The Village Halls

The old	and the new.

They then erected the corrugated iron clad building, on the site and it became known as the Institute. Regular dances and whist drives were held there and during WWII it was used as an ARP post.

Despite several improvements and additions over the years, the fabric was deteriorating and in 1988 fund raising began for the building of a new hall. Five years later the old hall was closed as it was no longer fit for use. Due to several problems over the land and the actual siting of the building upon it, it took a further eight years to secure all the money for the present new hall to be constructed. For such a small community to raise the money was a great achievement.

The new hall is a superb place for the village groups to meet, for parties and celebrations, and for the annual village event at the end of June. This is a "Strawberry Fayre" and the villagers set up stalls selling plants, books, bri-a-brac, and toys. A static auction and an ice cream stall at one house is usually fronted with a lorry, the flat bed of which is used as a stage for a band to entertain the visitors, and the church is open.

The Chequers Inn provides beer and gardens for relaxation, and the Strawberry Teas are now served in the village hall, but were previously held in one of the gardens.

A good time is had by all!

Rushden Echo, 13th February 1948, transcribed by Kay Collins Yelden Institute Thirty-two members of the Yelden Institute had an evening out at Northampton last week, visiting the New Theatre for the pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Arrangements were made by the joint secretaries, Mrs. L. Wildman and Mrs. D. Hilton.