Newton Valence Social Centre is a registered charity (Number 301901). The charitable purpose is “the provision and maintenance of a Social Centre for the use of the inhabitants of Newton Valence and the neighbourhood without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions, and in particular for 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 said inhabitants”.

Newton Valence Social Centre is also known locally as the Village Hall. The building used to be the village school, built in the 1870’s but which closed in the 1920’s. Since then, it was used sporadically until it closed and fell into disrepair. In the early 1990s it was re-opened after a refurbishment with, inter alia, a new roof, the installation of oil-fired central heating, a rudimentary kitchen and bar.

Over the last 30 years that the Social Centre has been in regular use the number of activities run by the Social Centre Trustees and Newton Valence Sports & Social Club has grown considerably. In addition to regular meetings of the Trustees, the Committee, the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council the Social Centre is used for yoga classes, core fitness classes, live music events, quizzes, summer barbecues, craft workshops, Polling Station and lunch clubs. The bar is open every Friday evening manned by village volunteers. A recent addition has been a library provided by residents donating books. The building is also available for hire for private functions. All these activities generate income to cover the cost of utilities and all profits have been saved in the knowledge that renovations and improvements would be needed.

As the use of the Social Centre has grown it was agreed by the Trustees that planning permission should be sought to extend the building and improve the facilities. The intention is to build a single storey extension to the rear which will be used for multiple purposes including extra seating capacity for popular events such as quiz nights, for bands playing at live music events and for storage of tables, chairs and sports/leisure equipment when not in use.  Improved facilities will include access for the elderly and disabled and include modern toilets (e.g. replacing urinals in the gents), a bigger kitchen with enhanced cooking facilities such as an oven, microwave, hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher - none of which the existing small kitchen has making hosting the lunch club and serving hot meals at functions much easier and more convenient. The installation of more efficient heating by replacing the existing oil-fired hot water boiler and radiators with a wood burning stove and electric radiators, increasing the insulation, replacing the existing lighting with LEDs and the renewal of the old electrical wiring and sockets will enhance safety throughout the building, respond to climate change and reduce ongoing utility costs substantially.

Planning permission has been granted by East Hampshire District Council. Please click on the link for full details. https://planningpublicaccess.southdowns.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=P5OSD0TUJ3100&activeTab=summary

A Specification was drawn up by a firm of Architects which has recently been approved by Building Control. This specification has been used to invite competitive tenders from 3 local builders and quotations have been received from all. The price variation between the 3 firms was less than 10% so the Trustees now have an accurate knowledge of the funds needed to complete the work.

The Social Centre Trustees are:

Pip Lucas (Chair)

Mike Buckland

Bob Fewings

Les Hewett

Rev. Carrie Walshaw