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Wonersh Memorial Hall

Location: Woners, Sector: Community

Surrey Hills LEADER grant scheme awarded Wonersh Memorial Hall Trust over £12,000 towards the installation of a new, energy efficient gas heating system. The current central heating system in the hall is 50 years old and its unreliability meant that hiring the hall to new clients was difficult. Existing users such as the Girl Guides and the Wonersh and District Gardening Club have found the current heating system sub standard. The new heating system will enable the hall to be promoted to other groups and sections of the local community. This will enable the hall to become more of a focus in the village and enhance community spirit. The Trust would look to promote the hall to local small businesses and a nursery school.

The Wonersh Memorial Hall was built in the 1920’s and extended in 1977. It is used by main community groups including the WI, Guides, Scouts, Age Concern and the Garden Club. It is also the focus of village activities such as the annual pantomime and Christmas Fair. Following the closure of Wonersh Nursery School in 2008 (a primary daytime user) the Trust have been advertising for new clients, but this has proved difficult with the unreliability of the current heating system. Surrey Hills LEADER was able to award £12,150, 64% of the cost of a new gas heating system which will reduce the Trust’s energy consumption and associated costs as well as helping to secure the use of the hall through the winter months. The remainder of investment has been raised through the Waverly Hardship Fund and Trust reserves. The project will increase income by 50% in the next 3 years.