The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A special memorial event has been held at a village hall which is thriving despite threats of closure over the years.
Whaplode Drove Memorial Hall was officially opened on November 22, 1952, to honour those who lost their lives in the two world wars.
It was commissioned in January 1945, before the end of World War Two, on a parcel of land bought for £50.
Plans were approved on November 17, 1948, work started on October 31, 1950 and the official opening came two years later by MP for Holland and Boston, Herbert Butcher.
It’s served the village ever since providing vital space for the community.
The hall had been threatened with closure several times and a final public meeting was held in June 2013, but a last ditch attempt to save it was backed and it now continues to be well supported.
Malcolm Chandler, a committee member, said: “The Memorial Hall played a pivotal part in the community.
“We have worked so hard during COVID to make sure this Memorial Hall will be used for many years to come.
“The committee works hard and puts on wonderful food for each occasion. We have already seen many organisations use the hall and all wonder where they would go if we hadn’t refurbished it and got it looking good for us all to use and enjoy.”
To mark the 70th anniversary a breakfast was held with veterans, Holbeach Air Cadets and dignitaries followed by a service at the hall.
Organiser Jan Whitbourn said: “I would like to say thank you to Helen Anderson who has been amazing, she is the chief organiser for the catering and did an amazing job for us all to enjoy before the service.
“Thank you to Ken Willows, Tony Fell, the standard bearers, the cadets and all the veterans who came to enjoy the day to help make the service eventful.”
