Peasmarsh hall gains winin Sussex Heritage Awards

The hall received the Public and Community Award for the restoration or new project which provides or improves facilities for the community.

The hall underwent improvements following a long-running local fund-raising campaign that involved everyone from the W.I to local Brownies and Peasmarsh supermarket Jempsons.

The project eventually gained National Lottery funding in August 2012.

The new-look hall was designed by Rye based architects Mannington Duffie. The architect for the project was Dominic Manning.

The designer, who also received an individual award, was Grey Metcalf.

Also named in the award were the craftsman, Simon Bartlett of Woodland Joiners, the contractor, Gary White of Kenwhite Developments and the structural engineer, Alan Turner, of Tribrach Associates.

The Hall was erected in the 1920’s in memory of the men who gave their lives in the First World War.

Dominic Manning said: “The existing Hall has a lightweight timber frame erected above a raised concrete plinth with under floor heating.

“The cladding was replaced with oak weatherboarding with insulation and the original pantile roof was stripped, allowing the original timbers to be exposed.

“The concrete floor was retained and a new false floor introduced. All works exceed current building regulation standards for insulation.”

The handsome commemorative plaque will shortly be displayed in the lobby.

The Hall Committee is thrilled with this award and would like to congratulate all the experts who contributed to the realisation of the longtime dream of a new hall – especially Grey, who chaired the committee.

The hall is used for a wide range of community activities including fitness classes, Guides and Brownies and for parish council meetings.

All areas of the hall have full disability access including disabled toilet facilities and induction loop as well as baby changing facilities .

Stephen Jempson said: “The village hall is a central part of our community life.”

The only other project in the Rye area to gain a Sussex Heritage Award was Norman House in West Street, Rye.

The project included the re-instatement of brick-work at the Grade 2 Listed Georgian house which occupies an important position within the Rye Conservations Area.