Brightling Village Hall
Brightling, East Sussex TN32 5HH
The village hall is located at the heart of the picturesque village of Brightling, East Sussex, close to the church, in spectacular countryside and amidst the Jack Fuller follies. It has a rear garden with extensive views, being fenced and safe for children.
Hire the hall
The village hall has a light, clean and comfortable atmosphere and is ideal for drinks parties, suppers, lunches, meetings, exercise classes, etc.
The enclosed garden, with views over the Weald, is perfect for children’s parties and has enough space for a marquee.
There is a well-equipped kitchen and tableware to cater for up to approximately 70 – 80 people seated.
Parking for approx 10 cars immediately outside the hall and on-street parking is available nearby.
How to make a booking
If you would like to start a teaching class or make a general enquiry, please email bookings.bvhes@gmail.com
An online calendar showing current bookings is available at Bookings Calendar
There is a video guide to booking through the online bookings calendar here How to Book
New customers can set themselves up as a New User and then select their required booking. This will automatically send an email to bookings.bvhes@gmail.com and an email will be sent to you when the booking is confirmed.
Previous customers will be able to book using their previous information.
£12 per hour. Minimum charge period 1 1/2 hours. Includes tables, chairs and tableware. There are however, reduced rates for: regular bookings, Brightlingers or whole day hire. Please email bookings.bvhes@gmail.com for this information.
Brightling Village Hall (2025) Terms and Conditions
Hire charges
Equipment
Use of kitchen equipment, tables, chairs, tableware and glasses is included free of charge in the hire charge. If you wish to borrow equipment for your own event, we will be pleased to advise prices.
Committee
| Title | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Chairman | Philip Garbutt | pgarbutt@btinternet.com |
| Secretary | Jane Oxenford | jane@brightling.plus.com |
| Treasurer | Samantha Durrant | thetreasurer.bvh@gmail.com |
| Trustee | Nicola Magill | nicolacourtneybennett@gmail.com |
| Marketing | Dianne Mower | marketing.bvhes@gmail.com |
| Bookings | Philip Garbutt | bookings.bvhes@gmail.com |
Brightling Village Hall is a registered charity no. 226014
November 2024
Brightling Village Hall Chair’s Report
I would like to start by commending the committee for their dedicated efforts, which have delivered a significantly improved financial outcome for Brightling Village Hall in 2023-24.
Expenses have been managed with care, particularly in broadband, heating, and electricity, where new automatic monitoring systems have enhanced energy efficiency. While utility costs have increased, this is largely due to the welcome rise in hall usage. Notably, Hire Income in 2023-24 has nearly doubled over the last financial year 2022-23.
Brian has been handling issues involving routine servicing and utility contracts. Our electricity supplier contract with EON remains active until October 2025, after which we will explore more competitive rates as the market evolves. EON did offer to renew with a new two year contract at a slightly reduced rate but locking us in for two years at the new rate was not particularly attractive for a number of reasons.
Special thanks go to Dianne Mower for her outstanding marketing efforts. Despite a limited local market, Dianne’s work has secured a substantial and steady increase in regular bookings, as detailed in the financial report. Additionally, unique events—including two polling days and compensation for a water supply disruption—have provided an extra boost to our revenue this year.
Looking ahead, Hallmaster, our online booking system, already shows 245 hours of occupancy for the next financial year, 2024-25. With many regular events yet to be added, the projected value of bookings is already approaching last year’s total Hire Income.
Feedback from recent party organizers has been very positive, praising both the hall’s facilities and its cleanliness—commendations that reflect the exceptional work of Judy Petty and her team of volunteer cleaners.
Our appreciation must also go to Joanna and Bev for organizing the ever popular village lunch and supper events. These gatherings are not only well attended but also provide vital support to both their chosen charities and the hall.
We look forward to hosting a quiz with supper evening on 15th February 2025. Together with our film night, Monet’s Garden this year, these longstanding community favourites promise to add much-needed income.
Lastly, I extend heartfelt thanks to Samantha Durrant for her invaluable dedication as Treasurer; her diligence has been crucial to our financial health.
Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to Brightling Village Hall.
Philip Garbutt, Chair