Shiplake Memorial Hall

                                               

 

Shiplake Memorial Hall was opened in 1927. 

SMH is a cherished landmark steeped in British history and community spirit. Situated amidst the picturesque countryside, the hall stands as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of generations past and present.

A wide range of regular classes and activities are hosted by our hirers, offering something for all ages and interests and ensuring the hall remains a lively and well-used space at the heart of the village. Plus frequent film nights are hosted at the hall. Our field is used by AFC Henley as part of the community including players from Shiplake.

Shiplake Memorial Hall, offers more than just a venue – it is a a hub for gatherings, celebrations and cherished memories. Whether you're planning a community event or a private function, the hall welcomes you with open arms.

Click Here for Hall Hire

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Shiplake Memorial Hall Registered Charity Number: 1182572

     

Local Area

What's on?

A huge thank you to Julie Rose!

 

Article created / last edited: 29 June 2026

Strength & Balance Classes with AgeUK at the hall

 

Strength & Balance Classes for Older Adults with Oxfordshire AgeUK

Join us for our weekly strength and balance exercise classes, starting Monday 27 April, 11:00am–12:00pm, and continuing every Monday at the same time.

• First class is free, then £5 per session
• A great way to stay active, improve balance and build strength
• Meet new people in a friendly, supportive environment

To find out more or book your place:

📞 01235 849403
📧 active@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk
🌐 www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire

We look forward to seeing you there!

Article created / last edited: 24 April 2026

Shiplake Memorial Hall: 2025 Year in Review

2025 marked a truly special milestone for Shiplake Memorial Hall, one hundred years since the foundation stone was laid. A century on, the hall continues to sit at the heart of village life, and this anniversary year has been one of both reflection and significant investment in its future.

It has been a busy few months, with major renovation works carried out to improve the comfort, efficiency and appearance of the building. In total, around £30,000 was spent on essential upgrades. To allow this work to be completed safely and efficiently, the hall was closed for the whole of August and no hirers were able to use the space during that time. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all our regular hirers for their patience and understanding while the work was carried out.

During August alone, three key projects were completed. The gable end of the Old Billiard Room was repointed, restoring the brickwork and protecting it from the elements for years to come. Water-damaged panelling at the back of the stage was replaced, greatly improving the appearance of the main hall. Underfloor insulation was also installed throughout the main hall, reducing heat loss and making the space warmer and more energy-efficient.

The first two projects were fully funded from hall reserves at a combined cost of around £9,200. The underfloor insulation project, costing just under £8,000, was made possible thanks to generous support from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. Without this grant, the work would not have been able to go ahead.

As we move beyond this centenary year, these improvements ensure that Shiplake Memorial Hall remains a welcoming, practical and well-loved space for the community, ready to serve the village for the next hundred years.

Article created / last edited: 18 April 2026

April's Film Night

 

Struggling to find purpose, an American actor, Brendan Fraser lands an unusual gig with a Japanese agency to play stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he soon rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection. Set in Japan, it captures Japanese beautifully. Brendan Fraser gives the film the heart it needs in this feel good story about connection and belonging. Why not give it a go. Come along and catch up with friends and neighbours.

When: Friday 24th April at 7:30pm

Article created / last edited: 25 March 2026

Elizabeth Jones Clinical Pilates

Reach out to Elizabeth today to book in for a taster session!

Article created / last edited: 13 March 2026

February Film Night - My Favourite Cake

 

Article created / last edited: 13 March 2026

Decembers Film Night - The Ballad of Wallis Island.

 

Article created / last edited: 25 November 2025

A visit from the Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire

 

Article created / last edited: 14 October 2025

Photographic Competition Winner

 

We’re delighted to announce this year’s winner - Jenny Ovstedal, with her stunning image of a hay bale on a sunny day. 

A huge congratulations, Jenny! Your photo beautifully captures the warmth and charm of our countryside.

Thank you to everyone who entered - we loved seeing so many creative and thoughtful shots celebrating our local landscape. 

Article created / last edited: 7 October 2025

Quiz Night 2025

 

A Night of Fun and Laughter at Our Annual Quiz Night

Last Friday’s quiz night was a tremendous success, drawing a fantastic crowd of friends, neighbours and trivia enthusiasts - all coming together to support our beloved Memorial Hall. The energy in the room was infectious, with plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and, of course, a few heated debates over those trickier questions! The evening raised around £1,000 for the hall - an incredible achievement and a reflection of everyone’s generosity and enthusiasm!

