A PACKED church left standing room only at Saint Aldhelm’s in Sandleheath as residents gathered to hear proposals to cement a thriving community with a new village hall.

As reported in last week’s Forest Journal, the newly formed Sandleheath Village Hall Association wants to obtain the disused Saint Aldhelm’s on a long-term lease from October to turn it into a community venue.

But to allow this scheme to proceed, full support of the community was needed so a meeting was held last Thursday.

And organisers were not disappointed as a resounding "yes" rang out from the rafters from the audience, who want a village hall for recreation, education and leisure activities.

Village Hall Association spokesman Mike Richardson said: "We are all enormously grateful for the interest shown in our project by the people of Sandleheath and for the endorsement they have given us. We now feel suitably empowered to go ahead with our plan, but will have to roll up our sleeves to meet some tight deadlines."

He said: "Our Association is hugely grateful for the work done by our friends on the Fordingbridge Parochial Church Council who have spent much time in listening to and advising on our leasing request. We have also depended on the helpful and willing advice given to us by the staff at Action Hampshire which works with local not-for-profit organisations and has given us a great deal of excellent guidance."

Chairman Simon Daykin said: "I am delighted at the outcome of our gathering and warmly thank all those who turned up to support us. We hope that all our residents will continue to offer practical help, advice and ideas as we go ahead.

"To have a village hall will enhance conditions in Sandleheath and also bring the community closer together."

The Association intends to open the refurbished hall for use in the New Year.

For more information go to www.sandleheathvillagehall.com

Saint Aldhelm's was built on land gifted to the church by the Hulse family. The Foundation Stone was laid by Lady Hulse on June 14 1907. The building was designed by the architect Charles Ponting.

In the early 1900s there was a flourishing brick making industry in the village. Bricks for the church were made by Sandleheath men and the Church was built by those who worked in the brickyard along with other craftsmen who lived in the village.