Shiplake Memorial Hall
The hall was opened in 1927.
A major modernisation of the Hall replacing the antiquated kitchen and toilets, building a new entrance and replacing the existing leaky flat roofs with insulated pitched roofs was formally opened on 26th October 2013. The picture shows the hall before the modernisation.
Updating your Will? - Please Remember the Memorial Hall
Shiplake Memorial Hall is a registered charity and a vital asset for our community, being used for many different events, classes, amateur dramatics and functions. Built over 90 years ago, the structure is now showing its age and the trustees are planning for a number of major capital refurbishment projects that will be needed during the coming years. Although income currently just covers operating costs, paying for major project work relies on fund raising and grants, plus a small reserve fund built up over the years. We need to try and build up our reserves much more to enable future major repairs and improvements, for example, replacing and insulating the main roof which is likely to cost around £100,000.
If you are updating your will, why not include a legacy to the hall to contribute to helping ensure that the hall continues to be available for future generations? Gifts to charities bequeathed by will are exempt from Inheritance Tax.
Hall Status Update July 2023
The annual Report and Audited Accounts for the Memorial Hall for 2022 are now available by clicking 2022 accounts
The highlights for 2022 were:
- a small loss after depreciation
- continuing dependence on the income from the flat and hire of the field to remain financially viable, the hire income of the hall itself only covered 58% of operating costs in 2022
- commencement of the project to totally refurbish the former old billiard room, (previously occupied by the nursery), so it can be let to a commercial tenant to help secure financial viability against a background of escalating costs, especially utility costs
The biggest challenge facing the hall is:
- filling the one current trustee vacancy and replacing those long serving trustees who wish to retire by 2024 with appropriately skilled replacements, (particularly relevant skills would be people with a building services/surveying, or people management, or legal, or financial background)
Remember: The hall cannot continue to operate without sufficient committed trustees
For further information about the role of trustees please email chair@shiplakehall.com
Article created / last edited: 19 July 2023
Calling all film enthusiasts and anyone else interested in helping launch community film nights at Shiplake Memorial Hall
We have successfully acquired all the necessary film equipment at the hall and now we’re looking to set up a film committee who will help run monthly film nights.
We already have one very keen volunteer who has offered to join the committee but we are now looking for additional volunteers to join the committee to launch, promote and run this project. We are particularly looking for people with the following skills:
- Film enthusiasts
- Technical knowledge
- Website build
- Marketing and design
But we would welcome anyone who is happy to get stuck in and help drive this project forward as well as additional people to volunteer on the actual nights to run the bar etc.
Ideally, we would like to run our first night at the end of November so we’re keen to get started with the planning now!
If you are interested in getting involved in this sociable, exciting community project, please email me on lottie@shiplakehall.com or call on 07704 158724 to chat about how you would like to be involved.
Many thanks
Lottie Pheasant
Hall Manager, Shiplake Memorial Hall
Article created / last edited: 9 October 2022
The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will be shown live at Shiplake Memorial Hall
On Monday 19th September 2022, the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will be shown live on a large screen at Shiplake Memorial Hall.
The hall will be open from 10am to 3pm to allow members of our community to come together in paying our respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
Tea, coffee and cake will be provided but please feel free to bring your own refreshments if you wish to.
Pop in any time – everyone is welcome.
Article created / last edited: 20 September 2022
Shiplake Memorial Hall Update: We are now recruiting for new Trustees and 2021 Annual Report and Accounts
The 2021 annual report and accounts for Shiplake Memorial Hall have been formally signed off by an External Examiner and are now available to view on the Charity Commission website. (Search for Shiplake Memorial Hall or Charity number 1182572).
Trustees Required: Two of the existing long-standing trustees will shortly retire and the hall would like to hear from any local residents who would be interested in becoming trustees and help ensure the continuation of this valuable community asset. The hall has an excellent team of staff who look after the day-to-day operations, the primary job of the seven trustees is to:
- Steer the strategic direction of the hall
- Ensure it meets its charitable objectives and remains financially viable
- Provide advice and assistance to the staff when required
No previous trustee experience is necessary, just a willingness to contribute to the life of the community. A background in, for example, general management, facilities management, or HR would be a bonus.
