Plans to secure future of Parish Hall move forward

A charity formed to take on the lease and day-to-day management of Westbury Parish Hall is moving forward with plans to secure the future of the historic community building.

The White Horse Community Hub (WHCH) is working towards taking on responsibility for the hall and its grounds from All Saints’ Church, while volunteers continue renovation work and plans are developed for its future use.

The hall opened its doors to residents on Sunday 30th August, giving people the opportunity to see the renovation progress, discuss future plans and share ideas about how the space could serve the community.

The event also included children’s crafts, free refreshments and a poppy sewing session hosted by the Westbury Yarn Bombers.

The building has served the local community since 1873, first as a primary school and more recently as a community space for clubs, events and children’s groups. However, campaigners warned last year that it could face closure without a long-term solution, prompting efforts to secure its future.

WHCH chair Joanne Heafield said, “The overall mission for the White Horse Community Hub is to achieve transformation of the hall and grounds into a safe, modern, inclusive space for the current and future local community in Westbury town.”

A community survey carried out in late 2025 found that residents wanted to retain the hall as a key community facility and supported plans to refurbish it.

The charity intends to continue holding open and craft events on a regular basis, giving residents an opportunity to see the progress being made and have their say on the future of the hall.

The next event will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 19th September, during Wiltshire Chilli Fest. It will include children’s crafts linked to the festival theme, free refreshments and an opportunity to look around the hall and discuss its progress.