Humshaugh Village Hall captivated patrons with a visual display of its earliest quarter century on September 30.

The historic venue, which has served as a village cornerstone since 1928, hosted a photographic presentation recounting memories of war, evacuations, social events, and its role as a stalwart in the community.

Community Action Northumberland was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a two-year project celebrating the history of village halls in Northumberland. 

The project will preserve, record and share the heritage of Northumberland’s halls and involves working in partnership with Northumberland Archives and 31 selected halls.

At Humshaugh Village Hall, tea, coffee, and cakes formed an inviting backdrop to conversations sparked by the images shown to the 50-strong guest list.

The hall originates as a commemorative hall, built from public subscriptions in memory of 15 brave men who lost their lives in the First World War.

The hall was designed by L.E. Hetherington and was built at a cost of £2,360.

It was officially opened on December 13, 1928, by Lt. Col. Cruddas.

Eventually ownership was transferred over to six trustees, with the trust deed stating: "To be used in perpetuity as a site for a Village Hall to be a non-sectarian and non-political place of recreation and social intercourse under the name 'Humshaugh Village Hall' for the advantage and benefit of the inhabitants of the said Parish."

Flurry of activities burgeoned within its confines, including dances, concerts, and group meetings such as the Women's Institute, cementing its place in the social fabric.

The late Peggy Heslop in her account of life in Humshaugh in 1930s recalled how annual school concerts were held in the village hall and were very well attended.

She also remembered the annual party for the children every January in the village hall with food and entertainment.

As global events unfolded, the hall commemorated the Silver Jubilee of King George V and the coronation of King George VI in grand style.

However, not all hall events were celebrations.

With the onset of the Second World War, the hall became refuge for children evacuated from Newcastle, transforming into a classroom and recreation centre to alleviate school congestion.

Serving its community further, the hall opened its doors for parents to visit their evacuee children, and housed soldiers' canteens and the local Home Guard platoon.

Post-war, the hall evolved – incurring major costs such as floor replacement and implementing decisions like allowing 'intoxicants' at wedding receptions.