The trustees do most of their work via a mixture of telephone and email discussions, together with usually four formal meetings per year.
For more information, please email chair@shiplakehall.com or call Bob Partridge on 07860 318196
Article created / last edited: 8 October 2022
Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night on Friday 6 May 2022
Following the success of our Quiz Nights pre Covid, Shiplake Memorial is hosting another Quiz Night on:
Friday 6 May 2022 at 7:45pm with the quiz starting at 8pm
We are fundraising for the hall itself - a wonderful community asset which needs your support to survive. We will also be having a collection on the night for Ukraine.
Bring a team of 6-8 people or we can put you in a team.
Tickets £10 each which includes nibbles and two bottles of wine on each table.
Please remember that our previous Quiz Nights sold out very fast with a number of people on the waiting list – get your tickets now or risk bring disappointed!!
If you would like to book tickets, please email: lottie@shiplakehall.com.
For further information see the poster here.
Article created / last edited: 11 May 2022
Save the date! SMH Quiz Night on Friday 6 May 2022
The very popular Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night is back!
Our next Quiz Night wil take place on Friday 6 May 2022 and this time we will be fundraising for much needed new crockery for the hall kitchen.
Further details to follow shortly on how to book your tickets.
Article created / last edited: 8 October 2022
Shiplake Memorial Hall will be open again on Sunday between 10am and midday for charging electrical items and hot water
Based on the demand today, Shiplake Memorial Hall will be open again tomorrow from 10am to midday for local residents to charge electrical items and work/study. We have plenty of tables and chairs available.
Please note that we don't currently have WiFi as this service has been disrupted following the storm but the hall is warm and we have plenty of tea and coffee available whilst you wait for items to charge and you can send emails using the hotspot option on your charged phone if you are working from a laptop.
You are also welcome to bring flasks up to fill with hot water to take home.
Please call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.
Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022
Shiplake Memorial Hall will remain open until 2pm today for power and hot water supplies
We have decided to remain open until 2pm today if you would like to pop up for charging facilities, hot water and a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit whilst you charge your phone!
Please call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.
Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022
Shiplake Memorial Hall open today to local residents needing power and hot water
Shiplake Memorial Hall has power and we will be open today for any local residents still without power.
We have tea and coffee facilities so please feel free to pop up for a cup of tea and coffee to warm up! You are also welcome to bring a flask if you would like to take some hot water away with you.
You are also welcome to charge up any essential electrical items you need charging.
We will initially be offering this service between 10am and midday today but will review this throughout the morning and possibly extend this time if the power remains off in the village.
Please let as many of the local residents as possible know we are open and happy to help!
Call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.
Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022
Baby Bloom Christmas Launch Party - Friday 17th December
🎅 Are you looking for something to do with your baby this Christmas? Bloom Baby Classes will be holding a Christmas launch party at Shiplake Memorial Hall on Friday 17th December at 10:30am. 🎅
Suitable for babies aged 6 weeks - 15months.
There will be lots of Bloom magic, a gift for baby to take home and opportunities to make some amazing memories and take beautiful photos
Visit www.bookwhen.com/bloomreadingnorth for more information and to book 💚💜
Article created / last edited: 18 November 2021
Bloom Baby sensory launching new classes at Shiplake Memorial Hall
Bloom Baby sensory will be launching new classes at Shiplake Memorial Hall starting in January every Friday morning during term time.
Classes are suitable for babies aged between 6 weeks - 15 months.
Our Caterpillar Club is suitable for babies age 6 weeks - 5/6 months (sitting age) is a gentle baby development class encouraging bonding. Our classes awaken baby’s first senses and stimulates in a fun yet soothing way using bubbles, parachutes, lights, pom-poms, tummy time and baby exercises to stretch their little muscles. We end the class with a relaxing massage for your baby, to help them drift off into a nap.
Our Busy Bees class is suitable for babies aged 5/6 months until confidently walking (around 14-15months). A fun, lively, musical baby development class, encouraging fine and gross motor skills, body awareness and rhythm and tempo. Building on the gentle activities of caterpillar club, this class uses instruments, clicking sticks, Makaton, parachutes, lights, songs and sensory play. Each activity is designed to bring on your baby's all round development whilst having lots of fun.
