The History of Dodford Village Hall
Dodford came to life in the early 1850's with the construction of the final Charist Village. FergusO'Connor M.P. was responsible for the building of five Charist Villages. Originally there was no school, church,shop , public house or meeting place but gradually over the years these were added as the community of Dodford established itself.
Dodford has been served by a village hall since 1863, when the original building also acted as a church. When Dodford became its own parish in 1908, a new church was built, and the hall began to take on a life of its own.
After the First World War, the hall was renamed to honour the nine brave men of Dodford who gave their lives. From then on, it became known as Dodford Memorial Hall. At that time, the hall stood at the front of what is now the Village Hall car park.
By the early 1970s, the old wooden hall was showing its age. Under the leadership of Stan Reavenall, plans were drawn up for a replacement. Designed by Gordon Williams in the style of the day, our present hall began to take shape. What followed was a true labour of love.
Over five years, the hall was built almost entirely by volunteers. Many of them worked full-time jobs, so evenings and weekends became dedicated to construction. At the same time, they rolled up their sleeves to raise funds through community events. It must have felt like a daunting challenge, but they persevered.
Thanks to their dedication, Dodford gained not just a new hall but a lasting symbol of community spirit. Today, fifty years on, the hall continues to thrive, hosting clubs, groups, and celebrations of all kinds. Like in the past, it still relies on the commitment of volunteers—proof that the spirit that built it is very much alive.
Here’s to the generations who shaped Dodford Village Hall, and to all who continue to keep it at the heart of village life.
The first event at the new hall was in 1979
Dodford Memorial Hall demolished around 1980
Nine Men of Dodford who died in WW1
Architect Image of New Hall.