Our congratulations go to this year’s winning team, who took home the top prize with wide grins and well-earned bragging rights.

A special mention must go to Quixtiano Ronaldo, who impressed everyone by winning our Chocolate Challenge on the night. And let’s not forget the prize for Best Team Name, which went to ‘One Token Male’ - a brilliantly named team made up of seven ladies and one very lucky gent! Their humour certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Events like these remind us why our community is so special. Thank you to everyone who came along, joined a team, shared a laugh, and helped raise funds to keep our Memorial Hall thriving. We can’t wait to see you all again next time!

Article created / last edited: 11 October 2025

Film Night

 

Film Night is back and beginning with a classic: 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. Join us at the hall on Fri 10 Oct at 7:30pm. Tickets only £8.

Article created / last edited: 27 September 2025

Quiz Night

 

Get your thinking caps on – Shiplake Memorial Hall’s ever-popular Quiz Night is just one month away! Join us on Friday 3rd October for an evening of fun, friendly competition and fundraising in support of our much-loved community hall.

📅 Date: Friday 3rd October
🕢 Arrival: 7:45pm | Start: 8:00pm
👥 Teams: 6–8 people (or we can place you in a team)
💷 Price: £12 per person – includes nibbles and two bottles of wine per table

The night promises plenty of excitement, including:

• Quiz champions taking home medals

• A tasty Chocolate Challenge

• The much-anticipated announcement of the Photographic Competition winners

It’s going to be another fantastic night of community spirit, laughter and friendly rivalry.

To book your place, email: bookings@shiplakehall.com

Article created / last edited: 16 September 2025

SMH CENTENARY PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 

As part of the celebrations for the Shiplake Memorial Hall Centenary, we would love to receive your 2025 photographs of village scenes within the Shiplake/Binfield Heath area.  

3 categories :  Under 11s/12- 18 years/Adult

One entry per person/category

Printed images (no digital files)

Colour or black & white

Max A4 size

Closing date for entry:   19 September 2025

Judging will take place on 3 October 2025 at SMH Quiz Night and each category winner will receive a prize.

Join in the fun and make sure you take your cameras with you when you are on your next walk!

Download an entry form HERE.

Article created / last edited: 24 July 2025

🗺️ The Centenary Trail is HERE!

Available now at Shiplake Corner Shop — pick up your booklet for just £3 (cash preferred)!

Explore the village, learn fun historical facts, and test your knowledge with our quiz trail — a fresh way to celebrate 100 years of Shiplake Memorial Hall!

🎁 Want to win a £75 voucher from The Baskerville Arms? Complete the trail and enter the prize draw before 14th September!

Big thanks to:
Janet Matthews – for creating the trail
Neil Jenkins – for printing
Andrew – for stocking it at the shop

Get your steps in, learn something new, and have fun with the whole family!

Article created / last edited: 4 October 2025

Calling All Vehicle Owners! 🚗

 

Article created / last edited: 26 June 2025

Shiplake Memorial Hall Centenary Strawberry Tea

 

Article created / last edited: 4 August 2025

Shiplake Memorial Hall is 100 years old

 

Shiplake Memorial Hall was built in 1925 as a memorial to Reginald Mardon, a young soldier who died in the First World War and whose family lived in Shiplake. It has been used by the local community for a wide variety of uses over the last hundred years – from school room and playgroup to pantomimes and meetings.

In the past ten years the Hall has been sensitively updated and extended to meet modern standards and it continues to be an important venue for community activities, including the Tennis and Bowls clubs, the playing field and children’s play area.

This year the Hall will be celebrating its Centenary with a programme of events for the surrounding villages and their residents. A Film Night which will be showing a 1920s film and a Murder Mystery evening with a 1920s theme are planned for the spring and a Centenary Quiz will be held in the autumn.

During the summer there will be a Centenary Question Trail, a Photographic Competition and a community event which will include a Strawberry Tea and Vintage Vehicle display.

The Trustees and supporters of Shiplake Memorial Hall are looking forward to celebrating this important year with the local community and more information will be on the Village website and the Hall website.

Article created / last edited: 18 January 2025

BBC4 Any Questions? - update

 

Tickets for the event are no longer available but you can listen to the broadcast on Friday 31^st May at 8.00pm and on Saturday 1^st June 2.00pm and on BBC Sounds.

