A VILLAGE hall which closed for more than a year has reopened and is now a hive of activity.

The community of Cranborne near Fordingbridge has been celebrating after the Cecil Memorial Hall reopened – and they have now launched a new arts event series, ‘Coming to Cranborne’ as part of the hall’s fundraising efforts.

The hall was closed for more than a year after a serious problem with the sprung floor, which many feared would be too expensive to repair.

But thanks to support from the Gascoyne-Cecil Estate and determination from four new charity trustees led by Anna McElwaine, the floor was restored.

The village then came together to form a new committee and reopen the hall, which had deteriorated during its closure.

Villagers with practical skills or just enthusiasm contributed over 330 hours to carry out vital repairs, renovations and cleaning.

Chair of Trustees Anna McElwaine said: “It has been wonderful to see the support we’ve had from across the village to enable the reopening of this fabulous hall.

“We now need to continue our efforts to achieve a balance of community-based activities and fundraising events to ensure the hall remains viable while meeting our charitable objectives. We are optimistic about the future.”

The charity trustees are committed to running the hall as a “friendly and busy hub”, offering activities for everyone.

There are now regular groups, including a craft café, babies and toddlers, badminton, yoga, Pilates and dance.

The hall is also available for private hire – there have been children’s parties, while weddings into 2026 are in the diary.

‘Coming to Cranborne’ is part of the ongoing fundraising efforts, bringing high-quality arts events to the village for all to enjoy.

Local eateries Orchard Bay Pizzas, the Sheaf of Arrows pub and La Fosse restaurant are supporting the launch event with discounts and offers on food.

This first event in the series is on Friday, June 20.

Much-loved local covers band The Belters, put together by Chris Pedley, will play two sets of classic party tunes from rock ‘n’ roll bangers to soul, funk, disco and 80s dance anthems: guaranteed to get everyone on their feet. Tickets are just £10.

This is followed on Friday, July 25 by the highly acclaimed Squashbox Theatre, in association with Artsreach.

‘The Seashow’ has been performed at the famous Minack Theatre in Cornwall and Canterbury International Festival and is a quirky and inventive show for children (and adults), to be followed by a puppet-making workshop.

For more information about The Belters and The Seashow, email events@cranbornevillagehall.org.uk or visit www.cranbornevillagehall.org.uk