Fund Raising and Improvement Plans
As time goes on, our appeal fund continues to grow — now standing at over £10,000.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed, whether directly or by supporting village events that raise money for the hall.
Special thanks go to:
- The Lamberhurst Dance School, for their generous show collections
- The Community Cinema, which donated £2,000 from its 2024–2025 season profits
- The Lamberhurst History Society, for bar proceeds from their monthly meetings
We also thank all villagers who attend these events — not just for fundraising, but for helping sustain the vibrant community life that makes Lamberhurst so special.
While the kitchen remains a top priority, we must first address more urgent structural needs.
A Roof Over Our Heads!
We cannot replace the kitchen until the roof above it is sound.
For several years, we’ve been patching leaks in the flat roofs over the small hall, kitchen, back rooms, and toilets. These areas now require complete replacement — a pressing and unavoidable task.
Going Greener – and Saving Money!
We’re also committed to improving the hall’s environmental credentials.
Thanks to infrared heating and LED lighting, we’ve already reduced our energy use. Electricity is now our main power source — and as we all know, it’s not cheap.
We’re seriously exploring the installation of solar panels on the south-facing roof, ideally positioned to capture maximum sunlight. Paired with battery storage, this system would allow us to benefit even when the sun isn’t shining.
The benefits are threefold:
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels — better for us and the planet
- Lower electricity costs — helping us keep hire charges affordable
- A warm hub during power cuts — especially for vulnerable residents
We’re not alone in this vision. Village halls across the country are pursuing similar upgrades — and our neighbours in Kilndown already have a system in place.
How the Hall might look with Solar Panels...
Why we need to get the Flat Roofs sorted!
How You Can Help
Replacing the flat roof and installing solar power are major undertakings — and grant funding is increasingly difficult to secure, whether from national, county, or local government.
We’re proud to have received support from:
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
- Lamberhurst Parish Council, who have also offered a small loan on very favourable terms
Combined with the funds raised so far through the Hall Appeal, we’re now close to 40% funded for both the Flat Roof Replacement and Solar Power Installation projects.
To bridge the gap, we’re actively applying to:
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Fund
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- Bernard Sunley Foundation
We hope to hear back from these applications before the end of the year.
Why YOU Matter
A key criterion for grant funding is local fundraising effort.
Funders look most favourably on communities with a strong track record — and Lamberhurst is proudly among the best. But we must keep the momentum going.
If you have:
- Comments or suggestions
- Skills that could support the hall’s projects
- Ideas for fundraising or community events
We’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email: info@lamberhursthall.org
📮 Or drop a note in the letterbox at the front of the hal