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The History of our Parish  Hall started way back in 1903, when there was felt the need for new premises in the Parish for various activities, as other venues that were being used had become unsuitable due to age and condition. It was in this year that The Soham Church Hall Fund was launched and a Committee formed.

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From the records in our collection, this is where we found the first mention of the need for a Parish Room, i.e. The Start of the Church Hall Fund.

Parish Magazine March 1903
Church Lads Brigade.

We regret to say that it has been found impossible to keep Lads interested in this work or to carry it on with any beneficial result.  Application has been made to Head-quarters to have the Company disbanded and struck of the roll.  A little difficulty arises as to what is the right thing to do with the few pounds we have in hand or may obtain by selling our stores.  It has been suggested that they should be set aside to form a beginning of a fund for building a Boys Sunday School or Parish Room.  However trifling the amount may seem it is said that it is good to make a start towards such necessary object.  We shall be glad to hear the opinions of the Parishioners on this point - especially of those who subscribe to the C.L.B. Funds.

Parish Magazine July 1903

The first quarterly meeting of Church People was held in the Girls School Room on Wednesday June 17th at 7 o'clock.  About 40 were present.
It was agreed that a Fund be started for erecting a room or rooms for Church purposes, viz., Boys Sunday School, Meetings, Classes, and other gatherings, and that the assets of the Church Lads Brigade be made over to this Fund.

Parish Magazine November 1903.
Notices for November.

A Rummage Sale
will be held in the Conservative Hall on Wed 25th from 3 - 5.30. Tea and refreshments from 4 o'clock, admission from 3 to 4 two pence, from 4 to 5.30 one penny. The Hall will be closed at 5.30.
In the evening an entertainment, including a variety of amusements will be given at 7.  Doors open at 6.30.  Front seats (Numbered and reserved) 1s. 6d, second seats 1s, back seats 6d, Children half price to first and second seats.  Tickets for reserved seats maybe obtained from Mr Hart.  Friends are requested to send articles for sale to the Vicarage before Saturday 21st. Old clothes, crockery, books, furniture, &c will be thankfully received.
Miss Bullman will have a special stall for fancy work and ornaments.  These articles will be on sale in the Morning from 11 to 1. Sweets &c will also be on sale in the Morning, but no second-hand articles.
Up to £22 of the proceeds will be divided between the S.P.G. and C.M.S.   If more is taken £1 will be given to the Missions to Seamen and the rest to the Church Hall Fund.

Church Hall Fund:
Under this name it is proposed to open an account at Barclays Bank, to which contributions may be paid towards erecting a building for Church purposes, consisting of a large room for Boys Sunday School and Meetings, Class-rooms, small kitchen &c.  When the beginning is once made, it is hoped that the fund will gradually increase.

Parish Magazine January 1904
Church Hall Fund

27th October 1903 from the Church Social Evening £5.
13th November 1903 from The Church Lads Brigade, sale of carbines and accoutrements £11.10s.6d.
4th December 1903 from the Rummage Sale, £6. 5s.7d.
In hand December 16th 1903 £22. 16s.1d.

Parish Magazine December 1904
Church Hall Fund has reached £35. 8s. 6d.

Parish Magazine January 1905
Church Hall Fund

4th November 1904 from Church Social Evening including sale of books £12. 5s.7d.
22nd November 1904 Guild Fines 6s. 10d.
29th November 1904 Church Lads Brigade Sales 16s.
13th December 1904 Rummage Sale £4. 14s. 11d.
In hand December 16th 1904 £40. 19s. 5d.

Parish Magazine February 1905
The Church Hall Fund

This subject will be brought before the quarterly meeting to be held at the Court House on Wednesday March 1st at 7.30.
With the permission of the Writer we venture to print the following letter.

High Street,
Soham.
3rd January 1905.

To The Reverend J.C.Rust.
Dear Sir,
My attention having been called to the great need of better accommodation for the Boys Sunday School, I propose that we celebrate the New Year by getting up a special subscription for the same, and as no one seems inclined to make a start, I will, and I now offer 1Guinea for the purpose.  It seems to me a disgrace that, while all the other places of Worship are well supplied with School Rooms, the Teachers and Scholars of the Church School should be housed in that miserable old barn.
The Girls also, I am told, hold a somewhat precarious position in their present quarters.  All could be well accommodated under one roof.  I am sure there are a number of People in Soham, able and willing, who would be glad to help. Let everyone then put their shoulders to the wheel and the thing is done.
It seems more than likely that in the near future no definite Religious teaching will be aloud in the day Schools.  All the more reason then that all the Sunday Schools should wake up - especially the Church Schools.  The hope of the Empire lies in the Boys and Girls of today: and the better they are grounded in the truths contained in the Bible, the better Citizens they will make.
Yours Obediently,
Jno Packham.

The total receipts from the Entertainment on January 18th were £8.  The expenses were £3.3s.4d. Leaving a net profit of £4.16s.8d.  This amount will be used for the expenses of starting work meetings with a view to a future sale for the benefit of the fund.  Any Lady willing to join such meetings is requested to communicate with Mrs Rust.  The first will be held at the Vicarage on Tuesday 7th from 2.30 - 5.30.

Parish Magazine April 1905
Church Hall Fund

The Vicar thanked the Ladies who are carrying on working parties with a view to a Sale of Work for the benefit of the fund.  He also announced that he had received a letter from a Parishioner offering to give £10 provided that 20 others will subscribe the same amount by the 1st June next.  It was unanimously resolved that the offer be accepted, and that an attempt be made to collect the 20 sums of £10 each required.  It was then proposed by the Rev H T Havard-Jones and seconded by Mrs S Fyson "That a Committee be formed to collect the money” carried by 16 votes to 2.  It was then agreed that the Vicar and Church Wardens form the Committee with power to add to their number.  In answer to questions, the Vicar said that he was not authorised to accept any smaller sum than £10 as a contribution towards the £200 mentioned in the Parishioners letter.  Since the meeting, one donation of £10 has been received.

A humorous entertainment will be given by Mr P J Rust, at the Conservative Hall on Wednesday April 26th at 7.30 in aid of the Church Hall (Working Party) Fund.  Admission 1s. (Reserved) 6d and 3d.  No half price.  Tickets available from Mr Lowes.

Parish Magazine May 1905
Notices for May

Ladies who are making articles at home for the sale of work in aid of the Church Hall Fund are requested to send them to the Vicarage, if possible by May 31st, as Mrs Rust may perhaps be absent from home during the following week June 14th.

Parish Magazine June 1905
Church Hall Fund

(New Boys Sunday school &c)

A Sale of Work in aid of this fund will be held in The Vicarage grounds on Wednesday June 14th 1905 from 2.30 - 10.  Entrance by the gates in Clay Street and from the Church Yard.  The Soham Brass Band has kindly promised to play during the afternoon and evening.  There will be stalls for plain and fancy articles and a flower stall.  A Maypole dance will be performed by Children at 4.45 and 7.30.  Half hour Concerts will take place at intervals.  Various other amusements will be provided; the grounds will be illuminated at dusk.
A refreshment tent will be erected.  Tea from 4 o'clock.  Admission from 2.30 to 6 sixpence, after 6 three pence.  No passes.  If the weather is unfavourable, the Sale of Work and amusements will take place in the Vicarage house.