Please follow @bloomreadingnorth on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.bloombabyclasses.com/reading-north for booking information.
Article created / last edited: 18 November 2021
babyballet® is coming to Shiplake Memorial Hall!
Brand new classes are starting this September as babyballet® is coming to Shiplake Memorial Hall on Thursday mornings.
babyballet® Reading and Henley-on-Thames is a fun, award-winning pre-school dance concept for girls and boys from 6 months to 6 years. With schools right across the UK, babyballet dance classes allow babies, toddlers and young children to enjoy the physical and social benefits of ballet, song and dance in a safe, caring, positive and informal environment.
With a real focus on learning through play, the unique babyballet® syllabus offers four key stages of ballet classes where every child can build their confidence and social skills, learning manners, discipline and respect while developing their basic ballet technique, coordination, musicality, balance, posture and rhythm.
We offer a three week introductory trial so you can come along and watch as your little one hops, skips and jumps in our classes.
So don’t miss out on your place!
Contact Miss Hollie on reading@babyballet.co.uk or visit our website https://babyballet.co.uk/babyballet-school/reading-henley-on-thames/ to book your 3 week trial today!
Article created / last edited: 15 September 2021
Dog must be kept on leads on Shiplake Memorial Field
Following an incident on the Memorial Field on Thursday morning involving a dog running loose off the lead and a small child, The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall would like to remind local residents that, although dogs are welcome on the field, they must always be kept on leads.
The field is for the enjoyment of all local users including young children and we would ask that all dog owners be mindful of this.
There are signs up at the field stating that dogs need to remain on leads but the Trustees are currently reviewing whether the signage could be made more visible.
Thank you in advance for your support with this matter.
The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall
Article created / last edited: 18 July 2021
New Pre-School dance class at Shiplake Memorial Hall
Berkshire and Henley Dance is a friendly and welcoming dance school whose focus is on nurturing a students passion for dance, creating confident, gifted performers.
Offering dance classes from 2 years to Adults in Modern, Tap, Street, Hip hop, Contemporary, Lyrical and Contemporary Fusion.
New pre-school dance class now running for children aged 20 months to 4 years on Mondays from 2-2:45pm. The classes use ribbons, shakers, stories and other fun aids and easy to learn steps for your little dancer.
If your child loves to dance, please bring them for a free trial.
Please contact Mel to secure your place on 07881 814404/mel@berkshiredance.co.uk
Article created / last edited: 23 May 2021
Update on the syringes and needles found on Shiplake Memorial Hall field on Saturday 6 March 2021
The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall can confirm that the small number of needles and syringes found on the Memorial Hall Field yesterday in the hedges by the play park have all been removed and will be disposed of appropriately. The entire field has been checked today and the Hall Trustees will continue to monitor the grounds on a regular basis.
This was an isolated incident but if you notice any suspicious activity on the Memorial Hall grounds or find any rubbish of this kind, please can you make the Trustees aware immediately by calling 0118 3243303 or emailing bookings@shiplakehall.com.
Many thanks for your assistance with this matter.
Bob Partridge, Chair of the Hall Trustees
Article created / last edited: 7 March 2021
Benches back in place at the Memorial Hall Field
Back in the summer of 2019 three of the benches around the Shiplake Memorial Hall field had to be taken out of use as they had become unsafe. The main iron upstands on the benches were still in good condition but many of the wooden slats had rotted or been broken.
The Hall Trustees agreed that the old benches should be refurbished rather than purchasing new ones. Fundraising for this project began in autumn 2019 with a very successful Quiz Night at the Hall. The Hall was also very grateful for the donation towards this work, given in October 2019 by Taylor Wimpey.
In late autumn of 2020 the preparation work to restore the upstands was able to go ahead. Thank you to the Hall caretaker and two trustees for this work. It proved very difficult to be able to order the wooden slats required for the benches but after a long search the required slats were obtained and Kevin Mather, a local carpenter, finished the restoration work on Thursday 21st January 2021.
