The Village Hall

The village hall is at the heart of community life in Upton Pyne.

It is used for everything from children's parties to parish council meetings, from dances to yoga classes, whist drives to wedding receptions. On election days it serves as our local polling station.

The hall committee put on two or three fund-raising events each year -for example a quiz, a dance and a fete. But most of the hall's use is by local groups and individuals.

There is s regular coffee morning on the 1st Monday of each month, a Pilates class every Wednesday, Tai Chi on Thursdays, and monthly meetings of the Art Group, the Garden Club and a Whist Drive.

Full details at the Devon Village Halls website.

Location
The hall is easily found, set back on the eastern side of the road through the village. Upton Pyne itself is only about three miles to the north of the centre of Exeter, or one mile off the main A377 Crediton road at Cowley; alternatively it is about three miles south of Thorverton.

Facilities
The hall has its own large car park. The kitchen is equipped with a four-ring electric hob and oven, fridge and hot water as well as a fairly comprehensive (though not necessarily matching) selection of cutlery, crockery and glasses.

Disability access
For disabled users there are purpose-built toilet facilities, funded by a Lottery grant, and three marked parking spaces giving level access to the main door. (However wheelchair access to the kitchen might not be easy).
Cost
The hire charge of£ 10 per hour covers the use of all facilities and includes lighting and gas central heating.

History
The present hall was built in the mid-1960s on land donated by the late Earl of lddesleigh. Local volunteers raised funds to build and equip it - as well as doing much of the building work themselves. And volunteers still run the hall: it is a free-standing registered charity, independent of the parish council. Trustees are elected at the General Meeting, at which everyone in the parish is entitled to vote.