About

A village hall built and run by the community

Our story, our purpose, the people who keep the doors open and how we put every pound to good use.

Our story

Twenty years at the heart of Woolhope

Woolhope is a small, beautiful village in the rolling hills of east Herefordshire, surrounded by the orchards and woodland of the Woolhope Dome. For generations, village life has revolved around three places: the church, the pub and the parish hall.

The current Woolhope Parish Hall was rebuilt at the turn of the millennium and stands at the north end of Berryfield playing field, on land originally part of the churchyard. Since opening it has welcomed countless residents and visitors through its doors — for celebrations, concerts, exercise classes, public meetings and quiet weekday gatherings alike.

Today the hall is more than a building; it's the place neighbours meet, where children grow up performing their first nativity, where lifelong friendships start over a cup of tea after a Garden Club talk.

Illustration of the green countryside and bench by the parish hall

Mission & charitable purpose

What we do, in our own words

Woolhope Parish Hall is a registered charity (number 217216) in England and Wales. Our charitable object, as recorded with the Charity Commission, is:

"Provision and maintenance of a parish hall for use by the inhabitants of the area of benefit without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, including use for meetings, lectures and classes and other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants."

Inclusive

The hall serves everyone in the parish — without distinction of background, belief or means.

Community-led

Decisions are taken by a volunteer Trustee Committee drawn from the village.

Self-funded

Income comes from hire charges, grants and fundraising; every penny is reinvested in the hall.

Governance

Our trustees and how the hall is run

The hall is overseen by seven volunteer trustees, supported by ten regular volunteers who help with bookings, maintenance, fundraising and events. None of our trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity — their time is given freely.

Trustee Committee

Meets regularly to set policy, oversee finance and approve major expenditure. Open to nominations from the parish each AGM.

Bookings & admin

A volunteer bookings secretary manages enquiries, calendar and routine administration.

Buildings & grounds

Volunteer trustees coordinate cleaning, repairs, safety checks and grounds maintenance.

Reporting and transparency

We publish our accounts each year with the Charity Commission. Charity reporting is up to date and submitted on time.

Income & expenditure for year ending 31 December 2024
Total income£12,603
Total expenditure£8,239
Trustees7
Volunteers10
Trustee remunerationNone

View our full record on the Charity Commission register →

Get involved

Volunteer, join the committee, share an idea

A village hall only works because residents give their time. Whether you can help once a year at the fete or join us as a trustee, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch