About & History
Over a century of community at the heart of Tackley
Our History
A Hall Born from Remembrance
Just months after the end of the First World War, the people of Tackley gathered with a question: how should the village remember those who had been lost? The answer, agreed unanimously, was not a statue or a plaque but something living — a village hall.
From Wooden Hut to Village Heart
A wooden hut measuring 60 by 80 feet stood proudly on land gifted by Mr W. Evetts. A kitchen was added later and the hall quickly became the beating heart of village life — dances, classes, events, the lot.
Deed of Gift
The land was formally gifted through a Deed of Gift, securing the hall's place in the village in trust for the people of Tackley.
Fire and Determination
In the early hours of a Sunday morning, fire gutted two-thirds of the building. For two years, Tackley had no hall, but the spirit of the village never went out. With advice from the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, hope returned: in 1947, a second-hand concrete sectional hall — described as "a pile of bits" — was found in Cowley, transported to Tackley, and rebuilt.
"It Belonged to Everyone"
On 15th October 1948, the "new" hall opened. A fresh constitution declared it would serve the inhabitants of Tackley "without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions." In other words, it belonged to everyone.
The Hall We Know Today
By the mid-1970s the old hall had to be propped up with acrow props just to remain standing. Architectural plans were drawn up by Mr Dave Robson; construction began on 21st June 1976, led by Mr S. A. Coker of Duns Tew. On 18th December 1976, the hall was officially opened by Mr F. J. Howard, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee.
Growing with the Village
A rear extension was added for storage, followed by a front extension to provide a disabled toilet and additional space.
A Home for the Village Shop
Work began on an extension to incorporate the village shop, built by Gates Builders Ltd — a vital lifeline that still serves the community today.
Section 106 Investment
Following new housing developments in Tackley, Section 106 funding was allocated to improve village infrastructure. The community chose to invest in the Hall once more.
Fifty Years On
Planning permission for the next extension was granted in February 2026. Fifty years on from the 1976 rebuild, the hall remains more than bricks and beams — it continues to belong to everyone.
Facilities
Everything you need for your community event or activity
Main Hall
A spacious hall suitable for large gatherings, performances, and events.
Committee Room
A smaller meeting room ideal for group meetings and quiet activities.
Kitchen
A fully equipped kitchen for catering events and refreshments.
Bar
Licensed bar area, used regularly for the Pop Up Pub and events.
Stage
A raised stage for performances, presentations, and pantomimes.
Changing Rooms
Facilities for sports teams and performers.
The Committee
The hall is run by a volunteer committee of local residents
Meet the people who keep the hall running. View the full committee →