Powerstock Village Hall - “The Hut”
The picturesque village of Powerstock, with its Norman church, is set in the midst of the West Dorset countryside, a wonderful maze of flat-topped green hills and little valleys full of delightful surprises. And Powerstock has a Hut.
When it was purchased, just after the First World War, the building had been used as Army accommodation. It was dismantled and re-erected on the current site, on land generously donated by a local landowner. Because of its origins it was christened the “The Hut” and it retains that affectionate soubriquet almost a hundred years on.
Between then and now, however, the Village Hall – The Hut - has benefited from a series of transformations that have resulted in its current status as a superb venue for all occasions. In the 1990s it underwent a thorough modernisation and after the Millennium state of the art catering facilities were installed, and a full bar licence obtained.So part of the charm of the Hut is its history and its name, and it has a special place in the affections of the local community. Pantomimes, nativity plays, dancing, short mat bowls, special birthday celebrations, joyous occasions and sad ones have all taken place under its roof over the years. Now it is available to everyone as a commodious and convenient location for the special event that you have planned.
And despite its rural tranquillity Powerstock does not lack those ancillary facilities that might be required when a “do” is being organised. There are two fine hostelries within easy walking distance, and other accommodation is available in and around the village.
The Hut is run by a small voluntary Management Committee, with members from surrounding villages. The Committee meets occasionally to monitor, maintain and improve the fabric of the building, which acts as a valuable community asset. The Committee plan interesting events to raise funds which are sometimes shared with other local charities.
Powerstock Hut is available for hire both publically and privately - we've hosted Birthday, Wedding and Anniversary parties and are the primary location for our local ArtsReach programmes, and also is the venue for our annual wonderful Powerstock Harvest Supper, Big Breakfasts and occasional wide-screen film nights. The gala opening of the Powerstock Cinema in the Hut by Julian Fellowes in 2012 was covered in the national print and broadcasting media to universal acclaim and referred to as “the smallest cinema in England – in a Hut”
On the walls of the Hut are many historically interesting photographs depicting local scenes within the Powerstock farming community, including old Fête posters from 1933. The latest poster depicts H.R.H. The Prince of Wales opening our Powerstock & District Community Land Trust new homes site, Forge Orchard, in 2019.
2017 saw the last Powerstock Cider Festival, held at The Hut. In the 15 years of it being hosted here, the unique mix of amateur and professional cider makers donating their time and cider, allowed them to raise over £41,000. The main recipients included: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Powerstock Hut and dozens of local charities and fund raising schemes.
In addition the Hut collaborates with Powerstock Primary School in providing space, when needed, to assist in the operation of the school – our closest neighbour, apart from our historic Church, St Mary The Virgin, a few steps away which is well worth a visit.
We would like to thank, most warmly, all those who have over the years supported The Hut Committee in a wide variety of ways, through sponsorship, legacies, financial donations, endless creative events, numerous “items in kind” and hours of voluntary time to be able to pass The Hut on to future generations in good shape.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Hut!
The Powerstock Hut is a member of The Dorset Village Halls Association