It has taken much longer than was ever anticipated due to Covid but the benches are now back in place, look amazing and are already being much appreciated by these walkers, Vin and Robin from Binfield Heath.
Article created / last edited: 24 January 2021
Shiplake Memorial Hall – Treasurer
Shiplake Memorial Hall is seeking a new Treasurer to take over from the current incumbent who wishes to retire. This is one of the seven voluntary trustee positions that are essential to the effective management of this important community asset.
The role involves maintaining the accounts of the hall on a day to day basis, including managing the bank accounts and payments, producing the monthly accounting reports for the trustees and the annual accounts and ensuring the latter are audited and lodged with the Charity Commission in a timely way.
The role typically takes about 8-12 hours per month. Experience of accounting/booking keeping is essential and charity related accounting/legal experience would be useful. Sound computer skills, especially Excel and email, are also essential. As a trustee, the treasurer attends the trustee meetings which take place every two months or so.
If you are interested in taking on this important community position, please contact Nigel Smith the current Treasurer via treasurer@shiplakehall.com or Bob Partridge Chair of the hall trustees via chair@shiplakehall.com for an initial discussion.
Article created / last edited: 25 November 2020
New Phonics Pre-School Class at Shiplake Memorial Hall
We have a new class running at Shiplake Memorial Hall specifically for pre-school children.
Every Friday from 9:45am, Sophie Mann runs Phonics with Robot Reg which are fun, high energy classes for 1-4 year olds.
Minis- each class gives toddlers the opportunity to explore sounds and rhymes, and develop and enhance speaking and listening skills as well as activities to improve gross motor skills.
Preschool- each class includes games and activities that teach sound recognition, alliteration and oral blending and segmenting the necessary foundations for reading and writing. This high energy class also includes activities to improve gross and fine motor skills which support a child's handwriting.
For more information, contact Sophie on 07548271830 or click on the link below.
https://robotreg.co.uk/pages/caversham-and-henley
Article created / last edited: 28 September 2020
Update on Shiplake Memorial Hall Fundraising Appeal
The Trustees would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have donated to the emergency appeal following the eviction of the travellers from the Memorial Field.
We have now managed to raise just over £3,600 from all the generous donations from the local community.
The hall insurers have confirmed that they will contribute £1,250 towards the total eviction costs of £4,974 which means that we have almost covered the eviction costs. This is wonderful news for the hall during such a difficult financial time whilst the hall is closed due to Covid-19.
If you would still like to make a donation to the emergency appeal, please could you use the bank details below and email lottie@shiplakehall.com if you are able to gift aid your donation.
Account: Shiplake Memorial Hall
Sort code: 20 65 20
Account No: 73576914
Thank you in advance
Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees
Article created / last edited: 23 August 2020
Shiplake Memorial Hall would like to thank those who have donated to the fundraising appeal
The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the local community since the appeal for donations was launched to help cover the costs relating to the eviction of the travellers.
The Trustees would very much like to thank everyone personally for their kind donations so if you have made a donation into the hall’s account, please could you email the hall at the following email address: lottie@shiplakehall.com.
If anyone would still like to make a donation to the hall, please could the hall bank details below be used:
Account: Shiplake Memorial Hall
Sort code: 20 65 20
Account No: 73576914
Many thanks
Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees
Article created / last edited: 21 July 2020
Shiplake Memorial Hall is now accepting donations to cover the costs of the eviction of the travellers
Over the last few days, it has become clear to the Trustees of the Memorial Hall that resolving the matter of the insurance claim could be a lengthy process.
With this in mind, the Trustees have decided to launch an appeal now for much-needed funds to cover both the £4974 enforcement costs as well as the costs of securing and strengthening the field defences.
If the hall is fortunate to have the eviction costs covered by the insurance at a later date, any additional money raised will be put towards the running and maintenance of the hall during a very difficult financial time due to the Covid crisis.
The hall Trustees are incredibly grateful for all the support they have received from the local community whilst dealing with the eviction of the travellers.
The field has now been cleared of rubbish by a team from Shiplake College and we are most appreciative for the College’s help and assistance. The field is now available for use again, but please note that the Parish Council owned play area, adjacent to the Memorial Avenue side of the field, remains closed for the time being.