Article created / last edited: 31 July 2024

BBC4 Any Questions? at Shiplake Memorial Hall

 

Shiplake Memorial Hall will be hosting the live radio programme on Friday 31 May from 6:30-9:00PM. The event is free to local residents with limited tickets available and pre-booking is required.

To book your free tickets please email Pip at: bookings@shiplakehall.com 

Maximum of two tickets per booking

For more information, please see the Press Release

Article created / last edited: 30 March 2024

Tree planted in remembrance of Val Knight

One of our trustees, Caroline Fairbrother, has been included in an article by the RHS about planting trees in remembrance of loved ones lost during the pandemic. A tree was planted on the hall's ground in the name of Val Knight, a Shiplake resident and teacher at the primary school, who died in 2020.

To read the article, click on the link RHS: Planting trees in remembrance

Article created / last edited: 23 March 2024

Hall Status Update July 2023

The annual Report and Audited Accounts for the Memorial Hall for 2022 are now available by clicking 2022 accounts

The highlights for 2022 were:

• a small loss after depreciation
• continuing dependence on the income from the flat and hire of the field to remain financially viable, the hire income of the hall itself only covered 58% of operating costs in 2022
• commencement of the project to totally refurbish the former old billiard room, (previously occupied by the nursery), so it can be let to a commercial tenant to help secure financial viability against a background of escalating costs, especially utility costs

The biggest challenge facing the hall is:

• filling the one current trustee vacancy and replacing those long serving trustees who wish to retire by 2024 with appropriately skilled replacements, (particularly relevant skills would be people with a building services/surveying, or people management, or legal, or financial background)

Remember:  The hall cannot continue to operate without sufficient committed trustees

For further information about the role of trustees please email chair@shiplakehall.com

Article created / last edited: 19 July 2023

Calling all film enthusiasts and anyone else interested in helping launch community film nights at Shiplake Memorial Hall

We have successfully acquired all the necessary film equipment at the hall and now we’re looking to set up a film committee who will help run monthly film nights.  

We already have one very keen volunteer who has offered to join the committee but we are now looking for additional volunteers to join the committee to launch, promote and run this project.  We are particularly looking for people with the following skills:

• Film enthusiasts
• Technical knowledge
• Website build
• Marketing and design

But we would welcome anyone who is happy to get stuck in and help drive this project forward as well as additional people to volunteer on the actual nights to run the bar etc.

Ideally, we would like to run our first night at the end of November so we’re keen to get started with the planning now!

If you are interested in getting involved in this sociable, exciting community project, please email me on lottie@shiplakehall.com or call on 07704 158724 to chat about how you would like to be involved.

Many thanks

Lottie Pheasant

Hall Manager, Shiplake Memorial Hall

Article created / last edited: 9 October 2022

The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will be shown live at Shiplake Memorial Hall

On Monday 19^th September 2022, the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will be shown live on a large screen at Shiplake Memorial Hall. 

The hall will be open from 10am to 3pm to allow members of our community to come together in paying our respects to Queen Elizabeth II.

Tea, coffee and cake will be provided but please feel free to bring your own refreshments if you wish to.

 Pop in any time – everyone is welcome.

Article created / last edited: 20 September 2022

Shiplake Memorial Hall Update: We are now recruiting for new Trustees and 2021 Annual Report and Accounts

The 2021 annual report and accounts for Shiplake Memorial Hall have been formally signed off by an External Examiner and are now available to view on the Charity Commission website. (Search for Shiplake Memorial Hall or Charity number 1182572).

Trustees Required: Two of the existing long-standing trustees will shortly retire and the hall would like to hear from any local residents who would be interested in becoming trustees and help ensure the continuation of this valuable community asset. The hall has an excellent team of staff who look after the day-to-day operations, the primary job of the seven trustees is to:

-        Steer the strategic direction of the hall

-        Ensure it meets its charitable objectives and remains financially viable

-        Provide advice and assistance to the staff when required

No previous trustee experience is necessary, just a willingness to contribute to the life of the community. A background in, for example, general management, facilities management, or HR would be a bonus.

The trustees do most of their work via a mixture of telephone and email discussions, together with usually four formal meetings per year. 

