History

Tregoney Village Hall 

(1943 – 1983)

Tregony Village Hall and the land it now occupies was paid for by public donation during and immediately following WW2. 

First mention of a ‘New Village Hall’ appeared in a newsletter produced by the Tregoney War Charities Committee during the Second World War. The monthly newsletter was entitled ‘Tregoney Happenings’ (spelt with an ‘e’ in those days) and was sent to all serving men and women in the forces between 1943 and 1945. It was created and edited by F. M. Greet, a man of considerable foresight. The first newsletter was dated 1 November 1943.

A new Tregony Branch of the British Legion had ‘… just been formed, with Mr H. Moore, Chairman, Mr A. Barnicoat, Hon. Secretary, and Mr A. Greet, Treasurer.’  The President was J.C. Stephens, Esquire. The newsletter continues … ‘Two meetings have been held, and arrangements are being made to have concerts, etc., to start the funds, so that when our men and women come back the Branch will be on a good footing, and initial plans laid for helping to make Tregoney the place we should like it to be. The membership is now 30.’[1]

The first issue of “The Happenings” arrived on the day of the War Charities Fete which raised £47. About 150 were sold, and the Committee and friends were very pleased and want it continued.[2] It was in this December 1943 issue that the very first mention of a new hall (and other important future developments in Tregoney) appeared under a heading that was to become a regular feature:

THEY SAY … that the proposed Senior School may still be built in Tregoney, and that the sites for Workers Cottages are being planned. Those interested in our New Hall Discussions should note.[3]

By February 1944, it was reported that the first Annual Meeting of the Tregony British Legion had taken place on January 11th, with a membership of 30 ex Service men plus six honorary, and £26 in hand since its formation in October 1943.[4] The purpose of the initiative was becoming clear … ‘ … especially now that it is agreed to raise funds towards a New Hall and Club, which is very necessary so that when our boys come home they will find that we have made at least some plans and have also a fund ready to start immediately.[5]

[1] “Tregoney Happenings” 1st November 1943

[2] “Tregoney Happenings” 1st December 1944

[3] ibid.

[4] “Tregoney Happenings” 2nd February 1944

[5] Ibid.