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Contacts

Chairman
Tony Westgarth

Vice-Chairman
Jimmy Cool

Administrator
Ann Westgarth

Telephone
(01207) 583174

Fax
(01207) 500942

The Story

Delves Lane Village is an ex miners Welfare Hall built in 1925 for the purpose of offering a meeting place for affordable social events/activities for miners and their families. The upkeep at that time was paid for by deductions from the miners wages, centrally situated on the main road in Delves Lane the premises were the heart of the community for many years. In 1979 the National Coal Board handed over the building to the residents and Delves Lane Community Association was formed with the introduction of a Management Committee of Trustees.

Sadly following the closure of the coal mines in the area the usage and interest in the building gradually faded and as a result the maintenance and running costs of the village hall became increasingly hard to find. The building became outdated with remedial costs difficult to find, a roundabout saga unfolded, uninviting premises failed to encourage usage, without usage the running costs were unobtainable.

In 1997 a regeneration program was introduced, the first step being the introduction of a monthly Newsletter, fundraising events arranged to enable the wages of a part-time cleaner to be found in an attempt to encourage usage and raise public awareness of the village hall once again. Funding was found to provide equipment for new activities and slowly the tide began to turn. With the approach of the new Millennium more funding became available to commemorate the 21st century, successful funding applications were awarded to this vital community resource, to date £962,000 has been secured allowing total refurbishment/extension/disabled friendliness as well as an outdoor Play Area/all weather sports pitch, and ICT Learning Centre facilities.

In 1999 the premises were temporarily closed down for six months to allow refurbishment works to be completed. In December of that year H.R.H. Princess Anne expressed a wish to visit a village in County Durham where a lot had been achieved. Princess Anne chose Delves Lane Village Hall and on 11th February 2000 H.R.H officially re-opened the premises spending a morning with us we will remember always.

The village hall has once again become the heart of the community with the daily usage overwhelming opening hours are 9a.m.-9p.m.now with a full IT suite and buzzing with activities catering for age groups 0-90years. A modern warm friendly environment where everyone is encouraged to visit and made to feel welcome.

Still managed and cared for by volunteers assisted now with staff Delves Lane Village Hall has become a beacon for Delves Lane as well as Derwentside, throughout County Durham and beyond.

A community achievement of which we are all extremely proud to have had the privilege of being a part of.