This is an extract from a letter written to Lancashire Civic Trust, written by an unknown author, received 29 June 1965

“In 1947 a Committee was formed, consisting of the then President of the Women’s Institute, Mrs. E.M.M. Moore, and other members of the WI, with the object of building a suitable place in which to hold functions for improving the social life of the Village residents.

The year following, a Committee consisting of representatives of all of the organisations of the Village under the Chairman Mr. W.T. Whitaker, Secretary Mrs. Moore, Treasurer Mrs. Corless, began work to raise funds.

The first set of plans were drawn up and ideas of the type of building discussed. The amount of capital available dictated what could be built. The population at that time was in the region of some 300 people.

A site for the venture was given by the late Mr. Butler-Cole and various donations followed from an appeal to the local tradespeople. Members who served jointly on the Parish Council and the Playing Fields Committee granted the use of the field to hold the usual functions for raising funds. The Parish Council were, by this time, made Trustees for the land.

With an Annual Sports Day, Christmas Fayre, Whist Drives, Car Rallies and an occasional Barn Dance organised over the period, the funds were beginning to build up and after some ten years the enthusiasm began to wane, as nothing in the way of a building seemed to materialise. This phase passed and finally in 1961, a London architect, Mr. G. Finch, drew up the design and in August 1962, tenders went out to the surrounding builders. Mr. P. Jackson of Morecambe was successful and his tender of £4,443 was accepted from 4 other tenders. Work did not commence until January 1964, with the foundation stone being laid by Mr. T. Quayle on 29 February 1964. Work proceeded slowly until the opening date, 28 November 1964.

The Opening Ceremony was performed by the late Mr. Butler-Cole’s daughter-in-law, accompanied by her husband who donated a further plot of land at the rear of the building, to be used as a car park or for future extensions.

Over the period of 17 years, form the commencement of the project, some 8 Secretaries and approximately 80 members of the Village served on the Committee, under the same Chairman and original Treasurer. Much help has been given by Village residents who were not on the Committee, which has been most valuable.

At the present time the Hall has Evening Classes on 3 nights, Whist Drive on 1 night, Youth Club, Occasional Dances, Concerts and Exhibitions, also occasional private bookings. No drink is allowed to be sold on the premises.”

The happy point of this story is that after so many years of hard work and some frustration, the building started its life free of debt, an effort of which we, a Village of approximately 400 population, are very proud indeed and hope to remain so for many years to come.