|
In 1919 the members of the Parish Meeting, who at that time met in the Schoolroom, decided to ask the Lord of the Manor, Mr. Wheler-Galton to let the Parish have the use of the chapel for their meetings. Mr. Wheler-Galton agreed to let the Parish have it for a peppercorn(1) rent in perpetuity. However, if the building fell into disuse he reserved the right to retake possession. It was intended that the building should be used by the Parish Meeting and to hold a Men’s Club there. Plans to enlarge the building were submitted by the architect and builder for £575 and £375 respectively. These estimates were considered too high, and it was decided that the work be carried out by the villagers. Mr. Tiarks, Mr. Amesbury and Mr. Tilley volunteered to do the hauling. Mr. Tilley promised to subscribe £25, Mr. Amesbury £25 and Mr. Tiarks £50.
On December 20, 1920 an Agreement was approved and signed. A Committee of nine were to be appointed and Mr. Tilley was instructed to insure the building against fire for £200. The building was known as the Parish Institute.
In 1936 the building was in a very untidy and dilapidated state, and it was suggested at the Parish Meeting that, since no one took any interest in its upkeep, that the keys should be returned to the Lord of the Manor, Major Lethbridge-Galton. Following a discussion it was decided to carry on renting the building for another year and several people volunteered to spend a few hours cleaning and tidying up the room.
On September 6, 1937 at the Parish Meeting of Loxton and Christon, Mr. E.T. Tilley (the chairman), and Mr. A. Amesbury reported that they had recently had a chat with Major Lethbridge-Galton, and they had asked him if he would present the property to the parish. Major Lethbridge wrote a letter in reply-
To the Chairman Loxton Parish Meeting
Dear Sir,
Loxton Village Hall
You asked me today whether I would present this building to the Village. I am willing to hand it over to the Parish Meeting on the understanding that it is to be used as a place of recreation or entertainment for the villagers of Loxton (& neighbourhood) or something of that nature - such as a Women's Institute etc. If it fell into disuse or is no longer required it must be returned to me. I think that it would be only fair, as I would not like it to be sold & possibly become a shop or Public House.
Yours faithfully
J.G.B.Lethbrige-Galton (Sep. 2nd, 1937)
A letter of acceptance was written to Major Lethbridge-Galton with grateful thanks. A Management Committee was formed consisting of the Chairman of the Parish Meeting, Miss Hazel Amesbury and Mrs. Fearfield (these three to have authority to sign cheques on the Institute account), Miss Mapstone, Mrs. E.T. Tilley, Mrs. W. Amesbury, Mrs. Pullen, Messrs A. Amesbury, G.R. Butler & F. Hooper. The first Committee meeting was to be held in the Institute on Thursday 9th Sep. at 7 p.m.
Notes:
(1) Peppercorn rent - A nominal rent of an insignificant amount acknowledging the tenancy.
For information or comments contact marion@loxtonsomerset.org.uk  or please drop a note in the visitors' book just to let us know that you have called. If you have an interest in the site and would like to be kept informed of any future additions, amendments etc., please subscribe to our mailing list by entering your e-mail address in the box on the homepage. You can always choose to unsubcribe later by making the necessary amendment to the selection and entering the e-mail address that you wish removed.
|
next