a little history of the hall

 

Here is a photo of Kingswear taken before the Hall was built (pre 1925).

 

8 December 1924 – article in local paper

 

Sir Thomas Lennard's Generous Gift to Kingswear

 

The generosity of Sir Thomas Lennard, of Kingswear Court, has made possible the provision of a parish hall for Kingswear. Sir Thomas has bought an old block of property in the centre of the village (this can be seen in the photo) and these buildings are to be demolished to allow an up-to-date 'clubhouse' to be erected. The plan has been approved. It is understood that on the top floor there will be accommodation for a cinema and similar performance, with billiards and other rooms on the ground floor. Lady Lennard is interested in the Girl Guides so it is possible they may have their headquarters there.

 

4 July 1925

During the building of the Hall a stone was laid by Lady Lennard as Captain of the 1st Kingswear Girl Guides.

 

12 December 1925 – article in local paper

 

Kingswear Hall which Sir Thomas Lennard has had built for the Girl Guides and public purposes, was opened on Saturday afternoon by Lady Clinton, Devon County Commissioner of Girl Guides. Sir Thomas presided and said the erection of the building was the result of his admiration for the Girl Guide movement. The main (upper) hall seats two hundred whilst a men’s club would occupy the lower portion of the hall with two full size billiard tables. It is thought to have cost £6,000 and has been registered with the Official Trustee of Charity lands

 

Here are a few more snippets from the local papers -

 

On the 11 February 1940 an ARP exercise was carried out in Kingswear. The casualties were taken to the first-aid post in Kingswear Hall.

In the late 50’s or early 60’s the Lower Hall was renamed as the Red Cross room. Children used to attend to learn First Aid run by Nursey (Dot Pine), loved by all.

 

In 1966 it was reported that Kingswear Hall was close to bankruptcy and would be a loss to the village.

 

Mrs Nora Wiggins chairman of the new Hall Committee voiced her fears at the quarterly meeting of the Kingswear Residents Association, she though it would have to be sold or possibly demolished.

 

Fortunately the hall is still here and managed by an enthusiastic team of trustees !