The Ware Drill Hall Association (WDHA) was formed to take over the operation of Ware Drill Hall from East Hertfordshire District Council (EHDC). The members of WDHA are volunteers from the local community, including representatives of user-groups, and councillors from both Ware Town Council and EHDC.

EHDC transferred the running of the hall to WDHA in 2001, following a management review. By using volunteers, WDHA has been able to reduce costs dramatically, while bookings have also risen as facilities have been improved and the community has recognised the value and potential of this remarkable asset.  The Association subsequently became a registered charity and successfully acquired Grade II Listed Building status for the hall in 2006.

Following the negotiation of a 25-year lease and a £200,000 development grant from EHDC the premises have undergone major refurbishment work (see latest news section for details) to secure the long-term future of the venue.

THE FACILITIES AT WARE DRILL HALL WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO HIRERS FROM SATURDAY 2^ND JUNE

The return dates for regular users will be as follows:

Attendance Centre - Saturday 2^nd June

Saracens Badminton - Wednesday 6^th June

Hertford & District Dog Training Society - Thursday 7^th June

Friday Prayer Meeting - Friday 8^th June

Hertford Badminton (Summer Club) - Monday 11^th June  

REFURBISHMENT WORK AT WARE DRILL HALL

Following negotiations between Ware Drill Hall Association and East Herts Council for a 25-year lease, accompanied by a £200,000 grant package, the venue has undergone major improvement work both inside and outside the building. The key elements of the contract were completed at the end of May in order that the premises can be available for hire from the beginning of June.

The project plans include the following:

• Rooflight replacement in main hall with Velux units
• Motorised blinds system (for blacking-out main hall when necessary)
• Thermostatic control for main hall heating system
• Improved ventilation and cooling equipment
• Theatrical and ambient lighting system
• Redecoration of main hall and meeting room
• Additional doorway between main hall and meeting room
• Enlargement of usable floor space in meeting room
• Repair and redecoration of frontage
• Installation of illuminated noticeboards and signage
• Replacement of guttering and downpipes
• Resurfacing of rear yard

For further details about the Association’s plans, or to find out about hiring the facilities please contact the Hall Administrator, Catherine Ward (see contact details section).