This year marks a remarkable milestone for Hartington Village Hall – a beloved institution that has stood at the heart of village life for a century, serving as a place for connection, celebration and continuity across generations.
The story began in 1925 when Victor Thomas Perry, a merchant and grocer from Buxton and owner of Hartington’s Village Stores (still in operation today), purchased the land on which the Hall now stands.
He acquired it from Francis William Green, of York, who owned several village buildings, including a stable, a paint shop, and a joiners’ shop.
Perry envisioned the site as a ‘silent picture house’ or ‘place of amusement’ – an idea which would eventually evolve into what became known locally as Perry’s Room.
Hartington Beef Fair c1908 with food produce sellers outside Hartington Village Stores Photo: Hartingtonvillagehall.co.uk In 1926, Perry’s Room opened its doors, quickly becoming a cherished local hub. Residents fondly recalled Nona Greatbach accompanying silent film screenings on the piano, adding a touch of magic to the cinematic experience.
While its exact location remains uncertain, it’s believed to have occupied the former joiners’ shop – possibly incorporating a bakehouse where Perry himself baked bread for the Village Stores.
By 1929, Perry had sold the Village Stores to the Derwent Valley Co-operative Society, which went on to acquire part of the surrounding land the following year.
Despite the change in ownership, Perry’s Room continued to thrive as an entertainment venue. It is thought further construction and development took place during this period to expand the building and better accommodate community functions.
A 1933 diary entry by John Sherratt records the official opening of the venue, by then also known as the ‘Amusement Hall’. Photographs show around 110 people gathered in what appears to be the early incarnation of today’s Village Hall.
It quickly became a popular spot for dances, concerts, theatrical performances, and even the village’s first ‘talkie’ film screening. Harriet Broomhead, who lived on Hall Bank and worked as a cleaner at the Hall in the 1940s and ’50s, remembered films being shown in the space beneath the dance floor – affectionately known as ‘the cellar’.
During the Second World War, the Hall took on a more serious role. Used by the Royal Observer Corps for training and host to numerous fundraising events, it became integral to the local war effort. A dance in April 1943 and a Bring and Buy Sale helped raise funds towards purchasing the Hall from Perry, who had since relocated to Hampshire.
In 1944, the village succeeded in buying the Hall for £1,250. This significant community effort was led by Bert Ellis, who had been instrumental in its early days. The Hall became a central fixture of village life, hosting everything from school assemblies to Saturday night dances, even providing overflow space for Hartington C of E Primary School during the post-war years.
Elizabeth Waring (née Birch), daughter of the leader of Birch’s Band, fondly recalls: ‘One Saturday evening, after clearing away, we couldn’t find my father. Eventually he was discovered fast asleep behind the seating.’
Jen Brindley, a local resident and former pupil at the village school from 1946 to 1952, remembers: ‘Often we’d go to there for ‘Music and Movement’ provided through a crackly radio. Christmas parties were held too – followed by Santa Claus with his sack of presents. We were then sent home for a couple of hours before returning for the Christmas plays.’
The 1950s were a golden age for the Hall. A weekly dance club thrived and events drew large crowds. A highlight came when the BBC’s popular radio show Have a Go, hosted by Wilfred Pickles, was recorded there – drawing a crowd of 300 and bringing a touch of national fame to the village.
Craft fairs gained popularity in the 1980s and 90s – particularly the May Markets – bustling events where plant sales often drew eager queues. Proceeds went to the annual Church Flower Festival, reinforcing the Hall’s role in supporting wider village traditions.
The 1990s and early 2000s marked a period of revival. The Beresford Players were re-formed as Curtain Call, while new initiatives such as HYPAC (Hartington Young People’s Activity Club) brought renewed energy. The Hall also became the base for the Dovedale Dipper marathon – an event still going strong today.
A significant transformation came in 1996, when the Hall was remodelled to include a new entrance and extended facilities. By the early 2000s, a renewed sense of purpose emerged, with the Hall hosting a diverse mix of regular activities and one-off events.
In more recent years, extensive renovations – spearheaded by a new team of trustees and supported by robust fundraising – have ensured it remains fit for the future. A new roof was installed in 2019, followed by upgrades to heating, lighting and windows. These improvements, coupled with a full calendar of community activities, have brought new life to this cherished venue.
Today, Hartington Village Hall is a hive of activity. From yoga and fitness classes to children’s groups, meetings, weddings, parties, and special events, it continues to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
As the Hall celebrates its centenary, it does so not only in honour of its remarkable past but also in anticipation of a vibrant future.
A century on, it remains a beacon of community spirit – a place where stories are shared, milestones are marked and memories are made.
hartingtonvillagehall.co.uk
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