising for a new building to replace the old Drill Hall after they gained a six-acre site for the benefit of the community.

They formed their own company, Thornham Village and Playing Field Ltd, to help bring about new facilities but quickly realised they needed to replace the dated Drill Hall, which had served the area for a century.

Having already installed a multi-use games area, they set about raising the money by selling the old site to pay for the facility.

They were then given a £475,910 Lottery grant to add to cash they had already raised in fundraising, meaning work could start on the £640,000 project earlier this year.

The new building, which is due to be unveiled to the public on Saturday, September 21, once work to the inside of the building has been finished, boasts a hall which can cater for 150 people as well as a meeting room.

There are then changing rooms for the coastal village’s cricket and football teams.

Despite the modern new building, Thornham’s residents are keen not to forget the old Drill Hall which served them so well for so long.

As well as an opening ceremony for the new hall and sports pavilion in September, there will be a farewell event at the Drill Hall before villagers make their way to the new building where they will spend many hours in the future.