When we picture local village halls we often think of parish council meetings, dance classes, pre-schools and birthday parties.
Ahead of Village Halls Week, Community Buildings team member Hannah, explored some of the more innovative and unusual activities that take place in these community spaces. Even her dog Isla got to take part! Here’s a round up of some of the more unusual activities taking place!
Short mat bowls
There is an emerging trend of Short Mat Bowls clubs popping up in community buildings around the county. Short mat bowls is a variation of the traditional outdoor game of lawn bowls, played on a shorter mat indoors. The aim of the game is to roll a heavy ball along a flat surface and get your bowls nearer to the jack than your opponents’. It’s suitable for all ages and abilities .
You can find out more information via Hampshire County Short Mat Bowls Association via this link.
Armchair Theatre and Table Reads
For literary fans who don’t want to act, Armchair Theatre attendees come together to read scripts like a radio play or a table read in film making. Perhaps you’re a lover of Arthur Miller, or you want to brush up on your Shakespeare, why not invite others along for a table read of a play and make an evening of it!
Top tips for organising your table read:
- Select a location: Table reads can take place anywhere, from a living room to a Hollywood studio to a village hall. All you need is a clean, comfortable location that can fit the participants. Whichever location you choose, make sure that it is relatively quiet—you don’t want background noise distracting from the script reading.
- Arrange your ‘cast’: Arrange your cast around a large table so they are all visible. It’s also helpful to place name tags in front of each actor with their character’s name.
- Print out scripts: Make sure that every member of the cast has a printed copy of the script (or has bought along their own copy of the play), as well as one for everyone who is watching the table read if applicable (audiences are optional).
- Provide refreshments: Table reads can last a long time – depending on the script you choose! A light snack or meal before or after the table read can help your cast stay focused and energised. The cast should also have access to water during the reading, as they’ll be talking a lot.
Fun for your pets
Perhaps less unusual but fun all the same, village halls are a great place to host puppy training classes or dog shows. My pup and I had great fun at a puppy agility session in a community building near us (although she looks far more like a kangaroo than a dog when going over the hurdles)! Local dog trainers may be happy to host the session, bringing along their equipment to provide lots of fun for both humans and hounds!
If the above doesn’t take your fancy, you could try to alternative approach to the more usual activities – a board game or murder mystery event, a jam night rather than a booked band, or perhaps some Morris dancing! Whether you’re a village hall committee member looking for fun activities for your next community event, or a local wanting to start a new hobby, why not make some enquiries and see about bringing some innovative activities to your village!
We can offer support and guidance on running a village halls. We run briefing sessions and can involve you in forums.
Follow this link for more details
