Though unassuming from the outside, the New Hall is one of the architectural jewels of Winchelsea, and also one of its newest buildings. It has a short, by Winchelsea standards, but none the less interesting history.
The Winchelsea Christmas Fair, like all success stories, is a team endeavour, whether it’s husband and wife teams, New Hall Committee teams or community teams. And of course, second to that, you need a venue. In Winchelsea we are blessed with all of the above.
Now in its fifteenth year, something which was initially started as a means to raise funds for the New Hall, has become an annual fixture to showcase local talent: craftspeople, artists and artisans fill the hall.
On Saturday, November 16, 26 different stall holders attended. Everyone from artist Maggie Smith, to the Winchelsea Garden Society. There was a whole area dedicated to food and drink and a new addition this year, homemade mince pies served in the pop-up cafe.
The New Hall is an exceptional space. In Winchelsea terms it’s a ‘new build’, being only 98 years old. Initially built for the WI, it now hosts everything from aerobics and badminton, to weddings and Zumba. It’s currently in the third phase of an extensive refurbishment programme. This year, a new disabled toilet was created, the ladies was completely redesigned and a new gents will be the last part of the scheme.
The hall has a full sized stage with changing areas, a huge screen and a professional kitchen. All of this costs money to run, £15,000 per year to be precise, which is why the New Hall committee are always fundraising to maintain this wonderful community asset. The Christmas Fair supports not only the New Hall, but the Rye Foodbank and St Michael’s Hospice.
You may recall I mentioned badminton. Until recently this was a very sore subject in Winchelsea. Back in the 1930s, again only five minutes ago in terms of Winchelsea history, the badminton club decided to cut the ties to the roof trusses – they got in the way of their game. Over subsequent years, cracks in the building started to appear. The roof partially collapsed and the south wall started to bow. In the 90s, the hall was deemed too dangerous to use and was closed for nearly ten years.
When enough money had been raised, an eighteen-year-old apprentice brick layer named David Wood, was employed to rebuild the wall. Fast forward nearly thirty years and David is now a multi-skilled contractor, who is responsible for the complete refurbishment of the ladies loo and is about to start work on the new and improved gents. Time is measured differently in Winchelsea.
My favourite part of the fair is the food hall, obviously. Winchelsea vineyard Charles Palmer, are always amongst the first to sign up, with Chantal offering tastings and advice, between explaining the complexities of this year’s harvest and the opening of their new winery.
Robbie from Basil’s Fungi Farm, is also a regular and encourages people to try the different varieties of mushroom he grows. He is based in Hastings and when not at fairs or food markets, supplies the town’s best restaurants.
And of course a food area wouldn’t be complete without Rye Chocolates and their seasonal favourites. Mince pie, orange whisky marmalade, Christmas pudding, pumpkin spice or snowball, all in their beautifully designed wrappers. So if you missed out this year, fear not, make a note in your diaries for next year.
The New Hall is fit and ready to celebrate its centenary in a couple of years. If I’ve intrigued you, you could be one of the 2,800 people who use the space every year, for classes, courses, lectures or exhibitions. Or if I’ve just made you feel like you missed out on Christmas flavoured chocolate, you don’t need to navigate the A259, just wonder up onto the High Street. Merry Christmas…too early?
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson .