About Our Hall

Discover the history, governance and community role of St Buryan Village Hall – a cherished resource for our parishes since 1830.

A Building with History

From Schoolhouse to Community Hub

The building that now houses St Buryan Village Hall was originally constructed in 1830 as the village school. For over a century, it served as the educational centre for children from St Buryan and the surrounding parishes.

In the late 1960s, the hall gained cultural significance when it hosted the celebrated 'Pipers Folk Club', run by the renowned Cornish bard Brenda Wootton. This folk club became a focal point for Cornish music and culture, attracting performers and audiences from across the region.

After the school relocated to newer premises, the building was repurposed as a village hall, continuing its role as a community gathering place.

Governance & Trustees

Charitable Trust

St Buryan Village Hall is registered as a charity (No. 284235) and is managed by a team of volunteer trustees. The trust's objects are:

  • To provide rooms for meetings, lectures and classes
  • To provide other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation
  • To improve the conditions of life for the inhabitants of the parishes of St Buryan, St Levan and Sennen

Volunteer-Run

The hall relies entirely on volunteers for its day-to-day management, maintenance and governance. Our trustees are local residents who give their time freely to ensure the hall remains a vibrant community resource.

We welcome new volunteers – whether to join the committee, help with maintenance, or assist with specific events.

Volunteer Interest

Our Community Impact

Serving Three Parishes

Our hall serves the communities of St Buryan, St Levan and Sennen – an area with a combined population of approximately 1,500 residents. We're the main community venue for this rural area.

Through regular activities and one-off events, we aim to combat social isolation, support local groups, and provide affordable space for community initiatives.

Environmental Stewardship

We're committed to reducing our environmental impact:

  • Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
  • Responsible waste management and recycling
  • Encouraging sustainable transport (bicycle racks, bus information)
  • Considering solar panel installation for future energy needs

Supporting Local

We prioritise hiring local tradespeople for maintenance and encourage hall users to source refreshments and supplies from local businesses where possible.

The hall also provides affordable space for local entrepreneurs, artists and instructors to run their businesses and share their skills with the community.

Looking to the Future

We have ongoing plans to improve our hall to better serve our community:

  • Accessibility improvements: Further enhancements to make all areas fully accessible
  • Energy efficiency: Exploring renewable energy options and better insulation
  • Digital connectivity: Improving Wi-Fi availability for users
  • Outdoor space: Developing the grounds for outdoor events and activities

These projects depend on grant funding, donations and volunteer time. If you'd like to support our future development, please get in touch.