| | Morton and Hanthorpe Village Hall History | | The village hall at Morton looks a modern building but its history began during the late 19th century when it started life as a Methodist Chapel. A Methodist society existed in the village as far back as 1846 although there was no sense of permanence until a Mr and Mrs Pinder arrived to live at nearby Stainfield. They had been prominent members of the Wesleyan Society at Kirkby Underwood and through their enthusiasm, members of the congregation began to plan for their own chapel. A site was purchased for £49 in 1889 and building work eventually began in the autumn of 1892 and was completed by December at a cost of £200 although fittings cost a further £150. | The chapel, which measured 40 feet by 27 feet with seating for 200 people, was built for just under £400, much of the money being raised by donations, a bazaar and sales of work. It was certified by the church for authorised worship the following year but it was not until March 1898 that the building was licensed for the solemnisation of weddings. The chapel lasted only 70 years and was closed during the winter of 1967 but sold two years later to the parish council and converted for use as the village hall that we see today. Although the refurbishment completely altered the appearance of the chapel, the original building can still be identified. | The New Village Hall was opened on May 5th 1972 by Dr. J.A. Galletly of Bourne, and is managed on behalf of the Village by 'The Morton & Hanthorpe Village Hall Committee'.
In 2005 the Village Hall has undergone further building improvements, to comply with government legislation and although the Village Hall has been extended over the years, the original Chapel can still be identified today. |
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