This is the fifth part of the history of Trumpington Village Hall. For an introduction to the series, see History of Trumpington Village Hall.
An early Minute Book of the Village Hall Trustees has recently been traced, covering the period from 1924 to 1951. The first entry (4 April 1924) records William W. Pemberton being appointed as Treasurer and Secretary and charges being confirmed for the hire of the hall and individual facilities, such as the use of the kitchen, with gas for cooking paid for by a 1d in the slot meter. Users at this time included the British Legion, Women’s Institute and Horticultural Society. There was an agreement with the Men’s Institute defining the use of the Billiard Room, Reading Room and offices. The Men’s Institute was a popular venue, but in 1929 the Trustees were alarmed to learn that gambling was taking place, which the Trustees viewed “with great concern as it affects the very existence of the Institute and they beg to warn the members that the practice must cease!” A few months later, the Men’s Institute proposed to restrict their gambling to Cribbage, Solo Whist, Whist, Nap, Don or Spoof, with a maximum stake of 6d, but this was rejected by the Trustees, who decided to end the tenancy agreement with the Institute. The Institute was forced to reorganise itself and introduce new rules, which included No Gambling being permitted on the premises, but the Rev. A.C. Moule remained dissatisfied with the conduct of the Men. In 1930, the Trustees were concerned at reports of unsatisfactory conduct at a dance, resulting in an injury to the caretaker, and it was agreed that no one should be admitted to a dance after 9 pm.
Village Hall Engagements, 1924-25
(from the Parish Magazine)
November
4. British Legion (evening)
5. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
6. W.I. (evening)
8. Cricket Club (evening)
11. British Legion (evening)
12. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
13. Grantchester W.I., Group Meeting (afternoon)
18. G.F.S. (evening)
19. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
20. Football Club (evening)
25. G.F.S. (evening)
26. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
27. Horticultural Society, Dinner (evening)
28. Mothers’ Union (evening)
29. Cricket Club (evening)
December
2. G.F.S. (evening), British Legion (evening)
3. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
4. W.I. (evening)
5. T.V.T.C. Dinner (evening)
6. Tennis Club (evening)
9. G.F.S. (afternoon and evening)
10. Rug-making (afternoon), Dancing Classes (evening)
13. British legion (evening)
17. Dancing Classes (evening)
18. Missionary Sale (afternoon)
20. British Legion (evening)
26. Dancing Class Dance, Children (evening)
27. Dancing Class Dance, Adults (evening)
31. Football Club (evening)
January
1. W.I. (evening)
6. British Legion (evening)
7. Dancing Classes (evening)
10. British Legion (evening)
14. Dancing Classes (evening)
15. Football Club (evening)
21. Dancing Classes (evening)
23. Mothers’ Union (afternoon)
24. W.I. (evening)
28. Dancing Class (evening)
29. Girl Guides (evening)
31. British Legion (evening)
February
3. British Legion (evening)
4. Dancing Class (evening)
5. W.I. (evening)
7. Tennis Club (evening)
11. Dancing Classes (evening)
12. British Legion (evening)
18. Dancing Class (evening)
19. Football Club (evening)
26. Mrs. W. Pemberton’s Concert (evening)
27. Mothers’ Union (afternoon)
28. British Legion (evening)
March
3. British legion (evening)
4. Dancing Classes (evening)
5. W.I. (evening)
7. W.I. (evening)
11. Dancing Classes (evening)
12. British Legion (evening)
18. Dancing Classes (evening)
19. Football Club (evening)
25. Dancing Classes (evening)
28. British Legion
Continue with the next part of the history of Trumpington Village Hall.