Welcome to
Goadby Marwood Village Hall
About Us
Welcome to Goadby Marwood Village Hall – the beating heart of our local community. Our volunteer-led organization, Friends of Goadby Marwood Village Hall, is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe that community is key, and our social events, craft workshops, coffee mornings, and pop-up-pub nights are designed to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. Get involved today and discover the warmth and friendship that can be found in our village hall.
Latest News
Everything You Need To Know!
£15,000 Grant Brings Hall Renovation a Step Closer
We’re really excited to share the news that the Bernard Sunley Foundation has kindly pledged a generous grant of £15,000 to support the renovation and extension of our village hall. This fantastic news is a huge boost to our fundraising efforts and brings us one big step closer to turning our plans into reality. The support of such a well-respected charitable foundation means a lot to us and shows real belief in the value of our project and the positive impact it will have on the whole community.
The renovation and extension will allow us to create a brighter, more welcoming space that’s fully accessible and better suited to the needs of the many local groups, clubs, and residents who use the hall. From children’s activities and fitness classes to community events, private functions, and social gatherings, we want the hall to be a place where everyone feels at home. With the help of the Bernard Sunley Foundation and all our supporters, we’re getting closer to that goal.
We’ll continue to keep everyone updated as our fundraising progresses and plans develop. Thank you once again to the Bernard Sunley Foundation – and to all of you – for helping us bring this exciting project to life.
Great Team Work!
In a marvellous demonstration of community spirit, around a dozen villagers met up recently to assist in the assembly of the new picnic benches for the village hall, acquired by virtue of a specific rural initiative grant from Melton Borough Council. The new benches, which will replace the old wooden versions, are made from durable recycled plastic and are therefore hard wearing and maintenance free.
In a dynamic display of teamwork, the volunteers assembled the four benches, one of which is wheelchair friendly, using an impressive range of socket sets and spanners, plus at one point, a hammer and saw! The delivery of a new village hall noticeboard and some landscape planters is imminent, courtesy of the same grant, as progress is steadily made to refurbish our lovely village hall and ensure it is a welcoming and appropriate venue for the village and surrounding area. Heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers who will no doubt test the new benches at the next Pop-Up-Pub.
WWII Movie Filmed in Goadby
"The Loyal Enemy" is a short wartime drama set in 1943, inspired by the real-life secret surveillance operation at Trent Park in north London, where senior German generals held as POWs were unknowingly recorded by Allied translators. The film’s fictional protagonist, German-born Ilse Friedman, is recruited to transcribe these clandestine conversations and, in the process, uncovers evidence of a V-2 rocket test site she believes is linked to a forced-labour camp holding her parents.
Filming for the piece took place between late April and early May, with the beautiful Grade II* listed Goadby Hall standing in for Trent Park and the nearby Grade II listed village hall transformed into a German town hall complete with period-accurate swastika drapes. Several local residents from the Melton area were involved - as extras, hosts for cast and crew, and lenders of 1930s–40s typewriters and wireless headsets - while producer, Jonnie Hurn, praised the “overwhelming enthusiasm” of the community.
80th Anniversary of VE Day
The recent coffee morning held at the village hall to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day was a warm and memorable occasion, bringing together the community in a spirit of remembrance and celebration. The hall was beautifully decorated with red, white and blue bunting, and the flag standards of the Royal British Legion, kindly provided by Eleanor, secretary of our local branch, added a sense of ceremony to the event. Red, white and blue flower arrangements adorned each table, creating a festive yet respectful atmosphere. A fantastic display of World War II information and memorabilia, thoughtfully created by Sue and Jill, drew much attention and sparked conversations among attendees of all ages. The sounds of wartime music playing in the background added to the nostalgic mood, transporting everyone back in time as they enjoyed a morning of reflection and fellowship. The event was a true testament to the village’s community spirit with a fantastic variety of delicious cakes, generously donated by local residents, enjoyed with cups of tea and coffee, served throughout the morning. Volunteers worked hard behind the scenes to make the event run smoothly, and our thanks go to everyone who baked, served, washed up and helped clear away afterwards. Special appreciation also goes to all those who came along and supported the event. Thanks to everyone’s efforts and generosity, over £300 was raised for the Royal British Legion.
Thirty Five Year Lease Signed
The FoGMVH are absolutely delighted to announce a landmark achievement in the village hall’s 164 year history. For the very first time, a formal lease has been secured from the Parochial Church Council (PCC), ensuring that this much-loved building is protected for the benefit of the village and its community.