Parish Magazine June 1905
Church Hall Fund

The Vicar read a statement which he had prepared setting out the purposes of a Parish Room or Church Hall, and the special circumstances which make the provision of such a building in Soham a prime necessity at the present time.  This statement might serve as a rough draft of an appeal for contributions to be issued later on.  The offer announced at the last quarterly meeting of £10, provided that 20 other Persons would give £10 each, had not been met, only 10 others having promised the required sum, and had consequently fallen through.  The total amount now in hand is £140.4s.1d.  The accounts of the Sale of Work on June 14th were then read.  The Persons present seemed to think that it was not advisable to make any general appeal for subscriptions till after Harvest and that further discussion might be postponed to the quarterly meeting in September.

Parish Magazine July 1905
Church Hall Fund

Sale of Work Account

Received:
Entertainment Jan 18th £4.16s.8d.
Entertainment April 26th £3.12s.9d.
Subscriptions £3.4s.0d.
Work sold £6.17s.3d.
Received on June 14th:
Gate money £9.14s.9d.
Fancy work stall £21.8s.5.1/2d.
Plain work stall £14.0s.8d.
Refreshment stall £13.3s.2.1/2d.
Flower stall £3.7s.4d.
Four Concerts £3.16s.3d.
Dipping well £2.15s.8.1/2d.
Maypole collections £2.3s.0d.
Competitions £1.10s.5.1/2d.
Weighing machine 15s. 1.1/2d.
Cake competition 10s.6d.
Found in the garden 2s, 1/2d.
Received after June 14th
Work sold £1.7s.9d.
Total £93.5s.11d.

Paid.
Purchase of materials £16.2s.10d.
Expenses on June 14th
Hire of tent 16s.
Printing & Posting Bills 12s.6d.
Night lights 5s.5d.
Labour & Attendance 10s.5d.
Wrapping paper 1s.10d.
Total £18.9s.0d.
Balance to the Church Hall Fund £74.16s.11d.

The thanks of the Parishioners are due, not only to the Ladies who worked for this sale, but to the many People who kindly gave labour and time and other kinds of voluntary help.

Parish Magazine August 1905
Soham Church Hall Fund

In every well worked Parish it is found necessary to have a Parochial Hall or Parish Room of some kind, for such purposes as Mothers Meetings, Sunday School Teachers Meetings, Guild Meetings, Devotional Meetings, Bible Classes, Communicant Meetings, Working Parties, Band of Hope Meetings and various other occasional gatherings.  Such a Hall or Room is probably used on an average 3 times a Week during the autumn, winter and spring.
In Soham the National School Room is not available, partly because it is in a Street which is not lighted, and partly because it is wanted 3 nights a Week for Evening classes.  For the last 24 years the Vicar has hired St Etheldreda's Room and tried to use it for such purposes as are mentioned above.  But the People of Soham will not come to it.  Now and then an occasion of special interest has filled it, but all attempts to keep up regular meetings there have failed, and the failure seems largely attributable to the objection which People have to the situation of the room.  The only exception to the general record of failure is The Band of Hope, which last season had an average attendance of 63 and a maximum attendance of 84.  But the Room is hardly large enough for this number, when it is necessary to keep order as well as to teach.
The experiment of St Etheldreda's Room has been carried on long enough to show that it is utterly inadequate.  It is desirable to have a side room with a copper and cupboards, so that tea may be made if required.  It is even more desirable to have some Cloak Rooms.  Both these requisites are wanting at St Etheldreda's.
However, the want of room for meetings in connection with various parochial activities is not after all our most urgent need just now.  Our most urgent need is a proper room, or rooms, for our Boys Sunday School.  This is now larger than ever it was.  We have on our Roll 159 Boys, of whom 75 are under 9 years of age.  The average attendance is over 130.
Ever since the Grammar School Buildings ceased to be available (in 1878 or 1879) the Boys Sunday School has been held in the Vicars Barn in Clay Street, a wooden building, having a thatched roof, and no ceiling.  It is not air tight, and is kept rain proof with great difficulty by frequent repairing of the thatch.  There is no way of warming it, for in frosty weather the lighting of the 8 gas burners (which is all that can be done) hardly seems to raise the temperature more than 3 or 4 degrees.
A Sunday Morning School in winter is a severe trial for both Teachers and Scholars.  In summer it is not easy to keep birds from pulling the thatch out and getting inside.  It is indeed at all times apt to be dirty.  Altogether it is a standing disgrace to the Church People of Soham that they have so long allowed their Boys Sunday School to be so shamefully housed.  The time, however, has now come when they must make some effort to improve matters, for there is strong suspicion that The Barn will not much longer be safe.  The floor joists are in places unsound, and the rafters are showing signs of rottenness.  It is evidently not worth while to spend money on renewing such an unsatisfactory erection.  Its dimensions are 45.1/2 by 28.1/4 feet.
The building, therefore, of a Church Hall means for us not only the providing of rooms for weekly classes and smaller parochial gatherings, but the supply of sufficient accommodation for a Boys Sunday School of 160 Children.  As to the size of building required, much depends on the situation and shape, but, roughly speaking there should be at the least a main room of 1200 square feet, 2 class rooms of 250 and 350 square feet respectively, a small kitchen ( with copper & cupboards ), a cloak room, and outside offices.  All these things, however, will be matter for future consideration.
Meanwhile, it seems somewhat premature to discuss questions of site, plans, or design, till we have secured (say) £500 either in cash or in trustworthy promises.
The present state of the fund is as follows.
Amount shown in the Magazine for January 1905 £40.19s.5d.
From Sale of Work, June 14th £73.9s.2d.
Since received by Sale of Work
by Mrs Cory £1.1s
by Mrs Rust 6s.9d.
Donations,
Mrs Taylor £10
T P Bendall Esq. £10
Lady Alwyne Compton £2
Miss Teague £1.1s.
Mr Packham £1.1s.
A Friend 6s.9d.
Total £140.5s.1d.
Less Cheque book 1s
Amount in the Bank £140.4s.1d.

Parish Magazine September 1905
Notices for September

Quarterly meeting of Church People in the Vicar's Barn
Subjects to be considered will be
Church Hall Fund, to consider whether a Committee should be formed and an appeal for Subscriptions issued.

Parish Magazine October 1905
Quarterly Meeting September 14th 1905

Church Hall Fund
There was apparently a general feeling in the meeting that the time was come when an appeal should be issued and an effort made to secure subscriptions.  With this idea in view, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Adams, seconded by Mr Granger, that a Committee be formed for the purpose of carrying on all matters connected with the Church Hall Fund.  It was afterwards agreed that the Committee consist in the first instance of the following Persons, and that they have power to add to their number.
The Vicar & Churchwardens
Rev H T Havard-Jones
Mr Adams
Mr Butcher
Mr Cory
Mr Covell
Mr Floyd.
The Vicar then stated that the Rev J R Olorenshaw was about to publish a book describing Soham Church, and that he would give a large number of copies to be sold for the benefit of The Church Hall Fund, and it was agreed, that this meeting desires to thank Mr Olorenshaw for his generosity.

