Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall

While rummaging through the dusty archives of an old records unit, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of minutes dating from 12 October 1981 to 20 November 1996 place rumoured to be haunted by old agendas and the lingering scent of dry sherry (incidentally, I was 27 years young on the day the last minutes were enter in the book, proof that some things do improve with age, like good jack Daniels and committee gossip).

Let’s rewind to 12 October 1981: the infamous standing bar made its debut, orchestrated by the then, secretary for a special function. It was such a smash hit that, come 24 February 1982, the chairman’s report practically bubbled over with excitement, suggesting we install a permanent standing bar. Devenish Brewers were to be courted, and the Milton Arms approached about fitting a permanent bar in the hall’s corner. Debate raged: would the committee run the bar or let the Milton Arms take the helm? In the end, the verdict was unanimous, the committee would keep the reins firmly in hand.

Thus began the legendary saga of our beloved bar.

Fast-forward to 31 March 1992: a generous local (blessed with both wisdom and a toolbox) offered to transform the west wall into a sanctuary for a lockable bar, free of charge! The committee, eager to lend a hand (or at least a glass), agreed.

Moving on to 28 April 1982: the chairman gleefully announced that construction had begun, seeking permission to acquire building materials as required no doubt dreaming of future toasts. On 27 October 1982, the bar was officially added to the agenda for the first time.  A small step for this little bar.

The ever-optimistic Chairman voiced his hope that, at long last, work on the illustrious bar area would soon be completed.

By 24 November 1982, Chairman was still valiantly negotiating completion of the bar,  Fast forward to the 22 December 1982 meeting, and he was tasked with ensuring the bar’s grand debut in time for the AGM, no pressure!

On 23 February 1983, a joy full update: the Chairman had sourced the necessary materials, spirits were high, and by 30 March 1983, it was decided that, if all else failed, our local builder would ride to the rescue. come 27 April 1983, work was well underway, courtesy of a local builder, and the committee’s spirits soared with each passing plank.

The 25 May 1983 minutes recorded the bars near completion, save a lick of paint.  One industrious committee member volunteered her brushwork, armed with paint supplied by the committee, with the final bill for bar works still as mysterious as the contents of a well-shaken cocktail. On 29 June 1983, Chairman and committee member were spotted wielding paintbrushes, transforming the bar’s interior with gusto.

 By 28 September 1983, the committee settled the local builder bill £244.93 (a bargain, given the only charges were for labour, and many materials had been donated or supplied at cost). A hearty vote of thanks followed; his craftsmanship was as appreciated as a cold drink on a hot day, A month later, two more committee members joined in on the final paintwork, proving that when it comes to bars, too many hands rarely spoil the brew. thus, not only was the bar established, but it was well on its way to self-sufficiency, ensuring that the committee’s deliberations would remain well-lubricated for generations to come. It took two years, an epic saga of planks, paint, and persistent committee members, before the bar finally emerged triumphant, ready at last to quench thirsts and inspire legends.

The bar took a well-deserved hiatus from the spotlight in  plodding along in the background, 1985 rolled in, and on 25 July 1985 the bar made a comeback for a country and western night—tickets priced at a pocket-friendly £1 each. (Cowboy hats optional, enthusiasm mandatory) , on 27 August 1986 the Milton Arms took charge of the bar for the legendary pumpkin disco. offering half-price entry to anyone who arrived with a pumpkin, because who says vegetables can’t party?

On 5 August 1987, faced with regulations demanding hot water behind the bar, the committee agreed it was high time to call in an electrician to install a power point. No drama here, just a power point, emergency lighting, and a slot meter, all in a day’s work. And thus, the legend of the bar 

Not content to rest on its laurels (or its beer mats), 2024 saw the bar embrace the future with 3 shiny new fridge and a cash register and card machine so savvy. The bar is still marching boldly onward, fuelled by big dreams, small innovations, and overflowing with ideas (and perhaps the occasional cocktail). Stay tuned, because when it comes to this bar, the best stories are always on tap!  by Carole burgess