For more information, please email chair@shiplakehall.com or call Bob Partridge on 07860 318196

Article created / last edited: 8 October 2022

Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night on Friday 6 May 2022

Following the success of our Quiz Nights pre Covid, Shiplake Memorial is hosting another Quiz Night on:

Friday 6 May 2022 at 7:45pm with the quiz starting at 8pm

We are fundraising for the hall itself - a wonderful community asset which needs your support to survive. We will also be having a collection on the night for Ukraine.

Bring a team of 6-8 people or we can put you in a team.

Tickets £10 each which includes nibbles and two bottles of wine on each table.

Please remember that our previous Quiz Nights sold out very fast with a number of people on the waiting list – get your tickets now or risk bring disappointed!!

If you would like to book tickets, please email:  lottie@shiplakehall.com.

For further information see the poster here.

Article created / last edited: 11 May 2022

Save the date! SMH Quiz Night on Friday 6 May 2022

The very popular Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night is back!

Our next Quiz Night wil take place on Friday 6 May 2022 and this time we will be fundraising for much needed new crockery for the hall kitchen.

Further details to follow shortly on how to book your tickets.

Article created / last edited: 8 October 2022

Shiplake Memorial Hall will be open again on Sunday between 10am and midday for charging electrical items and hot water

Based on the demand today, Shiplake Memorial Hall will be open again tomorrow from 10am to midday for local residents to charge electrical items and work/study.  We have plenty of tables and chairs available.

Please note that we don't currently have WiFi as this service has been disrupted following the storm but the hall is warm and we have plenty of tea and coffee available whilst you wait for items to charge and you can send emails using the hotspot option on your charged phone if you are working from a laptop.

You are also welcome to bring flasks up to fill with hot water to take home.

Please call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.

Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022

Shiplake Memorial Hall will remain open until 2pm today for power and hot water supplies

We have decided to remain open until 2pm today if you would like to pop up for charging facilities, hot water and a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit whilst you charge your phone!

Please call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.

Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022

Shiplake Memorial Hall open today to local residents needing power and hot water

Shiplake Memorial Hall has power and we will be open today for any local residents still without power.

We have tea and coffee facilities so please feel free to pop up for a cup of tea and coffee to warm up!  You are also welcome to bring a flask if you would like to take some hot water away with you.

You are also welcome to charge up any essential electrical items you need charging.

We will initially be offering this service between 10am and midday today but will review this throughout the morning and possibly extend this time if the power remains off in the village.

Please let as many of the local residents as possible know we are open and happy to help!

Call Lottie on 07748 983344 if you have any questions.

Article created / last edited: 19 February 2022

Baby Bloom Christmas Launch Party - Friday 17th December

Article created / last edited: 18 November 2021

Bloom Baby sensory launching new classes at Shiplake Memorial Hall

Article created / last edited: 18 November 2021

babyballet® is coming to Shiplake Memorial Hall!

 

Article created / last edited: 15 September 2021

Dog must be kept on leads on Shiplake Memorial Field

Following an incident on the Memorial Field on Thursday morning involving a dog running loose off the lead and a small child, The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall would like to remind local residents that, although dogs are welcome on the field, they must always be kept on leads. 

The field is for the enjoyment of all local users including young children and we would ask that all dog owners be mindful of this.

There are signs up at the field stating that dogs need to remain on leads but the Trustees are currently reviewing whether the signage could be made more visible.

Thank you in advance for your support with this matter.

The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall

Article created / last edited: 18 July 2021

New Pre-School dance class at Shiplake Memorial Hall

 

Berkshire and Henley Dance is a friendly and welcoming dance school whose focus is on nurturing a students passion for dance, creating confident, gifted performers.

Offering dance classes from 2 years to Adults in Modern, Tap, Street, Hip hop, Contemporary, Lyrical and Contemporary Fusion.

New pre-school dance class now running for children aged 20 months to 4 years on Mondays from 2-2:45pm.  The classes use ribbons, shakers, stories and other fun aids and easy to learn steps for your little dancer.

If your child loves to dance, please bring them for a free trial.

Please contact Mel to secure your place on 07881 814404/mel@berkshiredance.co.uk

Article created / last edited: 23 May 2021

Update on the syringes and needles found on Shiplake Memorial Hall field on Saturday 6 March 2021

The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall can confirm that the small number of needles and syringes found on the Memorial Hall Field yesterday in the hedges by the play park have all been removed and will be disposed of appropriately.  The entire field has been checked today and the Hall Trustees will continue to monitor the grounds on a regular basis.