The Trustees would also like to thank the resident of Binfield Heath who has generously donated three new lock down bollards to replace the damaged ones. We are most grateful for this immediate help.
If anyone would like to make a donation of the hall, please could the hall bank details below be used:
Account: Shiplake Memorial Hall
Sort code: 20 65 20
Account No: 73576914
Thank you in advance.
Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees
Article created / last edited: 15 July 2020
Update on the eviction of the travellers on Shiplake Memorial Field
The trustees of the Memorial Hall would like to say a sincere thank you to everybody who has offered to make a financial contribution toward the £4974 cost of enforcing the removal of the travellers from the hall field yesterday. At the moment we are waiting to hear the outcome of discussions between our insurance brokers and the underwriters to know if this cost will be covered by our insurance.
Should we not be reimbursed, in view of the serious impact there has already been on the hall’s finances due to the Covid crisis, we will be launching an appeal for funds to cover both the enforcement costs and the costs of strengthening the field defences against any further incursions.
Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees
Article created / last edited: 11 July 2020
Well supported Cancer Research Quiz
A total of £1868 was raised at the quiz held on February at the Memorial Hall in aid of Cancer Research.
The "Henley Fundraisers" wish to thank everyone who supported and contributed to the success of this event.
Article created / last edited: 15 February 2020
Tai Chi Classes at Shiplake Memorial Hall on Tuesday Evenings
Come and enjoy gentle standing exercise designed and developed over millennia specifically to reduce stress, build strength, balance and enhance energy. People all over the world are recognising and benefiting from the health enhancing practice of Qigong and Tai Chi which are now becoming more available in the UK.
Our lessons are relaxed, informal and friendly offering an ideal learning and practice environment. All are welcome regardless of age and current physical ability.
Lessons take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm at Shiplake Memorial Hall.
For more details contact Graham Lawton on 07768 838208, email grahamlawton46@gmail.com and have a look at our website www.willowtaichi.co.uk
Article created / last edited: 21 March 2020
'Wonderful Villages' Photo Competition launched by Allied Westminster
A brilliant opportunity to support Shiplake Memorial Hall and win some money for your photography skills!
A great new photo competition has been launched by Allied Westminster and is open to community and village halls in rural locations. There are five prizes available to win with the first prize being £1,000 for the Village Hall and £500 for the photographer.
Allied Westminster say it is their way of encouraging villagers to support their halls and bring in some much-needed cash if they win. It’s open to all people, all halls, and there is no entry fee. Villagers just send in photo(s), nominate their hall and await the judges’ decision.
The theme of the competition is ‘Village Life – a photo which characterises the value of the community in your village’.
The competition aims to celebrate village life and the vital role of village halls in their communities. Allied Westminster want to champion the roles that halls play in bringing communities together.
They are looking for photos which encapsulate the sense of village community and they don’t want the focus on pretty pretty villages – they want a celebration of village life.
The competition is now open and the deadline is 15th March 2020.
Remember to nominate Shiplake Memorial Hall as your chosen village hall to receive the prize if you win! To get permission from us to nominate Shiplake Memorial Hall, please email lottie@shiplakehall.com with a copy of the photo prior to submission.
After the closing date, ten photos will be placed before the judging panel. Five of these photos will be those with the most votes/likes from the public so once the photos are on the Allied Westminster Facebook page, we can all get voting!
Click here for Full details and rules of the competition
Article created / last edited: 31 August 2023
New Qigong Class starting at Shiplake Memorial Hall
Calm the movement of the mind with mindful movement of the body.
New Qigong class announcement!
Friday mornings at 11.15am - 12.30pm at Shiplake Memorial Hall. Begins on 18th October and runs until Christmas.
For more details please see my website: https://www.ollietubb.com/mind-movement/
If this is of interest, please message me on 07789 766826.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Many thanks,
Ollie
Article created / last edited: 12 October 2019
Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night on Friday 8th November 2019
Quiz Night flyer
Following the success of our Quiz Night in March this year, Shiplake Memorial Hall is hosting another Quiz Night on:
Friday 8th November 2019 at 7:45pm with quiz starting at 8pm
This time we are fundraising for the hall itself – we are looking to raise essential funds to improve the look of the Memorial Field - a wonderful community asset which needs some extra care.