Parish Magazine December 1905
Soham Church Hall Fund

The state of the Fund on November 24th was as follows,
Amount shown in the Magazine for August 1905 £140.4s.1d.
From Social Evening October 25th £5.12s.3d.
By sale of books £5.11s.0d.
Donations
Rev J C Rust £10
Mrs Jugg £10
Mr Cowell £10
Mr Morbey £10
Mr Warren £6
Mr Cory £5
Mr Floyd £5
Miss Bullman £2
Mrs M A Fyson £1.1s.
Mr A Covell £1.1s.
Mrs A Covell 10s.6d.
Mrs Rising 10s.6d.
Mrs Knowles 10s.
Total £213.0s.4d.
Of the above amount £200 has been placed on deposit, and Friends are requested to pay their donations to the account of the Soham Church Hall Fund at Messer’s Barclays Bank as soon a possible, in order that an interest bearing Fund be formed.
They are also urged to promote the sale of the Rev J R Olorenshaw's interesting and valuable Notes on Soham Church, as the whole proceeds go to the Church Hall Fund.  Copies (price 1s) maybe obtained of Mr Floyd, Mr Lowe, or Miss Clark in Soham, or of Mr Tyndall at Ely. Post free from The Rev J C Rust, Vicarage Soham, 1s 1d. To whom all Donations may be sent.

Social Evening October 25th
Sale of 185 tickets £6.3s.6d.
Taken at doors 7s.4d.
Sale of food £1.14s.2d.
Sale of 70 programmes 2s.11.
Donations,
Mrs Covell 2s.6d.
Mrs Davey 1s.
Mr Butcher 5s.
Mrs Long 5s.
Mr Reed 2s.6d.
Total £9.4s.6d.

Parish Magazine January 1906
Church Hall Fund

The Master and Fellows of Pembroke College Cambridge have given a donation of £10.10s.
Rummage Sale November 29th 1905, Church Hall Fund received £8.12s.8d. Share of the profits.

Parish Magazine February 1906
Church Hall Fund

The state of the Fund on January 23rd was as follows,
Amount shown in the Magazine for December 1905 £213.0s.4d.
Rummage Sale November 29th £8.12s.8d.
By sale of books £1.6s.
Donations
Pembroke College £10. 10s.
Mr Alfred Clark £5.
Mrs Collins £2.
Mr C J Scott (Ealing) £1.
Mr Harold Archer (Ely) £1.
Mr Alfred Morley 10s.6d.
Mr Dobson 2s.6d.
Total £243.4s.0d.

Parish Magazine May 1906
Quarterly Meeting April 18th

About 20 Church People were present.  It was agreed that the Sale of Works in aid of the Church Hall Fund be held in the Vicarage Gardens on Wednesday June 13th, the hours and prices of admission being the same as last year.

Parish Magazine June 1906
Sale of Work

A Sale of Work in aid of the Church Hall Fund will be held in the Vicarage Grounds on Wednesday June 13th from 2.30 - 10.  Entrance by the gates in Clay Street and from the Churchyard.  The Sale will be opened by Lady Cooper.
The Soham Brass Band has kindly consented to play during the afternoon and evening.
There will be Stalls for Plain and Fancy articles and a Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Stall.
A Pastoral Play, specially composed for the occasion, will be performed by some Friends at 3.30, and 7.30.  An exhibition of Musical Drill and Songs by Children at 4.45 and 6.30.  Half hour Concerts, various other Amusements throughout the day. The Grounds will be illuminated at dusk.
A Refreshment tent will be erected.  Tea from 4 o'clock Coffee at 8.
Admission from 2.30 - 6, Sixpence, after 6, three pence, No passes.

Parish Magazine July 1906
Church Hall Fund

Sale of Work Account
Received.
Received before June 13th for purchase of materials & expenses.
Sale in Barn Feb 7th £5.9s.
Work sold previously £1.9s.
Subscriptions, £2.12s.6d.
Work sold since Feb 7th £1.2s.
Received on June 13th.
Gate Money £5. 14s.1d.
Fancy Work Stall £12.9s.
Plain Work Stall £4.17s.11d.
Refreshment Stall £9.3s.6d.
Flower Stall £2.15s.4d.
Three Concerts £2.1s.4d.
Two Plays £2.9s.7d.
Dipping Well £3.6s.9d.
Musical Drill Collections £1.
Living Flowers £1.7s.6d.
Art Exhibition 11s.8d.
Weighing Machine 10s.4d.
Cake Competition 8s.6d.
Foreign Stamps 4s.2d.
Total £57.12.s.2d.
Paid
Purchase of Materials £10.5s.9d.
Expenses on June 13th,
Hire of Tent 16s.
Printing & Posting Bills 18s.3d.
Night Lights 9s.
Labour & Attendance 9s.8d.
Wrapping Paper 1s.2d.
Advertisements in three Papers £1.10s.
Total £14.9s.10d.
Balance to the Church Hall Fund £43.2s.5d.
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Fund Raising went on for many years in a similar fashion and in 1911 The Church Hall Fund Committee were in a position to purchase the Land for the new Hall at a cost of £221.5s., they sold a small portion of the land to Barclays Bank for a new Bank to be built for £110, the Bank is still on this area today. After the purchase of the Land it was Conveyed in Trust to the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance on 20th March 1911 and enrolled in the Supreme Court of Judicature on 15th May 1911.
Picture on the left shows the 1911 Land Tax Map showing the area of land purchased in the High Street, No 177 on the map, notice all the Human Burials found in 1840 in this area.

Picture on the right shows the entry made in the 1911 Land Tax Register for site 177, The Church Hall Land.    Click images to enlarge

Click on the image on the left for the Parish Magazine of August 1911, giving a summary of the Conveyance of the Church Hall Land.

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Fund Raising continued with many functions held and donations received to gather funds to build the Hall. The Parochial Church Council came into being in 1920, and the following is transcribed from their minutes book concerning matters related to the Church Hall Fund Committee, it is very interesting.

Soham Cambridgeshire, Parochial Church Council Minutes Book.

 The First Meeting of the Council was held at the Vicarage Soham, on Thursday April 22nd 1920 at 7o’clock in the Evening.

 The Vicar in the Chair.

The Chairman read the minutes of the Parochial Church Meeting at which the Members of the Council were elected. Those minutes are entered in the Vestry Book.

He then explained the powers and duties of the Council in the rules.

1. Keeping and revising the Electoral Roll, 14 days notice of revision to be given.
2. Determining time and place of Church Meeting, to be held between Jan 1st and the 2nd Sunday after Easter.
3. Presenting to the Church Meeting. (a) The Electoral Roll (b) A Report on the proceedings of the Council, (c) A report on the financial affairs of the Parish.
4. Co-opting Members (if so decided) not exceeding in number one fifth of the Elected Members.
5. Electing a Vice Chairman of either sex.
6. Making representation to the Archdeacon if a majority of the Lay Members so determine.

The Vicar further explained that the following Funds would come under cognizance of the Council.

1. The expenses of the Council itself
2. The Churchwardens Accounts of Church expenses.
3. The Free Will Offering Fund.
4. The Bell repair fund.
5. The organ repair fund.
6. The Choir improvement fund.
7. The Church Endowed Charities.
8. Choir sundries paid by the Vicar.
9. Alms account.
10. Quota to Ely Diocesan Finance.

The above require prompt consideration, the following should be considered in the course of the year.

11. Church Hall Fund.
12. Sunday School expenses.
13. Barway Church expenses.
14. Churching fund.
15. Magazine account.
16. Senior Girls School Managers account.