This was an isolated incident but if you notice any suspicious activity on the Memorial Hall grounds or find any rubbish of this kind, please can you make the Trustees aware immediately by calling 0118 3243303 or emailing bookings@shiplakehall.com.

Many thanks for your assistance with this matter.

Bob Partridge, Chair of the Hall Trustees

Article created / last edited: 7 March 2021

Benches back in place at the Memorial Hall Field

 

Back in the summer of 2019 three of the benches around the Shiplake Memorial Hall field had to be taken out of use as they had become unsafe. The main iron upstands on the benches were still in good condition but many of the wooden slats had rotted or been broken. 

The Hall Trustees agreed that the old benches should be refurbished rather than purchasing new ones.  Fundraising for this project began in autumn 2019 with a very successful Quiz Night at the Hall. The Hall was also very grateful for the donation towards this work, given in October 2019 by Taylor Wimpey.

In late autumn of 2020 the preparation work to restore the upstands was able to go ahead. Thank you to the Hall caretaker and two trustees for this work.  It proved very difficult to be able to order the wooden slats required for the benches but after a long search the required slats were obtained and Kevin Mather, a local carpenter, finished the restoration work on Thursday 21^st January 2021. 

It has taken much longer than was ever anticipated due to Covid but the benches are now back in place, look amazing and are already being much appreciated by these walkers, Vin and Robin from Binfield Heath.

Article created / last edited: 24 January 2021

Shiplake Memorial Hall – Treasurer

Shiplake Memorial Hall is seeking a new Treasurer to take over from the current incumbent who wishes to retire. This is one of the seven voluntary trustee positions that are essential to the effective management of this important community asset.

The role involves maintaining the accounts of the hall on a day to day basis, including managing the bank accounts and payments, producing the monthly accounting reports for the trustees and the annual accounts and ensuring the latter are audited and lodged with the Charity Commission in a timely way.

The role typically takes about 8-12 hours per month. Experience of accounting/booking keeping is essential and charity related accounting/legal experience would be useful. Sound computer skills, especially Excel and email, are also essential. As a trustee, the treasurer attends the trustee meetings which take place every two months or so.

If you are interested in taking on this important community position, please contact Nigel Smith the current Treasurer via treasurer@shiplakehall.com or Bob Partridge Chair of the hall trustees via chair@shiplakehall.com for an initial discussion.

Article created / last edited: 25 November 2020

New Phonics Pre-School Class at Shiplake Memorial Hall

We have a new class running at Shiplake Memorial Hall specifically for pre-school children.

Every Friday from 9:45am, Sophie Mann runs Phonics with Robot Reg which are fun, high energy classes for 1-4 year olds. 

Minis- each class gives toddlers the opportunity to explore sounds and rhymes, and develop and enhance speaking and listening skills as well as activities to improve gross motor skills.

Preschool- each class includes games and activities that teach sound recognition, alliteration and oral blending and segmenting the necessary foundations for reading and writing. This high energy class also includes activities to improve gross and fine motor skills which support a child's handwriting.

For more information, contact Sophie on 07548271830 or click on the link below.

https://robotreg.co.uk/pages/caversham-and-henley

Article created / last edited: 28 September 2020

Update on Shiplake Memorial Hall Fundraising Appeal

The Trustees would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have donated to the emergency appeal following the eviction of the travellers from the Memorial Field.

We have now managed to raise just over £3,600 from all the generous donations from the local community.

The hall insurers have confirmed that they will contribute £1,250 towards the total eviction costs of £4,974 which means that we have almost covered the eviction costs.  This is wonderful news for the hall during such a difficult financial time whilst the hall is closed due to Covid-19.

If you would still like to make a donation to the emergency appeal, please could you use the bank details below and email lottie@shiplakehall.com if you are able to gift aid your donation.

Account:            Shiplake Memorial Hall

Sort code:          20 65 20

Account No:      73576914

Thank you in advance

Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees

Article created / last edited: 23 August 2020

Shiplake Memorial Hall would like to thank those who have donated to the fundraising appeal

The Trustees of Shiplake Memorial Hall have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the local community since the appeal for donations was launched to help cover the costs relating to the eviction of the travellers.

The Trustees would very much like to thank everyone personally for their kind donations so if you have made a donation into the hall’s account, please could you email the hall at the following email address: lottie@shiplakehall.com.