Bring a team of 6-8 people or we can put you in a team.
Tickets £10 which includes nibbles and two bottles of wine on each table.
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Please remember that our last Quiz Night sold out very fast with a number of people on the waiting list – get your tickets now or risk bring disappointed!!
If you would like to book tickets, please email: lottie@shiplakehall.com.
Article created / last edited: 5 October 2019
New Class - Boxing
NEW boxing classes for adults and children aged 12+ this Sunday 22nd and Sunday 29th September 6-7pm Shiplake Memorial Hall. No experience needed as full training will be given. Bring nothing except a positive attitude.
Contact Alexander 07490 182185 alexander.campbellborland@googlemail.com
Article created / last edited: 25 September 2019
Summer of Rockets
Shiplake Memorial Hall played host to the BBC drama series Sumer of Rockets earlier this year. The attached photos are from the televised first episode.
Article created / last edited: 14 June 2019
Annual General Meeting 2019
The Annual General Meeting of the Shiplake Memorial Hall took place on on 25th March 2019. Although the Hall had a sound year financially, it faces an increasing number of challenges. If it is to remain a vital asset the Hall Trustees will need the support of the wider community. For more detail of this and a fuller report on the proceedings please click here.
To learn more please email: secretary@shiplakehall.com.
Article created / last edited: 1 April 2019
Assistant Caretaker required for Shiplake Memorial Hall
Shiplake Memorial Hall is busy and vibrant and we are seeking an Assistant Caretaker to provide back-up to the caretaker as necessary, including during holiday or sickness absence.
Key tasks include:
- Providing additional help in preparing for, or clearing after, a hirer event, particularly on Sunday mornings.
- Covering urgent hirer call-outs including after 9pm.
- Assisting the Caretaker when he/she is undertaking two-person maintenance jobs.
- Maintaining and tidying the hall gardens and boundary hedges
The role is varied and would suit a self-employed person living in or near Shiplake with their own transport. Hours vary according to need.
To learn more please email: secretary@shiplakehall.com with a brief CV.
Article created / last edited: 4 December 2018
100 years ago today (9th October 2018) ...
.....Reginald and Lydia Mardon's elder son, Reginald, was killed in the advance on Le Cateau in the closing days of the Great War. As a memorial to him and " for the use of their fellow Parishioners" they donated an area of land off what is now Memorial Avenue and funded the construction of the Memorial Hall and Institute - now the Shiplake Memorial Hall. They also bought and donated an adjacent field, which now accommodates the Bowling Club and Tennis Club as well as a sports pitch.
We are grateful for their generous bequest to the villages and for the sacrifice paid by Reginald Mardon and so many others in the First World War.
The pictures show the Memorial plaque, on the north face of the building, and a commemorative cross placed there by Jean Povey.
You can read more about the history of the hall at www.shiplakehall.com.
Article created / last edited: 10 October 2018
Shiplake Memorial Hall - A New Chairman
At the recent Memorial Hall AGM, Hugh Lacy stood down as Chairman after three years in the role. We are very grateful to Hugh for his public service over what have been challenging times for the Hall. He will remain as a trustee enabling him to continue sharing, in the years to come, his understanding and expertise gained over a long involvement with the Hall. The new Chairman is Robert Partridge, who has been a trustee for 10 years and will lead the management team in developing a number of fresh ideas to help bring the Hall into the 21st Century and ensure that this valuable community asset continues to thrive ……………watch this space, exciting things ahead!
The Trustees of Memorial Hall
Article created / last edited: 10 September 2018
DOGS ON THE MEMORIAL HALL RECREATION GROUND
Having received complaints of fouling of the Memorial Hall Recreation Ground by dogs and not wanting to ban them entirely from the Ground the Trustees have concluded that the only practical solution is to require that all dogs on the Ground should be on a lead. This assumes, of course, that owners will in any event remove and dispose of any of their own dog’s poos appropriately in the interests of all users of the Ground, most of whom are children.
