AS grant funding and lottery grants become harder to come by, the team behind Chagford’s Jubilee Hall is turning to the community for help with a proposed refurbishment and expansion project for the beloved facility.

The hall’s trustees have been hard at work for more than three years, trying to get a refurbishment programme launched to improve and expand the facilities at the hall, which was opened in 1936 in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of King George V. 

During this time they have consulted with local architects to look at viable options for the project and with the Dartmoor National Park Authority which has supported their efforts to improve the hall. There has also been significant community consultation during this period.

The initial plan was for a two-storey extension, but as time has gone on it became apparent to the board of trustees that the plans needed to be reduced in scope. This was due to an original estimated cost of between £500,000 and £600,000.

The current plans have three phases and an overall estimated cost of around £250,000. The first phase, with an estimated cost of £80,000 to £90,000, would include a heritage centre, a visitor information centre and improvements to the library.

The second phase would include improved toilets at the back of the auditorium, rather than behind the stage, and the third phase would see the installation of a bar and the construction of an entrance foyer.

Roger Stokes, chairman of the Jubilee Hall Trustees, said they had currently raised around £60,000 to put towards the first phase, but sourcing money had been a big stumbling block in moving the project forward.

He said: ‘Funding is proving almost impossible to find.

‘We had a flat rejection from the Big Lottery fund due to our postcode.

‘We are desperately trying to improve our community building but Chagford is apparently not “sufficiently deprived” enough to get lottery funding.

‘We are trying to get a contribution from the Section 106 agreement for the Bellacouch Meadow development for the community benefit aspect of our proposal and that would make an enormous difference to progress.

‘Ten to 15 years ago there was a push in the community to build a new hall.

‘The funny thing is that if that had been followed through, it would probably have been fine to get a lottery grant but since that time, lottery grants and private trusts have all dried up.

‘So we need to appeal to the community for help to raise the funds needed.

‘We have consulted with around 30 community groups about what we are doing and received a very positive response.

‘If we got the first phase done, and we are in touching distance, it would show that something is happening and should hopefully get more people involved.’

If you think you can help in any way with the fundraising efforts, please contact Roger Stokes at [email protected]