This momentous step has been the result of over eighteen months of dedicated work by a small team of volunteers and professionals. It has not been easy. With no previous records in existence and the land never registered with the Land Registry, the process demanded extensive research, countless hours of volunteer time, and significant legal involvement from solicitors acting on behalf of both the PCC and the FoGMVH. All parties came together with one shared aim: to do what’s right for this historic building.
While the costs involved in securing legal expertise may seem like a significant upfront expense, they are entirely justifiable. Without this professional support, the lease could not have been drawn up or agreed and the building’s future would have remained uncertain. We believe that these costs are a vital investment in securing the hall’s long-term sustainability and opening the door to future funding.
The lease marks more than just a legal milestone. With the lease now in place, the FoGMVH can finally move forward with major funding applications including to the National Lottery Heritage Fund – something that was not possible without legal security of tenure. This marks a crucial turning point in the journey to preserve and revitalise the hall, ensuring it remains at the heart of the village for generations to come.
We also recognise that some people may wonder whether it would have been cheaper – or simpler – to tear down this Grade II listed building and start again with a modern facility. It’s a fair question, but the answer goes for deeper than cost alone.
Historic buildings like our Goadby Marwood Village Hall are irreplaceable. They carry the memory, character and identity of a place – something no new build can replicate. The village hall has stood for 164 years, weathered change, served countless families, and borne witness to every stage of village life, from celebrations to commemorations. It is built into the fabric of the community – literally and emotionally. Demolishing it would not only erase a vital piece of local heritage, but would also mean losing the eligibility for many heritage and conservation funding streams. In fact, preserving and adapting historic buildings is often more sustainable than building new – not only environmentally, through the reuse of materials and reduction in carbon footprint, but also socially and culturally. The hall’s listed status recognises its national significance, and with that comes a responsibility – and a privilege – to protect it. Preservation is not about clinging to the past but building on it. By restoring and modernising this unique space, we can ensure it continues to meet today’s needs while honouring the generations that came before. This is not just a project about a building – it’s about continuity, community and care.
FoGMVH Awarded Grant from the Pilgrim Trust
We are delighted to share the news that the FoGMVH have recently been awarded a £5,000 grant by the Pilgrim Trust. This generous contribution marks another important step forward in our ongoing efforts to restore, renovate, and extend our cherished village hall. The grant will be used to help fund several critical aspects of the next phase of our project. Firstly, it will support the commissioning of a full condition survey of the building, which is essential in fully understanding the current state of the hall and identifying any structural or maintenance issues that need to be addressed. This survey will form the foundation for all future renovation work, ensuring that improvements are both effective and sustainable.
In addition, the funding will contribute towards architect fees, allowing us to move confidently toward the construction phase once full funding is secured. These professional services are vital in ensuring that our plans are not only creative and ambitious but also practical, cost-effective, and fully compliant with relevant regulations. The grant will also enable us to carry out important tree works focused on reducing the height and spread of the Leylandii hedge that borders the property. These trees have posed a growing risk to the building’s structure, and cutting them back will help prevent further damage whilst also improving access for building work.
Beyond the immediate impact, this grant will also play a crucial strategic role in supporting our forthcoming application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Having secured funding from a respected organisation such as the Pilgrim Trust strengthens our case and demonstrates community and charitable support for the project—something we hope will be favourably viewed by larger funders.
We are incredibly grateful to the Pilgrim Trust for recognising the value and potential of our village hall, and for helping us take these important next steps. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to transforming the hall into a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient space for all members of our community to enjoy for many years to come.
Battle of the Brains: Quiz Night at the Village Hall!
The annual Quiz Night, held on January 25th at the village hall, proved to be a fantastic evening of entertainment, community spirit, and successful fundraising. Kit, our ever-reliable quizmaster, put together an impressive selection of thought-provoking questions that kept teams engaged and challenged throughout the night. The competitive atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie as teams debated answers and tested their general knowledge. A highlight of the evening was the delicious food prepared by Denise and her hardworking team of kitchen helpers. Guests were treated to a selection of hearty, warming soups, perfect for a cold January evening. The culinary delights didn’t stop there – dessert featured a choice between a rich and indulgent chocolate cheesecake or a fruity and comforting berry crumble, both of which were met with enthusiastic approval. Pat did a stellar job organising the raffle, which was a resounding success, raising an impressive £192 thanks to the generosity of attendees. In total, the event brought in £650 from ticket sales and the raffle with additional funds coming from the ever-popular pop-up pub bar. It was a brilliant start to the fundraising year, bringing the community together for a night of great entertainment and generosity.
A Note of Thanks!