If anyone would still like to make a donation to the hall, please could the hall bank details below be used:

Account:            Shiplake Memorial Hall

Sort code:          20 65 20

Account No:      73576914

Many thanks

Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees

Article created / last edited: 21 July 2020

Shiplake Memorial Hall is now accepting donations to cover the costs of the eviction of the travellers

Over the last few days, it has become clear to the Trustees of the Memorial Hall that resolving the matter of the insurance claim could be a lengthy process. 

With this in mind, the Trustees have decided to launch an appeal now for much-needed funds to cover both the £4974 enforcement costs as well as the costs of securing and strengthening the field defences. 

If the hall is fortunate to have the eviction costs covered by the insurance at a later date, any additional money raised will be put towards the running and maintenance of the hall during a very difficult financial time due to the Covid crisis.

The hall Trustees are incredibly grateful for all the support they have received from the local community whilst dealing with the eviction of the travellers.

The field has now been cleared of rubbish by a team from Shiplake College and we are most appreciative for the College’s help and assistance.   The field is now available for use again, but please note that the Parish Council owned play area, adjacent to the Memorial Avenue side of the field, remains closed for the time being.

The Trustees would also like to thank the resident of Binfield Heath who has generously donated three new lock down bollards to replace the damaged ones. We are most grateful for this immediate help.

If anyone would like to make a donation of the hall, please could the hall bank details below be used:

Account:            Shiplake Memorial Hall

Sort code:          20 65 20

Account No:      73576914

Thank you in advance.

Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees

Article created / last edited: 15 July 2020

Update on the eviction of the travellers on Shiplake Memorial Field

The trustees of the Memorial Hall would like to say a sincere thank you to everybody who has offered to make a financial contribution toward the £4974 cost of enforcing the removal of the travellers from the hall field yesterday. At the moment we are waiting to hear the outcome of discussions between our insurance brokers and the underwriters to know if this cost will be covered by our insurance.

Should we not be reimbursed, in view of the serious impact there has already been on the hall’s finances due to the Covid crisis, we will be launching an appeal for funds to cover both the enforcement costs and the costs of strengthening the field defences against any further incursions.

Bob Partridge, Chair of the SMH Trustees

Article created / last edited: 11 July 2020

Well supported Cancer Research Quiz

A total of £1868 was raised at the quiz held on February at the Memorial Hall in aid of Cancer Research.

The "Henley Fundraisers" wish to thank everyone who supported and contributed to the success of this event.

Article created / last edited: 15 February 2020

Tai Chi Classes at Shiplake Memorial Hall on Tuesday Evenings

Article created / last edited: 21 March 2020

'Wonderful Villages' Photo Competition launched by Allied Westminster

A brilliant opportunity to support Shiplake Memorial Hall and win some money for your photography skills!

A great new photo competition has been launched by Allied Westminster and is open to community and village halls in rural locations. There are five prizes available to win with the first prize being £1,000 for the Village Hall and £500 for the photographer.

Allied Westminster say it is their way of encouraging villagers to support their halls and bring in some much-needed cash if they win. It’s open to all people, all halls, and there is no entry fee.  Villagers just send in photo(s), nominate their hall and await the judges’ decision.

The theme of the competition is ‘Village Life – a photo which characterises the value of the community in your village’.

The competition aims to celebrate village life and the vital role of village halls in their communities. Allied Westminster want to champion the roles that halls play in bringing communities together.

They are looking for photos which encapsulate the sense of village community and they don’t want the focus on pretty pretty villages – they want a celebration of village life. 

The competition is now open and the deadline is 15th March 2020.

Remember to nominate Shiplake Memorial Hall as your chosen village hall to receive the prize if you win!  To get permission from us to nominate Shiplake Memorial Hall, please email lottie@shiplakehall.com with a copy of the photo prior to submission.

After the closing date, ten photos will be placed before the judging panel.  Five of these photos will be those with the most votes/likes from the public so once the photos are on the Allied Westminster Facebook page, we can all get voting!

Click here for Full details and rules of the competition

Article created / last edited: 31 August 2023

New Qigong Class starting at Shiplake Memorial Hall

Calm the movement of the mind with mindful movement of the body.
New Qigong class announcement!

Friday mornings at 11.15am - 12.30pm at Shiplake Memorial Hall. Begins on 18th October and runs until Christmas.

