Lockerley community comes together to secure the future of their village hall
Lockerley and East Dean’s community is set to take another big step forward this summer as work begins on a major upgrade to the village hall, supported by £117,504 from Test Valley Borough Council’s Community Delivery Fund. The project is the next chapter in a village‑wide effort to strengthen local resilience, reduce isolation and create a welcoming space that future generations can rely on.
Over the past year, the hall has seen a remarkable revival driven entirely by local people. A newly energised management committee has helped spark a wave of community events, from the monthly Lock Inn pop‑up pub to regular youth club sessions, sold‑out quiz nights and gatherings that bring residents of all ages together. These activities have helped rebuild connections, supported people through rising costs and ensured the hall remains a focal point of village life.
This investment in the roof and insulation is a key step in futureproofing the hall, creating a space that can support local residents and activities all year round. A warmer, more efficient building will make the hall more comfortable for everything from baby groups and coffee mornings to wellbeing sessions and the mobile post office. The upgrade also lays the groundwork for future improvements such as solar panels and further sustainability measures, helping the hall evolve with the needs of the village.
The project has brought together residents, volunteers and local organisations, with the Parish Council contributing £5,000 and the hall committee raising funds through a growing calendar of community‑run events. The works have been carefully planned for the summer holidays to minimise disruption to the primary school next door and the many groups that rely on the hall each week.
Councillor Stewart Macdonald, portfolio holder for community led projects, said; “What’s happening in Lockerley is a brilliant example of what a community can achieve when people come together with a shared purpose. This project is being driven by passion, pride and a real desire to create something lasting for the whole village. Our support through the Community Delivery Fund helps that vision move from ambition to reality. This upgrade will strengthen local resilience, support the hall’s growing programme of activities and leave a legacy that will benefit Lockerley for many years to come.”
The roof replacement is expected to begin in July and be completed in early autumn. It forms part of a wider vision for the hall, with longer‑term plans to make the building more sustainable, more affordable to run and better equipped to support the wide range of activities the community is keen to deliver.
Together, these improvements will help ensure Lockerley’s village hall remains a warm, vibrant and dependable space at the heart of rural life shaped by the community, for the community.
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