March 2008 - We have sent out new survey to all of the village and the results will be used to further our application.
Jan 2008 - we have been successful in reaching stage two of the lottery process. We are now carrying out a lot of work that is required to complete this next demanding stage of the process.
2007 - Lottery guidelines are now more favourable for our project and we are therefore applying for lottery funding.
2004 - The Billingley Village Community Association was set up in order to take forward plans to establish a village hall for Billingley. They obtained a small lottery grant a few years ago to buy a marquee. This is well used in summer months for a variety of events, but relies heavily on a small but committed group of villagers who have to erect and dismantle the marquee for each event.
There is great enthusiasm in the village, (confirmed by a survey) for a village hall. This would provide a facility for leisure activities and for the first time, enable services for the older and younger residents, - a luncheon club, and Toddler/playgroup venue. Billingley was historically part of the large Wentworth Woodhouse estate, and as part of a planning agreement in the late 1970’s, the Trustees of the estate were required to gift the village a plot of land to build a village hail. A Charitable Trust was formed 6 years ago to facilitate the handing over of the land. The intention was to apply for a lottery grant during the time when Village Hall funding was a high priority. Unfortunately the setting up of the charity and the subsequent conveyance of the land took almost 4 years and the lottery rules have now changed. The Charitable Trust, 'Billingley Village Community Association' (BVCA) has been advised that lottery funding is unlikely in the present climate, and that it should seek to obtain a portfolio of smaller grants. Plans for a village hall have been drawn up, and indicative costs (including professional fees) are between £150,000 and £200,000 for a complete re-build and somewhat less for a renovation. The hall is of modest size, and it is intended to utilise the marquee, to be erected as an annexe for large occasional functions. The costs are relatively high, as the local authority has stipulated high cost construction materials.
A business plan has been drawn up and the BVCA is confident that the hall project is sustainable. Letting income will generate sufficient income to cover both short-term running expenses and contribute to sinking fund for longer-term maintenance.
On 27th May 2003 the committee decided that the plans to knock down the existing barn and re-build a new one were cost prohibitive (the architect's plans for the new building have, therefore, been removed from this website.). Therefore, the current plans are to renovate the existing building and eventually extend it so that it is large enough to cope with village demands. In the short term, early 2004, renovation work will commence by a local builder to begin making the existing structure safe, followed by works to make the building weather tight. This will be phase 1.
No funds, as yet, have been secured to carry out this work but the committee are currently working very hard on the villagers' behalf to obtain grants and funding for the whole project.
Progress on the works will be posted here so please keep checking back for reports.
In July 2007 the floor was taken up and re-laid in accordance with planning regulations.
7th June 2004
21st June 2004 the roof is replaced and the walls are straightened.
The 17th July 2005 saw the inaugural event on the new village hall site - a BBQ
The upper windows were fitted in September 2005.