For more details please see my website: https://www.ollietubb.com/mind-movement/
If this is of interest, please message me on 07789 766826.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Many thanks,
Ollie

Article created / last edited: 12 October 2019

Shiplake Memorial Hall Quiz Night on Friday 8th November 2019

Quiz Night flyer 

Following the success of our Quiz Night in March this year, Shiplake Memorial Hall is hosting another Quiz Night on:

Friday 8^th November 2019 at 7:45pm with quiz starting at 8pm

This time we are fundraising for the hall itself – we are looking to raise essential funds to improve the look of the Memorial Field - a wonderful community asset which needs some extra care.

Bring a team of 6-8 people or we can put you in a team.

Tickets £10 which includes nibbles and two bottles of wine on each table.

Please see the attached flyer for more details.

Please remember that our last Quiz Night sold out very fast with a number of people on the waiting list – get your tickets now or risk bring disappointed!!

If you would like to book tickets, please email:  lottie@shiplakehall.com.

Article created / last edited: 5 October 2019

New Class - Boxing

NEW boxing classes for adults and children aged 12+ this Sunday 22^nd and Sunday 29^th September 6-7pm Shiplake Memorial Hall.  No experience needed as full training will be given.   Bring nothing except a positive attitude. 

Contact Alexander 07490 182185 alexander.campbellborland@googlemail.com

Article created / last edited: 25 September 2019

Summer of Rockets

Shiplake Memorial Hall played host to the BBC drama series Sumer of Rockets earlier this year. The attached photos are from the televised first episode.

Article created / last edited: 14 June 2019

Annual General Meeting 2019

The Annual General Meeting of the Shiplake Memorial Hall took place on on 25th March 2019. Although the Hall had a sound year financially, it faces an increasing number of challenges. If it is to remain a vital asset  the Hall Trustees will need the support of the wider community. For more detail of this and a fuller report on the proceedings please click here. 

To learn more please email: secretary@shiplakehall.com.

Article created / last edited: 1 April 2019

Assistant Caretaker required for Shiplake Memorial Hall

Shiplake Memorial Hall is busy and vibrant and we are seeking an Assistant Caretaker to provide back-up to the caretaker as necessary, including during holiday or sickness absence.

 Key tasks include: 

• Providing additional help in preparing for, or clearing after, a hirer event, particularly on Sunday mornings.
• Covering urgent hirer call-outs including after 9pm.
• Assisting the Caretaker when he/she is undertaking two-person maintenance jobs.
• Maintaining and tidying the hall gardens and boundary hedges

The role is varied and would suit a self-employed person living in or near Shiplake with their own transport. Hours vary according to need.

To learn more please email: secretary@shiplakehall.com with a brief CV.

Article created / last edited: 4 December 2018

100 years ago today (9th October 2018) ...

.....Reginald and Lydia Mardon's elder son, Reginald, was killed in the advance on Le Cateau in the closing days of the Great War. As a memorial to him and " for the use of their fellow Parishioners" they donated an area of land off what is now Memorial Avenue and funded the construction of the Memorial Hall and Institute - now the Shiplake Memorial Hall. They also bought and donated an adjacent field, which now accommodates the Bowling Club and Tennis Club as well as a sports pitch. 

We are grateful for their generous bequest to the villages and for the sacrifice paid by Reginald Mardon and so many others in the First World War.

The pictures show the Memorial plaque, on the north face of the building, and a commemorative cross placed there by Jean Povey.  

You can read more about the history of the hall at www.shiplakehall.com. 

Article created / last edited: 10 October 2018

Shiplake Memorial Hall - A New Chairman

At the recent Memorial Hall AGM, Hugh Lacy stood down as Chairman after three years in the role. We are very grateful to Hugh for his public service over what have been challenging times for the Hall. He will remain as a trustee enabling him to continue sharing, in the years to come, his understanding and expertise gained over a long involvement with the Hall. The new Chairman is Robert Partridge, who has been a trustee for 10 years and will lead the management team in developing a number of fresh ideas to help bring the Hall into the 21st Century and ensure that this valuable community asset continues to thrive ……………watch this space, exciting things ahead!

The Trustees of Memorial Hall

Article created / last edited: 10 September 2018

DOGS ON THE MEMORIAL HALL RECREATION GROUND

Having received complaints of fouling of the Memorial Hall Recreation Ground by dogs and not wanting to ban them entirely from the Ground the Trustees have concluded that the only practical solution is to require that all dogs on the Ground should be on a lead. This assumes, of course, that owners will in any event remove and dispose of any of their own dog’s poos appropriately in the interests of all users of the Ground, most of whom are children.

