The Parish Poll — and your support throughout — has had a significant impact on our fundraising efforts, which we’ll say more about shortly. In the lead-up to the poll, our volunteers and Trustees held pop-up surgeries, delivered leaflets, and spent time chatting with many of you on your doorsteps. We were genuinely overwhelmed by the level of engagement, the thoughtful feedback, and the many constructive suggestions you shared with us. Thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved.
Since the poll, our volunteers have continued to work tirelessly. Highlights include the brilliant Christmas Market , a vibrant event enjoyed by the whole community and an important source of local fundraising. Alongside this, the team has been busy preparing our matched funding application to Wealden District Council, and hosting a Christmas event for partners and volunteers to recognise and celebrate what we’ve achieved together this year.
From seasonal markets to pop-up surgeries, these activities are about more than fundraising alone. They help us build collaboration, strengthen relationships, and grow momentum for the project. By bringing diverse groups together, we remain focused on creating lasting, positive partnerships. Each interaction reinforces the power of community spirit — and shows what we can achieve when we work together.
More on fundraising – a major step forward
Thanks to your support in the Parish Poll, we have reached an important milestone in our fundraising journey. By voting in favour of the Parish Council raising funds through the Public Works Loan Board, and enabling the realisation of the value of the land on which the existing village hall stands, you have helped unlock a significant opportunity for our project.
As a direct result, HDCC has now approached Wealden District Council to apply for matched funding. If our bid is successful, we could find ourselves having raised up to £1 million towards our overall £3 million fundraising target — a hugely encouraging and tangible step forward.
Thank you to everyone who took part and voted in favour. Your support has not only moved the project on in real terms, but has also strengthened our case with major funders.
Alongside this momentum, Trustees are now in the early stages of applying to the National Lottery for further funding. We will continue to keep you updated as these exciting next steps develop.
An Update from the HDCC Trustees
“Since the Parish Poll in September, the trustees of HDCC have been working hard behind the scenes to turn the community’s clear support into real progress — and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has encouraged us along the way.
With your backing, we have been focusing on some important foundations. We have been carefully updating our business plan to ensure it is robust, realistic, and ready to support the next stages of the project. At the same time, we have been working closely and positively with the Parish Council and the Playing Field Trustees to agree the terms of a lease for land at the Playing Field, where we plan to build the new community centre and car park.
Alongside this, trustees have been preparing a detailed match-funding application to Wealden District Council — a key step towards securing the funding needed to move the project forward. We have also been looking into appropriate insurance cover, ensuring that everything is in place as we prepare for delivery.
This work may not always be visible, but it is essential — and it brings us closer to the moment we can finally begin building a new Village Hall for everyone to enjoy.
We would love for you to be part of the next chapter. If you have professional skills, experience, or time you could offer — or if you’d simply like to support us and join the team — we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can secure the remaining funding and turn this long-held ambition into a welcoming, modern community space for all.
For more background and updates, please visit www.newvillagehall.uk.
Thank you again for your continued support — it truly makes a difference.”
The HDCC Trustees
Get involved – now is the perfect time
Now is a fantastic time to get involved. As the project gathers momentum, we are actively looking for professionals who can offer skills and experience to help us move into the next phase.
In particular, we would welcome support in:
- Financial governance
- Project management
- Building and construction expertise
- Fundraising (which is critical at this stage)
Volunteering is widely recognised as both life-enhancing and deeply fulfilling, and this is a rare opportunity to contribute to something that will benefit the whole village for generations to come. This is a special community, and your expertise really could make all the difference to the success of the project.
Imagine the possibilities when we bring this ambition to life — and be part of the team that makes it happen.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Bob, Mandy, or Sarah to start a conversation.
Bob Lake bob.lake@live.co.uk
mandy.chapman45@gmail.com
Sarah Prall Sarahprall@btinternet.com