It was proposed by Mr Edmunds and seconded by The Rev B.C.Durrant that Mr Edgar Ennion be Vice Chairman of the Council. (Carried unanimously)
It was proposed by Mr Basil Slack and seconded by Mr E Ennion that Mr Edmunds be Secretary, (carried unanimously).
It was proposed by Mrs Rust and seconded by Mrs Greensmith that Mr Basil Slack be Treasurer, (carried unanimously).
It was then agreed that the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer, the Churchwardens, together with Mr J G Cowell and Mr F Butcher jnr be appointed a Committee to examine the present state of the various accounts connected with Church matters and to report as to the best method of carrying them on in future.
In this meeting it was then proposed by Mr Cornwall and seconded by Mr Marshall, that the Committee just appointed to enquire into Church Accounts be instructed to consider the possibility of erecting a temporary building suitable for the Council meeting out of the Church Hall Funds on the land held for Church Hall purposes, (to enquire as to the price and suitability of an Army hut), and to report to the next meeting of the Council, after much discussion this resolution was carried.

Meeting Held in the Senior Girls School June 10th 1920.

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust.

 It was resolved that the hearty thanks of the Council be given to the Rev J R Olorenshaw for the bound volumes of the Soham Parish Magazine which he has generously presented to the Parish, and that the said volumes be kept in the Vestry of the Church till a Church Hall be built in which a more suitable place can be found for them.
The Committee for considering the purchase of an Army Hut out of the Church Hall Funds reported.

Your Committee have not been able to hear of any Army Huts purchasable at a less cost than £400 or £500, and such a hut would require another £100 or £150, to transport and erect, with due preparation of the ground, thus more than half our funds would be spent on a temporary and somewhat unsightly building, which would not be really suitable for the purposes for which the money has been collected. The Committee can not recommend any such purchase, but, in view of the urgency of the need, they think that the question ought not to drop out of sight, and any practical suggestion with trustworthy estimates should be gladly received by the Council.
The erection of even one room of a permanent nature, to which other rooms could be afterwards added, would be better than nothing. Possibly some building material cheaper than brick may soon be available, and the possibility of selling part of the land already bought and adding the price to the building fund should not be lost sight of.

Meeting held in the Senior Girls School October 28th 1920.

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust.

Item 10 Church Hall

Proposed by Mr Ennion seconded b by Mr Durrant that a Working Committee be appointed by this Council tonight, to meet and consider the desirability of a Church Hall, at present we have had a Church Hall Fund, but nothing further has been done towards putting up a building. If a Committee were formed they could meet and discuss the question and report to the Church Council, (carried).

The Chairman said he hoped no money would be expended on a temporary building.

 Meeting held at the Senior Girls School December 21st 1920.

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust

Item 2
On behalf of the Church Hall Committee, The Vicar reported that no meeting had been held, as no one had a definite proposal to make, but that the Committee wished to be continued in order to keep the matter alive. He also reported that an additional £50 War Loan 5% Stock had been bought, so that the Fund had now a regular income from that source of £50 a year. The value of the stock at present prices being about £818.

 
Meeting held in the Vicarage January 26th 1922

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust
All Church Funds were read, under the heading of, Funds managed by other bodies Legally Constituted,

15. Church of England (Senior Girls) Day School.
16. Church Hall Fund,

The Ecclesiastical Charities.
17. Church Endowments.
18. Cawthorns Charity.
19. Gowards Charity.
20. Haggits Charity.

Meeting held in the Vicarage March 8th 1922

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust
Item 6

It was proposed by Mr Ennion and agreed to that a Committee of 5 be appointed to consider the possibility of building The Church Hall. The Committee to consist of the two Churchwardens, Messrs Buck, Ennion and Edmunds.

 Meeting held at the Vicarage June 27th 1922

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust
Item 4.

Considerable discussion took place as to a proposal by the original Church Hall Committee to transfer the funds invested in 5% War Loan to the Ely Diocesan Trustees for the purpose of building a Church Hall in Soham when possible. It was proposed by Mr Fenton and seconded by Mr Edmunds that the Church Hall Committee ( Appointed by the Council usually ) be asked to propose a statement as to the future of the Church Hall Fund within 14 days and that the Chairman be asked to forward such statement to the Secretary of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance, and that the Church Council hopes no legal documents respecting the Fund be executed until the reply of the Board of Finance has been considered by the Church Council ( carried with 1 declined ).
An amendment to the above proposed by Mr Platt and seconded by Mr Cornwall that legal advice be obtained as to the powers and position of the Church Council with regard to the Fund, (this was defeated, 4 voting for it and 5 against).
It was proposed by Mr Buck and seconded by Mrs R Clark that the Church Hall Committee be asked to meet the Persons who signed the resolution on June 21st 1922 (9 voted for this and 5 against).

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage March 1st 1923

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust

Item 9
Proposed by the Vicar seconded by R Cornwell that the Church Hall Committee be re-elected with the addition of Messrs C Morbey, F Butcher snr, and John Cowell the Secretary be ex-officios. An amendment proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by G C Boyden that the Members of the Church Hall Committee be re-elected with the addition of B J Slack ( carried by 15 - 1 ).

The Church Hall Committee are as follows:
The Vicar, Rev John Cyprian Rust
The 2 Churchwardens, W A Slack and R Cornwell.
H R Buck.
E R Ennion.
A Edmunds.
B J Slack.

Meeting held at the Vicarage July 16th 1923

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust

Present;
Rev J C Rust.
Messrs:
Buck, Cornwall, Ennion, W A Slack, B J Slack.

The following scheme was considered and approved (N.B. The scheme is to be taken as whole).
1. The present Administrative Trustees appointed 23rd November 1912 to resign.
2. The Church Council to be appointed Administrative Trustees by the Ely Diocesan Board of Education under the Deed of 20th March 1911.
3. The Church Council in accepting the appointment to acknowledge that the invested money and money in the Bank can only be spent in the erection of a Church Hall on the ground conveyed by the aforesaid Deed, or substituted for it by the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance, and that the Church Hall so erected will be subject to the provisions and conditions set forth in the aforesaid Deed.
4. The Persons in whose names the stock is invested to agree to sell out as the money is required for erecting a Church Hall as defined in the Deed of March 20th 1911.

It was agreed to submit the above scheme to the next meeting of the Church Council and to propose its adoption.

Meeting held at the Vicarage August 2nd 1923

Chairman Rev John Cyprian Rust

Item 6
Proposed by the Vicar and seconded by E R Ennion that the scheme submitted by The Church Hall Committee be accepted (carried).
Item 7
Proposed by the Vicar and agreed to, that in paragraph 3 of the Scheme the words " on ground " be inserted before the word " substituted " as it seems this addition will improve the construction of the sentence without altering it's meaning.

 
16th January 1924

A special meeting of the Church Council was held at the Vicarage on Wednesday January 16th 1924 at 6.30pm.
To consider the proposal to sell a small portion of the Church Hall Land.

 Present.
Chairman Rev J C Rust, W A Slack, A Edmunds, R Cornwell, H R Buck, F Butcher, J C Platt, H Houghton, S Boby, J Holden, G Brown, C C Greensmith, B J Slack, Mrs Rust, Mrs Townsend, Mrs Ranson, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Edmunds, Mrs A Clark, Mrs Murfet, Mrs W A Slack.

