THE first village hall to be built in Surrey since the war was opened and dedicated at Ellens Green on Saturday. (ed. note: 21/04/1951)

This tiny village, part of the parish of Ewhurst, has only 300 names on the electoral roll; yet nearly £3,000 was donated and collected by residents towards the cost of the hall.

The scheme was begun soon after the war. A public meeting held to decide upon a war memorial, felt that a hall was greatly needed in the village. Work was delayed for a year but finally, with Mr. John Brownrigg, of Brownrigg & Turner, Guildford, as the architect, and Hall & Co. Ltd. Witley, as contractors, the building began in 1947, on land given by Mrs Thursby (then Mrs. Carlos Clarke). Part of the material used was from an old barn at Witley, bought by the committee, and the weathered tiles harmonise with the new red brick and green piping and guttering.

Inside rough beams are combined with cream-washed walls, rust paint-work and a polished oak floor. The hall itself measures 50ft. by 35ft.; off it are a committee room, electrically supplied kitchen, cloakrooms, and a stage dressing room. The stage is one of the few things which remain to be finished.

The hall is distinguished by the huge window space, facing the road which gives admirable light inside.

A grant of £2,500 was received from the Carnegle Trust, through the National Council of Social Service, and a local resident, Madame de la Fregonniere (then Mrs. Gillson) gave £1,500. Much of the remainder was raised through fetes and other village activities. The cinder road leading to the hall was laid by local voluntary helpers.

A committee of local people planned and organised each development, with Mr. E. E. Kemp. a solicitor, as chairman, and Miss McGrigor as secretary.

The hall was filled on Saturday for the opening ceremony, performed by Brig. W. R. Selby, of Guildford, a member of the National Council of Social Service. He said, the scheme was a “magnificent effort” on the part of all who had been concerned and added, “What every village wants is a community centre.” He was introduced by Mr. Kemp. who thanked every person who had helped with organisation or financially.

Previously Canon C. R. Pattison Muir dedicated the Memorial Hall and led prayers. The names of those from the village who were killed on active service during the war were read- Jack Bellchamber, Howard T. de B. Brown-Greaves, H., J. MacLeish and Peter R. Port. Rudgwick Church choir led the hymns.

After tea, those present enjoyed a concert introduced by Rex Leslie and including Raymond Newell. B.B.C baritone.

First World War

Barnett, Charles
Elliott, Thomas
Etherington, Alfred
Jenkins, Alfred
Jenkins, Frank
Kilham, Harry
Smithers, Ernest
Woodley, Benjamin

Second World War

Belchamber, Jack
Macliesh, Hugh
Brown-Greaves, Howard
Port, Peter