A brief history of the Village Hall

Originally built as a Tithe Barn, Ducklington Village Hall once served as a storehouse where the Rector of St Bartholomew’s collected one-tenth of local agricultural produce as ecclesiastical tithes from farmers and landowners. The barn featured a wide opening – large enough for a horse and cart – which is now replaced by large glass windows. The heavy lintels from the original doorway are still visible today.

Although tithes were converted to monetary payments in the 1830s, the barn remained part of the Rector’s estate. Between 1920 and 1930, the then Rector, Christopher Tristram, repurposed the building into a Parish Room for community events such as whist drives, dances, and concerts. A local resident recalls eating school dinners there during the 1940s in the space now used as the storage area and boiler room. At that time, access to the main hall was through what is now the fire door.

In October 1973, the building was sold to the village and placed under Trusteeship where it was officially converted into a Village Hall, with a new main entrance.

In the early 2000s renovation and extension plans were developed, supported by grant funding. Improvements included relocating the main entrance, updating toilet facilities, installing a new kitchen, and adding an access ramp. The extension also created a small upstairs meeting space known as The Lilac Room. Additional funds were raised by the community through Ducklington’s first two Open Garden events in June 2002 and 2004.

The newly refurbished Village Hall was officially reopened on 13th March 2005 by the High Sheriff of Oxford.

Nowadays, the Village Hall is available to hire to all and welcomes everything from lively exercise classes and craft groups to children’s parties, small workshops, and special events.

The Village Hall Committee Annual General Meeting is held every Autumn.