YEARS of planning and fundraising came to fruition as two Bourne Valley communities a new village hall officially opened.

Allington and Boscombe’s new Brunton Memorial Hall was unveiled by Dan Brunton, the son of Michael Brunton BEM, a former parish council chair who long campaigned for the parishes to have their own facility.

During his 14 years as chair of the council, Mr Brunton led efforts to have a hall built for use by the community.

“The opportunity became a reality when the Patterson family decided to sell their home and some land in Boscombe to NERO Developments Ltd,” a spokesperson said.

“A plan was drawn up and agreed upon, with a clause that stipulated the sale would only be signed off if the developers – Annington Homes – built a village hall for the two villages.”

Once plans were drawn up, fundraising got underway, with the community uniting to host a raft of band nights, fetes, bonfire parties, wine and cheese parties and Christmas events in a bid to get the money together.

Finally, in April 2024, the keys were handed over to the new hall, with trustees taking over the running of the venue.

“Sadly, Michael Brunton died in 2021, before the village hall was finished, although he did have an opportunity to visit the partially-completed hall,” the spokesperson went on.

It was then agreed unanimously by the parish council to name the hall in his honour.

And so it was, on June 1, Michael’s son Dan and wife Fiona cut the ribbon to the new hall.

“The Brunton Memorial Hall is now a valuable and much-needed facility for the community to come together for groups and events, a venue for clubs, classes and societies and a venue for private hire for gatherings and parties,” the spokesperson added.

For more information – and to enquire about hire – log on to the parish council website at allingtonandboscombe.org.uk/village-hall/brunton-memorial-hall.php.