Notices to this effect have recently been displayed at the Ground but it is disappointing to find that two of these have already been stolen. These have been replaced but there is a cost to the charity which maintains the Hall and the Ground.
We hope the local residents may help us with this and may be prepared to draw the notices to the attention of the owners of any dogs running free. Please report any problems to the trustees via manager@shiplakehall.com
Thank you
Article created / last edited: 5 May 2017
Larch Trees on the Border of the Shiplake Memorial Hall Recreation Ground
The row of sixteen Larch trees on the far boundary of the Memorial Hall ground have been causing problems for several years. The roots have been causing damage to the adjoining properties and in particular the foundations of the buildings, even of those at some distance from the field itself. Attempts have been made in the past to remedy the problem by topping the trees but with only limited and temporary success. Further and progressive damage has recently become evident and the Hall Trustees have regretfully concluded that the only solution is to fell the trees in question, a number of which are in any case in a somewhat dilapidated state, and propose to replace them with others of a species more suited to the locality. The Council have confirmed that the trees are not protected.
To minimise disturbance the felling will take place in three stages, over the next three months and the works will be carried out by qualified and experienced tree surgeons. The adjoining home owner principally affected is aware of and is content with this resolution of this long outstanding problem.
Article created / last edited: 4 October 2016
The Hall in Use
The beautiful main hall is a popular venue for a wide range of activities, including fitness and dancing classes, meetings, exhibitions, concerts, drama productions and fund raising events. Together with its adjoining, professional catering standard kitchen, it makes an ideal venue for celebration events, and regularly accommodates wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries, adult parties and children's parties.
The photo gallery to the right shows the hall in use.
For more information on the Hall please visit our website or call our bookings line on 0118 324 3303.
Article created / last edited: 20 June 2015
To be opened in 2064 - Time Capsules Unveiled
Pictures of Shiplake, diaries and children’s toys were among items placed inside two time capsules to represent life in the village. Trustees of Shiplake's Memorial Hall organised a competition for villagers to submit suggestions for what to include in the wooden boxes. The contest was launched to commemorate the £430,000 modernisation of the building in October 2013.
The capsules were attached to the wall of the hall in Memorial Avenue before an unveiling ceremony with the winners. Isabella Barlow, seven, of Northfield Road, won the under-11s category, while the Blanchard family, of Badgers Walk, won the senior category.
Each capsule has a plaque, saying: “The Way We Were, July 2014.” Underneath is etched who filled it and a request that it should be opened in 50 years’ time.
Isabella, who pulled a curtain to unveil her box, said she was happy to have won and that she would be taking her friends and family to see her box. She included a photograph of her classmates at Shiplake Primary School in their school uniform and pictures of the village, including Shiplake Lock where she likes visiting the ducks.
The Blanchards filled their capsule with diary entries from friends and families in the village, photographs of the memorial hall before and after its refurbishment and an aerial shot of the village.
The photo was taken at the unveiling of the time capsules.
Article created / last edited: 31 August 2023
Full Steam Ahead at the Memorial Hall
Today saw one of the more unusual hires of the Hall when Stephen Howard, a Henley resident, used it to check out his latest G-gauge exhibition model railway. The layout consists of a number of sections joined together, but overall is so large that it had never before been put fully together. Steve and a team of volunteers used the Hall to rehearse the assembly of the whole layout and test its operation, prior to taking it on exhibition nationally. Unfortunately, because of the Hall's smoke detection system all the running trials were with electrically powered locomotives!
Article created / last edited: 26 November 2014
Hogwarts Memorial Hall
Many hirers choose to decorate the Memorial Hall to reflect the theme of their party but none have achieved so complete a transformation as that to celebrate Harry Potter fan Nicole’s 16th birthday.
Article created / last edited: 21 March 2014
F1 Racing at Shiplake Memorial Hall!
Another unusual use of the Hall!
For a recent suprise birthday celebration the floor of the Shiplake Memorial Hall was converted into a racetrack. Memories of childhood Scalextric sets came flooding back as budding F1 drivers got to grips with remote controlled cars in a number of practice heats. After the main races were over the track was quickly cleared away and tables brought in from the sides for the birthday celebration meal.
Article created / last edited: 7 March 2015