History
Early Days
The village hall was completed just in time for its official opening on 26th January 1935. However it was planned well before that. The Great War of 1914-18 was a watershed in the life of the nation. Every town and village had its war memorial. In 1921 Stock & Bradley, by public subscription, had installed a memorial rose window in the parish church. Following on from this and as a continuation of the community spirit, there was by 1923 the intent to have a village hall, possibly initiated by the rector, Rev J T Conan-Davies who was also chairman of the parish meeting. He was supported by Mr John Newton-Jones, his vice-chairman, by Mr Norman W Gould who was to become the treasurer, and by Councillor Reuben Inett, Stock & Bradley’s representative on Droitwich Rural District Council. This seems an all-male cast. However, generally speaking, women are more sociable than men and it is probable that the wives of these notables, together with other ladies of the parish were equally strong an influence in the founding of the village hall. In particular would have been the enthusiasm of Mrs Zaida Gould, president of the Womens’ Institute. Zaida produced a recipe book which sold for 1s.6p. in aid of the hall and included recipes for Cocoanut Pie, Cheap Summer Pudding and Make-Me-Quickly-Cake among many others.
Once the hall was opened there were regular whist drives and dances - sometimes on the same day. Initially, dancing was to a quartet, Mr & Mrs George B Cocks playing respectively the violin and piano, with another violinist and a drum player completing the ensemble - so recalls Mr Reginald T Cocks who as a schoolboy had watched the hall being built. As regards social activities, there were the usual breaks in the summer and at harvest times. This pattern continued until the war came when whist drives fell off. Between 1940 and 1942, when the Britain had its back to the wall, there were fewer activities. The hall was let out from time to time to the Women’s Institute and for Air Raid Precautions meetings. However, by 1943, when the tide of war was about to turn, the dances increased gradually to almost weekly events. Some sponsored the Red Cross, St Dunstans, Redditch Hospital, the Worcester Royal Infirmary and similar good causes
The 1950’s Then, as now, although many enjoyed the facilities of the hall, few members of the public attended the business meetings. For three consecutive
years from 1950, apart from the committee, it was plaintively recorded that there was ‘a total absence of parishioners’ at the AGMs. In the meantime the committee tackled the inevitable problems of heating the premises, maintaining the structure and repairing damaged chairs and tables. In 1952 preparations were made for the installation of electricity and water, including running water for the toilets. There was talk of the land at the rear being made into a bowling green or tennis court. Whilst this showed commendable forward thinking there was at the same time concern that young people were not supporting the dances and that some were even leaving the village. Mr Reg Cocks, in 1953, was promoted to vice-chairman, ‘a young man and very helpful member’, read the minutes. The Women’s Institute presented a memorable series of plays and sketches. In 1954 a youth club was started, on a month’s trial. Members had to belong to the Sunday School and were required ‘to wear pumps or house slippers’ so as not to damaged the floor. As it happened the regular dances, which had been such a feature before, during and after the war years, ended during the spring of 1954. Their demise coincided with the advent of television.
The 1980’s There was a good attendance at the decade’s first AGM. There was even competition to serve on the management committee, nineteen standing for eleven vacancies. Traveling suppers were started as were country and western evenings. The hall was too small to accommodate the 100 Club dance and so the larger Cookhill village hall was hired instead. Such was the committee’s confidence that it was decided to enlarge our village hall. Mr David Waring (Staddle Stones, Stock Green) freely offered his professional services, he estimated the extension costs would be about £25,000. The committee asked him to go ahead and prepare drawings. Meanwhile the ladies social club, Breakaway, was flourishing and using the hall regularly as well as the gardening club and the parish council. The Tote profits had risen to £2000 and was to top £7000. This was regarded as a building fund. New curtains were fitted and the building re-wired and redecorated. The 1981 AGM was proud to elect ‘the best ever committee’. Mrs Kath Hill (Forest View) was appointed caretaker in 1982 a position she held until her untimely death in 2000. Her husband Mr Wally Hill has carried out repairs over many years. A ‘Week for the Disabled’ raised £1000. Planning permission was granted for the extension. In 1983 the county council gave a £10,000 grant towards the extension and the parish council allowed an interest-free loan of £500. The hall’s chairman was now Mr John K Sidaway (Tinkers Halt, Bradley Green) and he with Mr David Waring shouldered the responsibility of the 1983 new extension which included a bar. In 1984 all debts were discharged and the hall was in use on average five nights a week.
Village Hall Today
Today Stock & Bradley is justly proud of its village hall. The hall, fronting east onto Church Road, Bradley Green, is situated in its own plot, bordered by hedges and ditches. The 60ft x 35ft hall, originally fifteen feet narrower, is built of brick with a plaster finish and roofed with tiles. It is centrally heated, well lit and maintained to a high standard. The floor is polished maple. Stacking chairs and folding tables are sufficient for 120 people. The kitchen is well equipped for catering with a cooker, refrigerator , dish washer, hot cupboards and water boiler. Toilet and access facilities are provided for the disabled. There is ample car parking for most events, including private functions. The hall is in regular use for - Keep Fit - Art Class - Village Hall Committee - Breakaway - Gardening Club - Parish Council - Scottish Dancing - Drop In. Annual bookings include: Art Class Exhibition, Breakaway AGM, 100 Club Draw, Parish Meeting and Parish Council AGM, PCC Harvest Supper, Skittles Match (Bradley Green v Stock Green), Village Hall AGM, Gardening Club Plant Sale and Walking Club AGM. In addition the hall is used for family events, business meetings and social evenings by the various organisations.