What started as an idea from a handful of World War One veterans spiralled to become a hub for Hanham. Jane Duffus takes a trip through time at Hanham Folk Centre.
Thousands of entries appear in the newspaper archives for the Hanham Folk Centre, listing the achievements of the centre’s many sporting clubs, highlighting the successes of theatre shows and celebrating the annual gymkhana.
Now called Hanham Community Centre, this place is like the Tardis. A maze of corridors, side rooms and function suites, the centre has been extended several times and continues to be well-used – but how did it start?
In 1943, six people wanted to rebuild the community they felt had been lost during the two world wars. Writing to the Western Daily Press on 3 May 1944, chairman David Evans announced: “A public scheme has been launched at Hanham for building a folk centre, and we are working very hard in various ways to raise funds and keep up interest in the same.”
With that, the fundraising ball began to roll. A team of 24 formed an Investigation Committee to raise money and awareness and, early in 1933, a plot of land on the High Street was bought for £3,100.
The suggestion that the community could save money by physically building the Folk Centre themselves was dismissed in the Western Daily Press as “an idealistic attempt to overcome difficulties but at the moment it would be too big an effort even if the materials were available”. It was certainly an enterprising notion but perhaps an unrealistic one.
With veterans from World War One forming the bulk of the centre’s initial committee, the Great War was obviously close to their hearts. So in 1947, when Hanham’s First World War memorial needed to be relocated from Whittucks Road, it seemed appropriate that it should move to the new Folk Centre. In 1995, a plaque was added honouring the names of Hanham residents who died during World War Two. Since 2014 the war memorial has been Grade II listed.
The first incarnation of the Hanham Folk Centre opened on 29 March 1949 and the trustees had also bought the sports field in Hanham Abbots so that outdoor activities could be offered.
Initially the centre consisted of two huts linked by a corridor and a hall that could seat 160 people. There was also a kitchen and a billiards room. Alderman Joseph Alpass MP, president of the Folk Centre, cut the ribbon and BBC contralto Gwendoline Evans, wife of chairman David, sang ‘Bless This House’.
In his opening speech, Alderman Alpass said: “The energy and zeal that has been displayed is beyond praise and proof that with determination, with constant and persistent effort, much good work can be accomplished.”
That’s certainly what happened as the decades unfurled. Activities offered at the Folk Centre were all encompassing. As well as numerous sports teams using the playing field, inside activities included jumble sales, snooker, art, dressmaking and a choir. In 1949, there was even the Hanham Beauty Show won by Pam Tucker.
By 1957 the centre had a 15-piece orchestra. However, initial reports that the orchestra was all-male were squashed and the Bristol Evening Post said: “Apologies. I referred to this group as an all-male one but learn it has a woman pianist and cellist.” Never forget the women!
By April 1961, plans for the permanent building that we recognise today were approved. With architect Mr B Woodward at the helm, building work began in 1963 and would lead to a centre with a hall that seated 320 people, a stage, two craft rooms, a lounge, kitchen and several smaller rooms.
“We urgently require these new buildings,” warden Harold Turner told the Bristol Evening Post. “Many of our existing activities have been restricted because of lack of adequate space.”
The opening ceremony was on 6 June 1964 with President Harry Crook cutting the ribbon and members enjoying a gala dance. A temporary bar was set up in the craft room until a dedicated bar could be built in the early 1970s.
Councillor Ian Smith unveiled a new extension that included the Wessex Suite on 6 October 1984. The Radio Bristol Singers were the first to perform in the new hall and director Mary Hales told the Bristol New Observer: “The extensions are very impressive and as a member of the Folk Centre from its earliest days [we] were proud and honoured to be the first musical group to perform there.”
The Centre’s 50th anniversary was celebrated on 19 May 1995 with a grand dinner. A big change came in 2009 when it was decided to rename the organisation as the Hanham Community Centre and it began a whole new lease of life that we continue to enjoy today.