History of Dodford Village Hall
Chronical and Echo newspaper article entitled "Tiny village with the will to win"
Published: 19 August 2026
The following article, transcribed from the original published in the Chronicle and Echo newspaper circa. late 1980’s, describes the fundraising events which eventually culminated in the building of the Dodford Village Hall in use today:-
“Villagers have launched a fundraising drive to replace their ramshackle village hall. People living in tiny Dodford, near Daventry, have been offered £28,000 in grants from Daventry District and Northamptonshire County Councils to build a new hall, but they must find another £6,000.
The hall, now a fire hazard and no longer used, was a secondhand wooden building when it was erected by the WRVS in 1946.
It has no toilets except for a chemical one which does not work, the roof leaks and there is a fire risk.
Plans have been drawn up to build a brick hall, with an assembly hall complete with stage, for the thriving local amateur dramatic society, toilets with facilities for the disabled, a kitchen, storeroom and car parking.
Autumn Start
The total cost should be around £40,000 and work is expected to start in the autumn ready for opening next summer.
A fundraising programme includes a French night at the home of village hall chairman Mr Graham Minett, in Willow End, Dodford in May.
There will be a barn dance in July and heritage weekend and fete in September.
Mr Minett says: “For a village with only 33 houses we should have one of the best village halls in the country. We have already raised £6,000 and need another £6,000. Local business have said they will help and we are confident we can do it.
Dodford has no facilities . There is no shop, no pub, and a village hall which we cannot use, so this is much needed”
Dodford Village Hall today
Our village hall serves both local residents and external clients. Full details can be seen in the attached file:VILLAGE HALL INFORMATION