Memorial

Village Hall 1914-18

Boulmer

Memorial Name: Village Hall 1914-18 (B49.02)

NEWMP Ref No.: B49.02

Parish: Boulmer

Original Location:

Village hall

Which War:

1914-18

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

Opened 4th August 1920 by Arthur Scholefield.

Materials Used:

Galvanised iron with wood lining.

Cost:

Purchased at Berwick for £250, including £20 for motor transport and £56 10s for dismantling and re-erection.

How Money was Raised:

Money was advanced by George Middlemiss of Boulmer Hall free of interest.
A fund was started to raise money by public subscription.
The site was granted by the Duke of Northumberland at a peppercorn rent.

Inscription:

None

Memorial Description:

Village Hall.

This is a former army hut, 60 feet long x 21 feet wide (18.2 m x 6.4 m).

It has corrugated outside walls, is unadorned and has no dedication stone.

The Interior is divided into cloakrooms, kitchen and main assembly room with platform.

Names:

None

Notes:

1. All the painting and fitting was done by voluntary labour.

2. The Opening ceremony of the hall was accompanied by a massive sale of work and bazaar which raised £201 0s 2½d.

3. A visit from a researcher in 2005 showed that there is War Memorial crockery still in use.

4. It was in a dilapidated state a few years ago, but strenuous efforts have been made to reinstate it, and it is much in use.

Sources:

Photos: Janet Brown

Alnwick and County Gazette
29/05/1920 announces purchase of hall, the loan of funds and the proposed opening;
07/08/1920 reports peppercorn rent, voluntary work and sale of work;
27/08/1921 reports a final sale of work which cleared the debt.

Newcastle Daily Journal
06/08/1920 reports unveiling last Wednesday, costs about £400