Bansfield Benefice Hall
Re-dedication of the Hall (9th Jan 2011)
The Freda Fenton Legacy
The Freda Fenton legacy.
Plaque unveiling following the Hall re-dedication by the Niece of Mrs Fenton, (Mrs Diana Clarke).
The Bansfield Benefice Hall was re-dedicated on the 9th January 2011 following the benefice service in All Saints' church. The money for this project was donated from a bequest made from the Will of Mrs Freda May Fenton. A dedication plaque was unveiled in the Hall by Freda's niece, Mrs Diana Clarke, following a short speech in which she talked about the life of Mrs Fenton and her affection for Wickhambrook village and its church. She went on to say how much Freda would have appreciated her legacy being used for this purpose. In addition to financing the hall refurbishment the legacy paid for the relaying on the church car park, hymn books and charitable giving. Over 50 people attended the ceremony inside a packed hall on a bright winter's day.
The Plaque which is inside the hall reads
The Fenton Plaque
"This Benefice Hall was refurbished in 2010 thanks to the generosity of a legacy from the late Freda May Fenton. May she rest in Peace."
Renovation of the Hall (2010)
During 2010 the Bansfield Benefice Hall was completely restored. The work undertaken includes, re-flooring, re-wiring, re-roofing, new cupboards, new glazing, disabled toilet facilities, new kitchen and new heaters. The work commenced on the 15th August 2010. Details can be found on the Bansfield Benefice Blog. Further report instalments of the work can also be found on the Benefice Blog.
A great deal of thanks must be given to Michael McEvoy who project managed the work, overseeing its completion on the 12th October 2010.
The Hall's Role
Benefice Hall viewed from the road looking South
The Bansfield Benefice Hall is the building available for all the churches of the Benefice to use for events and meetings. It is in the churchyard of All Saints' Church Wickhambrook and is also their church hall.
The Benefice Hall is used for many purposes including: after service refreshments; Benefice Jam Club meetings and activities; Benefice Monday night study group; Benefice committee meetings; Benefice Lenten Study Group; Benefice Lenten Lunches; Deanery Synod meetings; Benefice Traidcraft coffee mornings; Fund raising events; and other ad hoc meetings.
History of the Hall
The Hall was probably built in the 1820s although the exact date of its construction is not currently known. It was used as the Wickhambrook school room. This role was supplanted with the advent of the opening of the Wickhambrook Primary School in 1878. Following this it became the church hall for All Saints' Wickhambrook. Then with the creation of the Bansfield Benefice it also took on the role of Bansfield Benefice Hall. It became the Benefice Hall in 2001.
Previous refurbishment (2003)
Previously the hall was refurbished and redecorated in 2003 by virtue of very kind donation of materials and workmanship by members of the parishes of the seven churches of the Bansfield benefice. Special thanks must be extended to Roger Alexander, Rupert & Gill Green and Mike Chester for workmanship. Also thanks must be extended to those anonymous donors who paid for the paints used and for having the floor resealed.
Inside the hall - it has seating for 40 people - Taken 2003
Inside the hall - showing the storage area for the Jam club - Taken 2003
Benefice Hall viewed from the road looking West - Taken 2003
|