It was proposed by Mr Edmunds and seconded by Mr C C Greensmith that it is desirable to sell a piece of Church Hall land to Barclays Bank. After some considerable discussion it was proposed by J C Platt and seconded by Mrs W A Slack that this meeting be adjourned until Wednesday January 23rd at 6.30pm (carried).

January 23rd 1924

The Adjourned special meeting of the Church Council was held at the Vicarage on Wednesday January 23rd at 6.30pm.

Present:
Chairman Rev J C Rust, Rev B C Durrant, E R Ennion, G Brown, S J Boby, J C Platt, F Butcher, A Edmunds, H Houghton, H R Buck, W A Slack, A Cornwell, C C Greensmith, E Waddington, B J Slack, Mrs Rust, Mrs Townsend, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Edmunds, Mrs A Clark, Mrs Ransom, Mrs Cant , Mrs Murfet.

The proposition to sell the piece of land was agreed with one discontent.

It was proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by Mrs Townsend that there be all to the Bank that piece of land coloured pink with 23ft frontage by 26½ ft width at the back together with the extension marked blue, continued at a width of 26½ ft. Or as an alternative the whole strip to the back of the Church Hall Property containing the width of 26½ ft to the Eastern boundary (carried with 1 discontent).
proposed by B J Slack seconded by Mrs Edmunds that the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance be written to stating that The Church Council value the piece of land ( coloured pink and blue ) at £110 and the price of the piece for the second alternative be left to W A Slack. (Carried by 11 in favour and 8 against).
An amendment proposed by C C Greensmith and seconded by G Brown that Barclays Bank be asked to make an offer was lost by 10 against and 5 in favour.
It is agreed and understood that the Bank build a wall to divide the two properties.

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage February 7th 1924

Chairman Rev J C Rust

Item 3
It was agreed to redeem the Land Deed Tithe on the Church Hall Land.

Meeting held at the Vicarage March 18th 1924

Chairman Rev J C Rust

Item 6
Proposed by the Vicar and seconded by R Cornwell that E R Ennion be appointed to act as an agent of the Church Council for the redemption of Land Fee on the Church Hall Land (agreed).
Item 7
Proposed by A Edmunds seconded by H R Buck that E R Ennion be also appointed to act as agent for the redemption of the Tithe Rent charge (agreed).

Meeting held at the Vicarage June 10th 1924

Chairman Rev J C Rust
Vice Chairman E R Ennion

 Item 3
Two letters were read, from the Vice Chairman, from which it appeared that the redemption of the Land Tax was progressing, and that the redemption of the Tithe Rent charge was temporarily delayed in order to obtain the consent of the other Land Owners of the Plot originally marked out in the Tithe Map (Mrs Sudbury, Mrs Girdham Clark, and Barclays Bank Ltd) to concur in the redemption - the commutation value of the whole Tithe Rent charge on the whole Plot being 6/6.

 Meeting held at the Vicarage December 18th 1924

Chairman Rev J C Rust

Item 13
It was reported that Mr Ennion had carried through the business of redeeming the Land Tax £4.10.6 and the Tithe £5.6.8 on the Church Hall Land which included only his out of pocket expenses.
Item 14
It was proposed by the Rev C Bacon and seconded by Mrs Rust that the Church Hall Committee be re-appointed as in 1923, with instructions to interview the Secretary of the Ely Diocesan Board with reference to the matter of a Mortgage on the Church Hall when built, the Committee are as follows:
The Vicar and two Churchwardens, Messrs Buck, Ennion, Edmunds and B J Slack.

Meeting held at the Vicarage February 12th 1925

Chairman Rev J C Rust

Item 12
Proposed by H R Buck, seconded by B J Slack, that the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance be advised to invest the £110, being the proceeds from the sale of the Church Hall Land, in 5% War Loan. (Agreed).
Item 13
With regard to the suggested mortgage of Church Hall Land and Church Hall, when built, in order to raise the necessary money for this purpose, a letter was read from the Secretary of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance.
Item 14
It was proposed by  H R Buck and agreed to that the Church Hall Committee, as elected on December 18th last, be re-appointed with the addition of R N Fortescue, and that the whole matter of building the Church Hall be referred to them for consideration.

Meeting held at the Vicarage April 2nd 1925.

Chairman Rev J C Rust.
 
Item 5
The Committee agreed to the suggestion from the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance to invest the £110 from the sale of Church Hall Land in 4½ % conversion loan.

 
Meeting held in the Vicarage July 2nd 1925.

Chairman Rev J C Rust.
 
Item 2
The report of the Church Hall Committee ( June 12th 1925 ) was as follows, - The Committee cannot at present recommend and immediate steps towards the building of the Church Hall, but intend to investigate further the required size and cost of same.
The Committee recommended that £75 of 5% War Loan be purchased. It was proposed by J C Platt and seconded by Mrs R Clark that the matter be referred back to the Committee for their further consideration with a view to the possibility of building operations, (agreed).
Proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by Mrs Rust that J C Platt be added to the Committee, (agreed ).

 Meeting held at the Vicarage October 1st 1925.

Chairman Rev J C Rust.

Item 3
The Report of the Church Hall Committee was read, describing a New Village Hall which some members of the Committee had recently visited at Manea. It was proposed by Rev J C Rust and seconded by Mrs Tebbitt that the report be referred back to the Committee for further consideration. (Agreed).

 
Meeting of the Church Hall Committee held at the Vicarage Thurs Nov 26th 1925 at 7 o'clock.
 
Present:
The Rev J C Rust, Messrs R Cornwell, H R Buck, J C Platt, W A Slack, B J Slack, A Edmund.

It was agreed that the following report be presented to the Church Council.
The Committee consider that the Church Hall building must not be erected without consulting an Architect. They also consider that the actual building and furnishing of a main room could not possibly be completed under £2000. There is at present £1300 in hand, which brings in £65 a year, and there is also the £110 paid for the Land in the hands of the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance.
The cost of heating, lighting, cleaning and general upkeep must also be considered. If any money is borrowed in any way the Council would be individually and collectively responsible for the annual payment of interest, whether the annual paying of a portion of the principal would also be required, the Committee is unable to say.

Meeting held at the Vicarage December 11th 1925.

Chairman Rev J C Rust.

Item 14
The report of the Church Hall Committee was read, it was proposed by J C Platt and seconded by R Cornwell that the Church Council instructs the Church Hall Committee to investigate the matter of building on the basis of £2000 without committing the Church Council to any expense at the present moment, (agreed).

Meeting held at the Vicarage February 18th 1926.

Chairman Rev J C Rust.

Item 7
It was agreed all the members of the Church Hall Committee be re-elected, with the exception of R N Fortescue, who has left the Parish.
Item 8
It was proposed by Mrs Slack and seconded by Mrs Tebbitt, that Mrs Townsend should also be a member of the Church Hall Committee, (agreed).

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage December 9th 1926

Chairman Rev J C Rust.

Item 3
The report of the Church Hall Committee was read as follows.
The Church Hall Committee meeting was held at the Vicarage on November 17th 1926.
Present:
Rev J C Rust, Mrs Townsend, Messrs J C Platt, A Edmunds, W A Slack, R Cornwell, B J Slack.
The following resolution was passed that the purchase of the Old Grammar School should be considered for the purpose of a Church Hall in preference to the erection of a building on the Church Hall Land. The Vicar dissented from this, Mr J C Platt did not vote, the remainder voted in favour. The Secretary reported that he had written to the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance informing them of the recommendation of the Church Hall Committee, and the Board replied that their representatives would inspect the Old Grammar School probably on December 17th.
Considerable discussion on this recommendation took place and it was proposed by Dr Nicolle and seconded by W A Slack, that this Council considers the Old Grammar School a suitable place to be purchased for a Church Hall.

