Work starts today on the first stage of a project to rejuvenate Frittenden Memorial Hall after the community raised more than £100,000 to fund repairs.

Money was gathered though events such as a Village Run as well as by grants and individual donations.

The chairman of the hall committee Rosalind Riley said the committee had decided to take advantage of the fact that the hall was closed anyway because of lockdown to press ahead with the work - which is due to be completed by the summer.

She said: "The Memorial Hall is the focus of a great deal of village life and also attracts many organisations from outside Frittenden.

"It was sad that we had to close the hall for so much of last year, but when it re-opens it will be much improved.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support we have had in fund-raising and in the planning for the refurbishment."

Phase one of the work includes opening up the interior of the hall to make the most of available space, providing new picture windows and glass doors to give extensive views over the countryside from the hall's elevated position, re-roofing and re-cladding the exterior and improving insulation.

The work will be done by Mepham and Wood Carpentry and Construction from Biddenden.

Fund raising is continuing and further grants being sought to complete the refurbishment.

The committee additionally wants to instal a new heating system, a new kitchen, and upgraded toilets, together with rewiring throughout.

There are also plans to make a new entrance and create a new meeting room off the main hall.

The hall is held in trust by the Charity Commission and run by a management committee of volunteers.

Representatives of village organisations which use the hall sit on the committee as trustees.

They include delegates from the Parish Council, Parochial Church Council, Women's Institute, Gardening Society, Historical Society, Cricket Club, and Royal British Legion.

The Memorial Hall Trust was established in 1951 and the hall was built in 1963.

For further details, visit the Frittenden Memorial Hall Facebook page.

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