A VILLAGE hall has reopened its doors after six months to showcase ongoing improvements and renovations.
Henry Samuel Hall in Mayland had an open day to mark stage one of its revamp on Saturday, July 22.
The work has been going on for six months after gaining significant funds through donations and fundraising.
A spokesman for Samuel Hall said: "We opened up our doors for the residents of Mayland to pop in and see what we have been doing and to see where all our grants and fundraising money has gone.
"It was so lovely to see lots of people turn up and look at the work that has been done by the volunteers and local tradesman."
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The renovation saw the addition of walls, which created different spaces for future uses.
During the open day, some residents found it hard to remember how the building had looked before, but the spokesman said everyone was "amazed and pleased" with the changes.
The clock tower was also renovated and after 40 years, the clock is now working.
Jean Martin, a daughter of the family who used to take care of the village hall, was pleased to be asked to do the official opening.
The spokesman continued: "She did a lovely speech about her life with her parents looking after the hall and how from an early age she would go with her mum with the big key to open the door for people to use it."
The original hall was transported to the site from London in 1908 by philanthropist Joseph Fel and used as a school for the children of agricultural workers.
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It was bought by Henry Samuel and left to the village when he died.
After falling into some disrepair over the years, the recent work has brought it up to modern standards thanks to the hard work of the committee.
The hall has been used for events and is now available for hiring again.
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