The Friends of Goadby Marwood Village Hall would like to extend their sincere thanks to students Charlie and Lucus, along with staff members Georgia, Cal, and Charlotte from New Leaf Triangle for their recent hard work in repairing the 165-year-old school benches in the village hall. Thanks to their efforts, the benches are stable and fit for purpose once more. We truly appreciate your time, skills, and dedication in preserving this important part of our community’s heritage.
Situated on the outskirts of Goadby Marwood, New Leaf Triangle is a non-profit community interest company providing alternative education for children and young adults who because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education. They offer a supportive, stress-free, and therapeutic outdoor learning environment through activities such as horse riding, animal care, forest school, woodworking, arts and crafts, and sports and games.
Generous Grant Funding from Melton Borough Council
FoGMVH are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant of £6,500 by Melton Borough Council to enhance the outdoor space at our village hall. This funding will allow us to transform the area into a more welcoming and environmentally friendly space for the community to enjoy. One of the key improvements will be the installation of new picnic benches made from recycled material, offering durable and sustainable seating options for visitors. These benches will provide a perfect spot for families and friends to gather, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax in the fresh air. As well as new seating, we will be making significant improvements to the surrounding landscape. The overgrown Leylandii trees that currently overshadow the area will be cut back, allowing more natural light to flood the space and creating a more open and inviting environment. We will be introducing a range of new planters filled with seasonal blooms and perennial greenery, adding vibrant colour and life throughout the year, along with a community notice board to ensure that everyone can stay up to date with forthcoming events. This project will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our village hall but also create a more pleasant and accessible outdoor space for everyone in the community to enjoy.
In addition, we have also been awarded a small grant of £1,500 towards the hire of audio-visual equipment to establish a community cinema at the village hall. This exciting new venture will bring regular movie nights to our community, offering a diverse selection of films ranging from family-friendly classics to the latest blockbusters as well as popular sports events. We will be offering cinema style snacks including freshly popped popcorn and we’ll also have our usual licensed bar serving a variety of beverages to enhance the movie-going experience. Our goal is to create a fun, social atmosphere where friends and families can come together to enjoy great entertainment in the heart of our community. This grant from Melton Borough Council is a fantastic boost, and we can't wait to welcome everyone to our new community cinema!
Fun and Festive Christmas Lunch
The Big Village Christmas Lunch, held on Sunday, December 1st at the village hall, was a resounding success, bringing together the community for a festive feast and cheerful celebration. Diners were treated to a sumptuous meal of perfectly cooked turkey with all the trimmings, alongside delicious vegetarian options. For dessert, guests enjoyed the choice between traditional Christmas pudding and a luscious chocolate cheesecake, both of which received rave reviews. The hall was filled with the warm hum of conversation as friends and neighbours shared stories and laughter, punctuated by the pop and humour of Christmas cracker jokes.
The atmosphere was truly magical, with the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights and the comforting warmth of a roaring log fire. Traditional Christmas music played gently in the background, adding to the holiday spirit. The well-supported raffle was a highlight of the afternoon, raising £170. With the addition of generous donations the event raised over £675, contributing to the ongoing extension and renovation project for the village hall. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and support to make this festive gathering so special!
RBL Poppy Appeal
This year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal saw outstanding support, with fantastic contributions from individuals and communities. A big thank you to Eleanor and Graham Spence for their tireless dedication in raising an impressive £487.85 in Goadby Marwood. Their contribution added to a great district total of £5,634.85, reflecting the local community's heartfelt commitment to supporting veterans and their families. The Poppy Appeal continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
Eleanor is pictured alongside Peter Hackett of the Hose & Harby branch of the RBL attending the well-supported Remembrance Service at St. Denys' Church in Goadby.
Rural Food Hub Expands
On November 18th, our village hall hosted visitors from Melton Borough Council and other local village halls at an event held to publicise the recently launched Rural Food Hub Network.
This new initiative was launched in February and has since received many requests for food and support from rural households across the borough. A council spokesperson said: "Our hubs are located in areas where we have seen a demand for support for households, and we are really grateful to our teams and volunteers who have created and continue to support the hubs, leading to us expanding our offer in terms of the services that can be offered and the geographical reach of our network of hubs across our rural borough." Read more on BBC NEWS and MELTON TIMES.
The Food Hub network operates by a voucher based system – if you or someone you know is struggling due to financial hardship and you require food or other essential items, you can access this support by contacting the COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUB. Tel: 01664 502342, email: here4melton@melton.gov.uk.
The hub at Goadby Marwood Village Hall is open for prebooked collections every Monday between 5pm and 6pm.
