A 19th century village hall has received a 21st century facelift, thanks in part to funding from Valencia Communities Fund. The Victoria Rooms are the hub of village life in Milverton, being the venue for many clubs, societies and concerts, as well as parties and wedding receptions.
Three years ago, the Rooms committee commenced a series of improvements that aimed to improve the experience of the hall for all users. This included levelling access ways, upgrading toilet facilities and even raising an entire floor.
Also in the first phase of renovation was a larger and updated kitchen for catering events and replacement of the East End window, further enhancing the facilities available to the hall's users. With a nearby hall recently sold for residences, displacing the users there, and the number of user groups expected to increase, the hall committee looked to a programme of internal refurbishment of the Rooms.
This second phase of works saw the hall receive new curtains and tracks - urgently needed for fire safety and replacing the drapes last installed in the 70s - a new stage curtain, improved and more efficient heating and repair of the worn pine floor.
Lighting improvements have increased efficiency as well as offering more flexibility to users, and the beautiful vaulted ceiling has received an overhaul to enhance this unique and striking feature.
A lick of paint in the hall and lobby completed the improvements, and it is hoped that the hall will not only retain its loyal user base, but attract more users from further afield by offering them a warm welcome in a newly refurbished hall.