Notices to this effect have recently been displayed at the Ground but it is disappointing to find that two of these have already been stolen. These have been replaced but there is a cost to the charity which maintains the Hall and the Ground.

We hope the local residents may help us with this and may be prepared to draw the notices to the attention of the owners of any dogs running free. Please report any problems to the trustees via manager@shiplakehall.com

Thank you

Article created / last edited: 5 May 2017

Larch Trees on the Border of the Shiplake Memorial Hall Recreation Ground

The row of sixteen Larch trees on the far boundary of the Memorial Hall ground have been causing problems for several years. The roots have been causing damage to the adjoining properties and in particular the foundations of the buildings, even of those at some distance from the field itself.  Attempts have been made in the past to remedy the problem by topping the trees but with only limited and temporary success. Further and progressive damage has recently become evident and the Hall Trustees have regretfully concluded that the only solution is to fell the trees in question, a number of which are in any case in a somewhat dilapidated state, and propose to replace them with others of a species more suited to the locality. The Council have confirmed that the trees are not protected. 

To minimise disturbance the felling will take place in three stages, over the next three months and the works will be carried out by qualified and experienced tree surgeons. The adjoining home owner principally affected is aware of and is content with this resolution of this long outstanding problem.

Article created / last edited: 4 October 2016

The Hall in Use

The beautiful main hall is a popular venue for a wide range of activities, including fitness and dancing classes, meetings, exhibitions, concerts, drama productions and fund raising events. Together with its adjoining, professional catering standard kitchen, it makes an ideal venue for celebration events, and regularly accommodates wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries, adult parties and children's parties.

The photo gallery to the right shows the hall in use.

For more information on the Hall please visit our website or call our bookings line on 0118 324 3303.

Article created / last edited: 20 June 2015

To be opened in 2064 - Time Capsules Unveiled

Pictures of Shiplake, diaries and children’s toys were among items placed inside two time capsules to represent life in the village. Trustees of Shiplake's Memorial Hall organised a competition for villagers to submit suggestions for what to include in the wooden boxes. The contest was launched to commemorate the £430,000 modernisation of the building in October 2013.

The capsules were attached to the wall of the hall in Memorial Avenue before an unveiling ceremony with the winners. Isabella Barlow, seven, of Northfield Road, won the under-11s category, while the Blanchard family, of Badgers Walk, won the senior category.

Each capsule has a plaque, saying: “The Way We Were, July 2014.” Underneath is etched who filled it and a request that it should be opened in 50 years’ time.

Isabella, who pulled a curtain to unveil her box, said she was happy to have won and that she would be taking her friends and family to see her box. She included a photograph of her classmates at Shiplake Primary School in their school uniform and pictures of the village, including Shiplake Lock where she likes visiting the ducks.

The Blanchards filled their capsule with diary entries from friends and families in the village, photographs of the memorial hall before and after its refurbishment and an aerial shot of the village. 

The photo was taken at the unveiling of the time capsules.

Article created / last edited: 31 August 2023

Full Steam Ahead at the Memorial Hall

Today saw one of the more unusual hires of the Hall when Stephen Howard, a Henley resident, used it to check out his latest G-gauge exhibition model railway. The layout  consists of a number of sections joined together, but overall is so large that it had never before been put fully together. Steve and a team of volunteers used the Hall to rehearse the assembly of the whole layout and test its operation, prior to taking it on exhibition nationally. Unfortunately, because of the Hall's smoke detection system all the running trials were with electrically powered locomotives!

Article created / last edited: 26 November 2014

Hogwarts Memorial Hall

Many hirers choose to decorate the Memorial Hall to reflect the theme of their party but none have achieved so complete a transformation as that to celebrate Harry Potter fan Nicole’s 16th birthday.

Full story

Article created / last edited: 21 March 2014

F1 Racing at Shiplake Memorial Hall!

Another unusual use of the Hall!

For a recent suprise birthday celebration the floor of the Shiplake Memorial Hall was converted into a racetrack. Memories of childhood Scalextric sets came flooding back as budding F1 drivers got to grips with remote controlled cars in a number of practice heats. After the main races were over the track was quickly cleared away and tables brought in from the sides for the birthday celebration meal.

Article created / last edited: 7 March 2015