Those in favour as follows.
W A Slack, C C Greensmith, Dr Nicolle, A Edmunds, S J Boby, B J Slack, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Murfet.
Those against as follows.
Rev J C Rust, Rev C Bacon, R Cornwell, G F Fenton, E Waddington, Mrs Rust, Mrs Ray, Mrs Fenton, Mrs Ranson.

The following did not vote.
Mr J C Platt, Mrs Slack, Miss Normam.

The resolution was lost by 9 votes to 8.

It was proposed by Dr Nicholle and seconded by A Edmunds that the Council considers that it is worth while to proceed with the purchase of the Old Grammar School if the site can be purchased for a sum not exceeding £1000, (10 voted in favour 5 against).
With permission of the Council it was agreed to add the following, - Also to give the Church Hall Committee power to reduce the limit of £1000 if after consultation with the Ely Board of Finance it is thought desirable to do so.

 

Meeting held at the Vicarage February 17th 1927

Chairman Rev J C Rust

Item 3
Church Hall Committee: -
Proposed by Mrs Tebbitt seconded by G F Fenton that Dr A P Nicholle be a member of this committee (agreed).
Proposed by Dr Nicholle seconded by W A Slack that G F Fenton be a member of this Committee (agreed).
Proposed by Rev Bacon seconded by G P Lovering that J Holden be a member of this Committee (agreed).
Proposed by G F Fenton seconded by G P Lovering that all the previous members be re-elected to this Committee. viz: - Messrs W A Slack, A Cornwell, A Edmunds, J C Platt, E R Ennion, B J Slack, Mrs Townsend ( agreed ).

It is understood that when the said Committee meet to discuss the matter of acquiring the old Grammar School Buildings for a Church Hall, Mr Ennion would not attend if he was engaged to act on behalf of any client for the purpose of purchasing the said buildings. Proposed by Mrs Platt seconded by W A Slack that the Church Hall Committee be given power to act and to buy the Old Grammar School if they think fit.

An amendment proposed by Rev Bacon seconded by Mrs Ranson that this Council disagrees with the purchasing of the Old Grammar School for a Church Hall. (6 voted for and 13 against and 3 did not vote) the amendment was declared lost.

The following is a record of the voting,
For the amendment.
Rev Bacon, Messrs F Butcher and Lovering, Mrs Rust, Mrs Butcher, Mrs Ranson.
Against the amendment.
Rev J C Rust, Messrs W A Slack, A P Nicholle, G F Fenton, A Edmunds, B J Slack, Miss Norman, Mrs Murfet, Mrs Greensmith, Mrs Britton, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Townsend, Mrs Platt.
Did not vote.
Messrs, R Cornwell, A Day, S J Boby.

The original motion was declared carried.
It was agreed to co-opt Members at this meeting.

Meeting held at the Vicarage April 7th 1927

Chairman J C Rust

Item 2
Arising out of the minutes the Secretary made a statement with regard to the action taken by The Church Hall Committee to purchase the old Grammar School for a Church Hall, which was unsuccessful.

(The Reverend John Cyprian Rust died on June 29th 1927 at the age of 86 years).

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage January 23rd 1928

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 6
The report of the Church Hall Committee was read, and it was proposed by B J Slack and seconded by C W Pegg that this be adopted and the Committee be asked to carry on until further information can be obtained ( agreed ).

Meeting held at the Vicarage March 9th 1928

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 4
Church Hall Committee.

It was proposed by S Moore and seconded by P Lovering that all the members on the old Committee be re-elected.
Viz: W A Slack, R Cornwell, A Edmunds, J C Platt, E R Ennion, A P Nicholle, J Holden, B J Slack, Mrs Townsend ( agreed ).
Proposed by W A Slack seconded by J C Platt that S Moore be a member of this Committee (agreed).
Proposed by B J Slack seconded by Mrs W A Slack that Mrs Boughey be a member of this Committee (agreed).
It was proposed by S Moore seconded by E R Ennion that the Church Hall Committee should consider the matter of acquiring or erecting a Church Hall (agreed).

Meeting held at the Vicarage July 27th 1928

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 4
The Church Hall Committee presented their report viz:
The immediate consideration of the building of the Hall on the Church Hall Land and more or less according to the plan which has been drawn up by Mr MacAllister.

As this will mean the raising of additional funds they explicitly emphasise that they do not wish that the needs of the Church in other departments should be neglected in consequence.
It was proposed by S Moore seconded by R Cornwell that this report be adopted (agreed).

 

8th August 1928
Emergency meeting of the Church Council was held at the Vicarage at 3.pm

Present
Rev P F Boughey ( Chairman ), Messrs A P Nicholle, E R Ennion, A Edmunds, J C Platt, S Moore, S J Boby, P Lovering, B J Slack, Mrs Boughey, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Townsend, Mrs Ranson, Mrs Butcher, Mrs Slack, Miss Norman.

Item 1
The Resolution as in the Church Hall Committee Book were proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by S Moore and agreed to.

Meeting held at the Vicarage October 23rd 1928

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 2
The report of the Church Hall Committee was read (see Church Hall Committee Book).

After some discussion it was proposed by B J Slack and seconded by J Holden that the report be adopted (13 votes in favour). It was proposed by P Lovering and seconded by H M Parker that instructions be given to the Committee that the walls should be plastered inside ( agreed ). Proposed by J C Platt and seconded by P Lovering that before the Contract is signed the specifications should be gone into thoroughly and the Committee should be satisfied on all points (agreed). Proposed by P Lovering seconded by J C Platt that instructions should be given to the Committee to have the wall lowered and erect a railing on the same in front of the Hall (agreed).

December 11th 1928
Emergency Meeting held by the Church Council in the Vicarage at 8.pm.

Present:
Rev P F Boughey ( Chairman ), Messrs W A Slack, A Edmunds, W H Bennett, E Waddington, H M Parker, R Cornwell, F Butcher, P Lovering, S Moore, C C Greensmith, E R Ennion, B J Slack, Mrs Boughey, Mrs Ranson, Miss Norman, Mrs Greensmith, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Cobb.

The purpose of the meeting was to sign the Contract for the building of the Church Hall and to discuss the finances of the Council.
Item1
It was proposed by The Chairman and seconded by B J Slack that the Contract for the building of the Church Hall for the sum of £1728-18-0. Should be signed by him (Vicar) on behalf of the Church Council (agreed).

Proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by P Lovering that the two Churchwardens and the Secretary should be Witness to the Vicar's signature (agreed).

 
15th January 1929
Emergency Meeting held at the Vicarage at 5.pm

The Vicar vacated the chair to Mr J Holden Vice Chairman.

Item 1
It was proposed by J Holden and seconded by S Moore that this Council confirms the action of the Church Hall Committee in arranging for the raising by 18 inches the floor level of the Church Hall at an estimated cost of £100 (agreed).
Item 2
It was proposed by S Moore and seconded by A Edmunds that the Chairman and Secretary be empowered to draw cheques on behalf of the Church Hall Committee.