Heating Upgrade
Just in time for the winter weather the village hall has recently been upgraded with a brand new heating system, featuring modern infrared units that are not only more efficient but also align with our ongoing commitment to improved sustainability. With zero CO2 emissions at the point of use and 100% recyclability, the new heating system should help to reduce the hall's environmental impact. Additionally, the infrared units boast lower running and maintenance costs compared to traditional heating, ensuring long-term savings. More importantly, they provide superior thermal comfort, creating a warmer and more welcoming environment for all.
This upgrade comes just in time for our newly established community events, such as the Pop-Up Village Lunch and Cosy Coffee & Chat, which will now be held in a much more comfortable atmosphere. The improved heating also makes the hall an even more attractive option for those looking to hire it for special occasions like weddings, birthday parties, or even exercise classes and business meetings. Whether for social or professional gatherings, the enhanced warmth and comfort will be a benefit to everyone who uses the space.
Notable Visits
The Village Hall has been a hub of activity in recent months, hosting two notable visitors who have shown tremendous support for our renovation and extension plans. The first visit was from Edward Argar, the newly elected MP for Melton & Syston. Despite his demanding schedule, Mr. Argar took time to meet with the trustees, learning about the village’s rich history and our ongoing efforts to secure funding for the much-needed renovation and extension of the Grade II listed building. He was keenly interested in the project and offered his assistance in navigating the complex landscape of government funding, particularly the Community Ownership Fund, which has been on hold since the election was announced in May. Mr. Argar has committed to helping us better understand the new government's position on this funding, potentially a vital resource for community-led projects like ours.​
In October, we were honoured to welcome John Chatfeild-Roberts, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire. Mr. Chatfeild-Roberts spent a relaxed morning with the trustees, enjoying coffee and cake as he learned more about the hall’s historical significance and the extensive plans we have to restore and expand the building. The trustees shared details about the various fundraising initiatives already in progress, designed to ensure that this beloved space remains at the heart of village life for generations to come. Impressed by the community’s enthusiasm for preserving the hall, Mr. Chatfeild-Roberts offered his full support; he generously committed to writing a letter of endorsement for the project, recognising that such backing could greatly strengthen our efforts to secure additional funding over the coming months. His support, along with the ongoing support from Mr Argar, has reinvigorated our mission of revitalising the village hall.
Right: Mr Chatfeild-Roberts pictured outside the village hall with some of the trustees during his recent visit..
Right: Mr Argar pictured outside the village hall with some of the trustees during his visit in October.
Left: Mr Chatfeild-Roberts gamely trying to hold up the gable end wall that is in need of significant repairs.
Spice & Delight at Our Curry Night
Last weekend (Oct 12th), the village hall hosted a fantastic curry night that brought the community together in a warm and lively atmosphere. The evening was filled with the tantalising aroma of spices, as guests enjoyed an array of delicious, freshly prepared curries. The well-stocked bar ensured that everyone had the perfect drink to accompany their meal, with a wide selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks on offer. Laughter and conversation flowed throughout the night, creating a sense of togetherness that made the event truly special.
Just under £900 was raised towards the much-anticipated extension and renovation of the village hall. This exciting project aims to enhance the space for future events and community activities, and the success of the curry night brought the village one step closer to making these improvements a reality. Thank you to everyone who cooked, served, sold raffle tickets, set-up, cleared away or supported the event - we could not have done it without you!
Village Open Day
The annual Village Open Day on June 22nd was a resounding success, blessed with a sunny day that drew people from Goadby Marwood and other surrounding villages. Stalls lined the area in front of the village hall, offering a delightful array of plants, bric-a-brac, and the ever-popular tombola. There was a fascinating display of spinning and weaving, the hook-a-duck game was a hit with the children, while the human fruit machine provided endless laughter, with its quirky, animated volunteers. Adults enjoyed the well-stocked bar and the smoky aromas wafting from the barbeque, while the tea and cakes served in the village hall offered a sweet respite from the summer heat. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community, making it an unforgettable event for all who attended. Over £1,400 was raised towards our Village Hall Repair & Renovation Fund.
She Said Yes!
When Liam discovered our beautiful village hall online, he knew it would be the perfect place to pop the question to his lovely girlfriend, Meg. He secretly adorned the hall with balloons, candles, and red roses, before inviting Meg for a country walk in Goadby Marwood where he suggested taking a break to peek inside the unusual Grade II listed building. The cosy open fire added to the romantic atmosphere and, of course, Meg said yes! We're thrilled to have played a small part in the start of their lives together and wish them all the happiness in the world.
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