There has been a Village Hall on the present Bank Road site since 1925, when a group of enterprising villagers procured an ex-army hut from Harrogate Barracks. This was essentially a wooden building, initially with a coal – fired heating system which existed until 1966 when a new oil fired boiler was installed. 1966 provided a turning point with the addition of a bar, fitted out by West Bromwich Brewery; again a lean – to wooden extension, this continued in service until the late 1990’s.
In the early days of Little Witley Jazz, back in the 1980’s, the old building was affectionately known as the “Chicken Shack” by the Jazz fraternity. An article on the village hall is contained on the BBC Domesday project from 1986 when the hall was celebrating its diamond jubilee, the article shows a photo with the De Krukke carnival band from Holland. More information on Jazz at Little Witley is available on the Jazz at Little Witley page.
The last ten years has seen major refurbishment and re – building, so that the present hall is a fully brick – built structure incorporating a smart new lounge bar, new toilet and kitchen facilities, a fully furnished terrace, a tarmac car park and landscaped surroundings.
Many of these improvements were made possible by grants from the National Lottery, although fund raising efforts by the village have also contributed significantly. The Village Hall is very much the centre of social and cultural life in Little Witley. As well as being the home venue for village organisations – the Parish Council and W.I. – many outside bodies such as Caravan, Cycling and Pony Clubs take advantage of the excellent facilities and superb setting, and views which the Hall enjoys.
The Hall Management and Social Committees has for many years organised a lively programme of social events, notable amongst which is the Jazz Club which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2001. Individuals or groups are very welcome to hire the Hall at very reasonable rates for private functions. Little Witley is proud of its Village Hall – long may it continue to provide the main focus of Village Life.