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage April 15th 1929

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 9
The meeting discussed the question of raising money by Subscriptions for the Church Hall and the furnishing etc of same. The following resolution was proposed by A Edmunds and seconded by Mrs Slack. That this Council recommends the Church Hall Committee to consider the raising of Subscriptions in money for the building and furnishing of the Church Hall and the securing of gifts of chairs and crockery (agreed).

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage May 23rd 1929

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

R.E. Formal opening of the Hall, it was proposed by B J Slack and seconded by Mrs Tebbitt that the Hall be opened after Harvest and the Holidays, the date to be fixed by the Church Hall Committee (agreed).

 
Meeting held at the Vicarage August 1st 1929

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 2
It was reported that the Garden Fete produced a profit of £150.
Item 3
After some discussion it was proposed by J Holden and seconded by S Moore that this amount should be apportioned to the following funds. The Church Hall Fund £105, The Church Schools £35, The Church Council Expenses Account £10 (agreed).
Item 4
It was proposed by the Vicar and seconded by B J Slack that authority be given to the Church Hall Committee to spend £50 for the purpose of furnishing the Church Hall (agreed).

 
Meeting held in the Church Hall November 12th 1929

Chairman P F Boughey

Other Present;
Rev L Mison, Messrs R Cornwell, A Edmunds, C C Greensmith, P Lovering, S Moore, W H Bennett, E Waddington, H Markham, H Palmer, B J Slack, Mrs Boughey, Mrs Ranson, Miss Norman, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Greensmith, Mrs Kirkham, Mrs Slack, Mrs Townsend.
Letters of regret from E R Ennion, W A Slack, H M Parker.

Item 2
A Letter was read from the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance appointing the Parochial Church Council for the time being as Administrative Trustees, that this be accepted was proposed by S Moore and seconded by C C Greensmith (agreed).
Item 3
The regulations for the letting and uses of the Hall, as agreed to by the Church Hall Committee were approved.
Item 4
Proposed by the Vicar and seconded by H Palmer that the Vicar and Secretary have the letting of the Hall in ordinary circumstances (agreed).
Item 6
Proposed by P Lovering seconded by B J Slack that E B Carey be appointed as Caretaker of the Hall at 15s per Week up to March 31st 1930 (agreed).

Meeting held at the Vicarage February 4th 1930

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Item 3
The Secretary presented the Church Hall No2 on furnishing a/c for the period from August 15th to December 31st last, and which shows a deficit of £26-6-9, it was proposed by the Vicar and seconded by B J Slack that the accounts be adopted and also that £10 be paid to same from the Church Council a/c and half the profits from the Rummage Sale amounting to £21 be paid to this account. (Agreed).

Meeting held at the Vicarage April 1st 1930

Chairman Rev P F Boughey

Church Hall Committee
Proposed by R Cornwell seconded by B J Slack that this Committee consist of the standing Committee with the addition of the 4 ladies elected last year.

An amendment proposed by W H Bennett seconded by S Moore that the Church Hall Committee be re-elected as last year, (The amendment was carried by 10 votes to 5).
It was then proposed by W H Bennett seconded by S Moore that the Church Hall Committee be re-elected as before. (Carried by 10 to 3).

The Committee is as follows.
W A Slack, R Cornwell, A Edmunds, J C Platt, E R Ennion, J Holden, B J Slack, S Moore, G F Fenton, Mrs Boughey, Mrs Townsend, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Ranson, Mrs W A Slack.

Item 5
Various matters concerning the Church Hall were discussed including the question of renewing Carey’s appointment as Caretaker, which arrangement expires on March 31st 1930. The Council agreed to Carey continuing as Caretaker until the end of April next, and it was proposed by Mrs Tebbitt and seconded by Mr Greensmith that Carey should be asked if he could undertake the garden work at the Hall, and the matter of appointment and other matters be referred to the Church Hall Committee, ( agreed ).

 

29th July 1930
A special meeting of the Church Council was held at the Church Hall on Tuesday at 8pm.

Chairman Rev P F Boughey.

The matter of dividing the profits of the Garden Fete, which are estimated at about £175, was discussed.
It was proposed by W A Slack and seconded by W H Bennett, to allot £100 to the Church Schools, £50 to the Church Hall No2 a/c, £10 to the Church Expenses a/c, and leave £15 in the Fete a/c for future requirements, (agreed).

It was proposed by the Rev L Mison and seconded by S Moore that leaflets be printed thanking all those workers and others who made the Fete a success and also that it be sent to the Local Press, ( agreed ).

The leaflet is as under.

GARDEN FETE

At a Meeting of the Church Council held
in the Church Hall, on Tuesday July 29th the
following resolution was carried.

The Members of the Church Council desire
to convey publicly an expression of their hearty
thanks to all who took part in any work, for
or gave any gift toward the success of the
Annual Garden Fete.
They realize with gratitude the goodwill of
all who came to support their efforts on this
occasion, and will apply from the sum of money
received: £100 for the benefit of the Children
of Parishioners who attend the Church Girls
School, £50 to the upkeep of the Church Hall
during the present financial year and £100 towards
the maintenance of the Services in the
Parish Church.

 
Meeting held at the Church Hall on Tuesday November 18th 1930 at 7.45pm.

Chairman Rev P F Boughey.

Item 6
It was suggested that a tablet be put in the Hall to commemorate the opening by the Bishop of Ely, and it was proposed by E R Ennion and seconded by B J Slack that this matter be referred to the Church Hall Committee, ( agreed ).
Item 8
A proposal that ropes and rings for the purpose of gymnasium exercises for the Boy's Club may be attached to the iron framework supporting the roof on the Hall was referred to the Church Hall Committee.

 
Meeting held at the Church Hall at 7.45pm on Thursday March 19th 1931

Chairman Rev P F Boughey.

Item 6
It was proposed by C C Greensmith and seconded by H M Parker that the Church Hall Committee be re-elected (agreed).

Proposed by Mrs Slack and seconded by R Cornwell that A Bland be elected a member of the Church Hall Committee (agreed).
Proposed by B J Slack and seconded by C C Greensmith that Mrs Fox be a member of the Church Hall Committee.

The Committee is now as follows.
R Cornwell, A Edmunds, E R Ennion, A Bland, S Moore, W A Slack, B J Slack, Mrs Boughey, Mrs Fox, Mrs Ranson, Mrs Tebbitt, Mrs Townsend and Mrs W A Slack.

Item 7
There was a discussion as to the proposed Memorial to commemorate the opening of the Hall by the Bishop of Ely.

It was proposed by S Moore and seconded by R Cornwell that the Church Hall Committee be allowed to spend up to £4 in addition to the money remaining in the Building Fund, for this purpose (agreed).

Item 10
The matter of purchasing about 40 more chairs for the Hall was referred to the Church Hall Committee, and it was proposed by W A Slack and seconded by Rev L Mison that £5 be allotted towards the cost of these if purchased (agreed).

 
Meeting held at the Church Hall at 8pm on Monday July 20th 1931.

Chairman Rev P F Boughey.

Item 3
It was reported that the Fete produced profits of about £155 (This allowing for a few small receipts to come in).
Item 4
After some explanation by the Vicar as to the needs of the Church Schools, it was proposed by B J Slack and seconded by S Moore that the profits be allocated as follows:-
The Church Schools £100, Church Hall Expenses a/c £40, Barway Church £5, The Bell ringers (Church Expenses a/c) £5, Church Scouts £5, and any further balance remaining to be paid to the Church Expenses a/c.

