Barkway Village Hall was built as a Women's Institute and opened in 1926. In 1965 the Hall was given to the village, to be run as a charitable trust registered charity number 272922.

In 1988 the Hall won an award as the best Managed Village Hall in Hertfordshire, and in 1992 a handbook on the Management of Barkway Village

Hall won the parish Challenge award. The early 1990s also saw improved access, facilities for the disabled added, a new bar area near the main entrance and improved kitchen facilities next to the stage. Those facilities have been improved still further recently and during 2004 we completely replaced the heating and hot water, thanks, in large part, to a highly successful village bond scheme and numerous other very well-supported fund-raising events as part of our Heat Appeal. The Hall is operated as a community resource, ensuring that local people and organisations can hire it at affordable rates. The deficit is made up by fund-raising events including the annual Barkway Market and the Pantomime. It's a friendly hall and it's used by all ages including by the children's playgroup. If you would like to hire the Hall please telephone the bookings secretary on 01763 848347.

The annual street market 2005, like previous events, raised considerable funds for local village organisaions and charities. The Village Hall is host to many fund raising events for village organisations throughout the year. It is a valuable asset and resouce for Barkway.

Pictured above is
the French evening.

Pictured below is the barn dance
and supper.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A STAR?
BARKWAY VILLAGE HALL’S 80th ANNIVERSARY
Every wanted to stand on stage an do a turn?  Got a party piece you’d like to show off? 
Now’s your chance!

On Saturday 7 October, to mark the 80th anniversary of Barkway Village Hall, the Committee is organising the Barkway Music Hall.  The event will start with a dramatised re-enactment of the opening of the Hall as a Women’s Institute in 1926. After that we want to throw the stage open to Barkway’s very own talent.

You can perform as part of a group or duet or solo.  Your act could be musical, magical, dramatic, acrobatic or just plain silly.  You could pick up the 1920s theme – or do something quite different.  It’s up to you!  Of course, you might prefer just to be in the audience.  Whatever you decide, it’s guaranteed to be an unique village occasion.

There are only three rules.  First, we reserve the right to impose a 5 minute time limit.  Second, there will be a rehearsal on Sunday 1 October during the day – you must come to the rehearsal if you want to be in the show.  Thirdly – you need to buy a ticket – but for every act we will throw in a free bottle of wine.

If you’d like to take part on stage please contact Edwin on 848946.

Tickets at £15 each, including supper, are available from Fiona on 848347. 

Looking further ahead, we have two firm dates for your diary.   On 18 November the Barkway Quiz Trophy competition will take place.  And on 23 June 2007 we are planning a major outdoor event on the Recreation Ground.  We also expect to hold a Barn Dance during March, as well as our two annual fixtures – the Pantomime in February and the Barkway Market in May.  Dates of these events will be confirmed shortly.

BARKWAY MARKET 2006 

A highly successful Barkway Market took place on 20 May 2006.  Despite the constant threat of showers and the muddy conditions, the crowds turned out in large numbers and the traders must have done very well.  The Royston Town Band played and there was a jolly atmosphere all round.

Barkway Market is a key event in the calendar for numerous village organisations, and it is the single biggest annual fund-raiser for the Village Hall.  Just over £4,000 was raised towards maintenance and upkeep – a fantastic result.

Sincere thanks from the Village Hall Committee go to all the landowners, without whose generosity and forbearance the event would not be possible.  Thanks also to Graham Williams and the team for all their organisational hard work.  Particular thanks go to our friends at Newsells for making a tractor available to rescue the odd vehicle that fell foul of the mud.  And, of course, special thanks go to all those who kindly volunteered to man gates, act as marshals, look after the car park and help out in so many ways.