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Our Story

The Martlesham Community Hall buildings were built between 1987 and 1993 on land leased to Martlesham Parish Council.

The large Community Hall building was completed in 1987. It was built with funds from Martlesham Parish Council and Martlesham Community Council (a local charity), together with a donation from Bradford Property Trust – the developers of Martlesham Heath.

One of Martlesham Heath’s first residents, Les Hutchinson MBE, designed, prepared drawings for and obtained planning permission to build the Community Hall. Les also volunteered to manage the build.

The Hall was built by local contractors FJ Construction, from foundations to roof with all the internal walls in situ. Volunteers completed the remaining work – including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, building a stage, fitting the kitchen and decorating. Staff and prisoners from HMP Hollesley Bay plastered the ceilings and walls as part of a community project. The Parish Council provided a grant for materials and BT agreed to sell some redundant electrical switch gear and fluorescent lighting fittings.

The Community Hall was formally opened on 24 April 1987 by the Chief Constable of Suffolk, Stuart Whiteley CBE.

It was soon obvious there was demand for a smaller room, for club and group meetings and parties. Martlesham Parish Council were also looking for a permanent office and meeting room, as their work increased due to a rapidly rising population.

In 1991 Les Hutchinson was again commissioned to submit drawings for a second building – for a community room together with an office and meeting room for the Parish Council. The new building was funded by the Parish Council and opened in July 1992. The community room was named the “Richards Room” after Mr & Mrs Ivor Richards, who worked strenuously for the community in Martlesham; Ivor Richards being Chairman of Martlesham Parish Council for many years.

The two buildings and facilities are administered by the Management Committee of (Registered Charity) Martlesham Community Hall – with a forty year lease from the Parish Council started in 1992, with a yearly rent of £1.

Our Organisation.