 
Meeting held at the Church Hall at 8pm on Monday November 16th 1931.

Chairman W R Cornwell, as the Vicar was present only part of the Meeting.

Item 2
The report of the Church Hall Committee was read, and it was estimated that there would be a deficit of about £7-12-0 at the end of the year. Also that about £40 will be required to meet expenses from January 1st to June 30th that is until the Garden Fete. The recommendation to Let the Hall one night every 4th week at 10/- per night when fires and lights are required and 6/- otherwise to the Local Committee of Addenbrookes Hospital for the purpose of their collection was not agreed to in respect of the charge.

It was proposed by S Moore and seconded by H Palmer that 10/- per night be charged for winter and summer months. (Agreed with one against).
It was proposed by P Lovering and seconded by Mrs Slack that the Hall be Let for this purpose up to April 30th 1932, when the matter is to be reviewed (agreed).

Item 4
It was agreed to hold the Rummage Sale on Wednesday December 2nd next, the proceeds to be applied to the Church Hall expenses a/c.
Arrangements for the Sale were discussed and it was agreed to have 400 Handbills printed and sent out by post to those whose names are on the Electoral Roll.

Item 5
A letter was read from Mr H A Rust offering the presentation portrait of his father to the Church Council to hang in the Church Hall or other suitable place. It was proposed by A Edmunds and seconded by Mrs Ranson that this kind offer of the portrait of the late Vicar be accepted and a letter of thanks be sent to him (agreed).
It was proposed by A Edmunds and seconded by W Cross that the exact place of hanging the portrait be referred to the Church Hall Committee (agreed).

Item 6
An application for the Tennis Court for next season by Miss Tidy on behalf of the Emerald Tennis Club was referred to the Church Hall Committee with power to act. (Proposed by Rev L Mison and agreed to).

 
Meeting held in the Church Hall at 7.30pm on Monday February 9th 1932.

Chairman Rev P F Boughey.

Item 2
The Secretary reported that the Presentation Portrait of the late Vicar and the Illuminated Address had been hung in the Vestry.
Item 8
The Sub Committee appointed to consider the matter of installing electric light in the Hall for the purpose of regarding one or two points for magic lantern and the stage did not recommend this owing to the expense, and the Vicar offered to arrange one or two entertainments to defray this extra cost, which was agreed to.
Item 9
It was proposed by A Edmunds and seconded by R Cornwell that a small brass tablet be placed on the organ, which was left to the Hall by the late Miss E Fyson, recording that this was bequeathed by her. Mr Cornwell offered to pay half the cost (agreed).
Item 10
The Rev L Mison applied for the Church Hall for a dance to raise Funds for Scouts equipment, March 31st (agreed).

--------------------------------------------------

The Reverend John Cyprian Rust was Chairman of the Church Hall Fund Committee for many years and in 1922 he had grave concerns for the future of The Church Hall Fund, he was advancing in years and wanted to be sure if anything should happen to him, the monies raised would be solely used for the intended purpose of building the new Hall. He wrote to The Ely Diocesan Board of Finance to ask them to hold the Funds in trust for the new Hall. Unfortunately Reverend John Cyprian Rust died at Soham Vicarage on 29th June 1927 aged 86 years, he did not live to see the Hall built, but he certainly made sure the funds were secured for the purpose. Click image to enlarge.

After the death of Reverend Rust in 1927 the Reverend Percy Fletcher Boughey, Hon Canon of Ely became Vicar of Soham, and it was whilst Reverend Boughey was Vicar that the Hall was built between 1928 / 29 and opened in 1929. In all it took 26 years to obtain the Hall, which was achieved by many fund raising events and donations and also public subscriptions, by a scheme called buy a brick, which many Soham Residents subscribed to, it was a great achievement by the Town's Folk as many were on low incomes and as we have been told by some that still remember, the bricks were subscribed at the cost of £1 each, a lot of money in those days. Many recall having to go without to be able to help and some Families united and bought a brick between them.

The Plans were drawn up and the tenders levied with Messers Tebbitt & Son Builders of Soham winning the tender to build the Hall.
The plan on the left was drawn up by. A. Paul MacAlister, Architect and Diocesan Surveyor, 20 St Andrews Street, Cambridge on the 18th September 1928.
On the right is the Tender sent out for the Hall on the 3rd October 1928.        

pdf.images

Click images  to enlarge

Tebbitt & Son Builders of Soham who won the tender to build the Hall.
Tebbits was situated in the High Street their builders yard now being Staploe Mews, and Mr Tebbitts House still exists at the front but is now offices.

The Foundation Stone was laid in March 1929 by Bishop Price D.D. of Ely.
Reverend Percy Fletcher Boughey can be seen to the right of the Bishop in the centre of the picture. Many Townsfolk turned out for the occasion.




Finally after 26 years of fund raising the Hall was opened on Monday 7th October 1929 in the afternoon. The event was recorded in the Local Press, and was described as, A great credit to the Town. Amongst those present was the Late Reverend Rust's Wife.

Below is a list of just a few
of those who kindly gave.

John Packham 1 Guinea
Mrs Taylor £10
T P Bendall Esq £10
Lady Alwyne Compton £2
Miss Teague £1.1s.
A Friend 6s.9d.
Rev J C Rust £10
Mrs Jugg £10
Mr Cowell £10
Mr Morbey £10
Mr Warren £6
Mr Cory £5
Mr Floyd £5
Miss Bullman £2
Mrs M A Fyson £1.1s.
Mr A Covell £1.1s.
Mrs A Covell 10s.6d.
Mrs Rising 10s.6d.
Mrs Knowles 10s.
Mrs Covell 2s.6d.
Mrs Davey 1s.
Mr Butcher 5s.
Mrs Long 5s.
Mr Reed 2s.6d.
Pembroke College £10.10s.
Mr Alfred Clark £5
Mrs Collins £2
Mr C J Scott (Ealing) £1
Mr Harold Archer (Ely) £1
Mr Alfred Morley 10s.6d.
Mr Dobson 2s.6d.
Mr William Mann £5
Mrs Reeve £2.2s.
Judge Willis £1.1s.
Mr Geo. Brown £1.1s.
Mr H French (Surrey) 10s.
Mrs Collins (Ely) 5s.
A Friend 2s.6d.
Mrs Chapman 2s.
Mrs Townsend £1.1s.
Miss E Fyson, musical organ
Mr Cowell, Crockery

If you have documentary
evidence of your family
giving and would like to
be added to the list,
please contact us.

We hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into the History of our Parish Hall and how it came about. Our Hall has served our Community for 79 years in many different ways and is a big part of our Community, it has saddened us that the Hall has fell into disrepair and has not been able to be used for a number of years, it is the intention as The Hall Trust to keep this in the Community of Soham and bring it up to date and back to its former glory, we feel we owe this to the many Townsfolk of yesteryear, who fought so hard to obtain it in the first place, we also feel it would be a great honour to the late Reverend John Cyprian Rust who did a great deal to ensure the Hall was built for our Parish.

Contacts for the Soham Community Hall Charitable Trust are
Tim & Julie Webb email
Jacky Hibbert email