Caring for a much-used building
KITCHEN MAKEOVER – 2024
In the summer we completed a kitchen makeover and extended the long life of the existing facilities. We thank our trustees did much of the work and David Ayres Flooring and PM Bines Ltd for their installations and attention to detail.
REPAIRS TO STONE PLINTH - 2023
Paul (alias Sid) Bloomfield and his brother Pete repaired the stone plinth upon which the hall sits. Paul first worked on the Hall in the 1980s when he carved the “Holt Reading Room 1873” tablet. Paul and Pete are a great asset, having worked on numerous prestigious projects, including Salisbury and Wells Cathedrals.
REPAIRING THE FLAT ROOF – 2024
The flat roof on the skittle alley – a 70s addition – was failing, causing rain water damage. After unsatisfactory temporary repairs the trustees released £20,000 – carefully accumulated for such eventualities – to make enduring improvements, including introducing a 6 degree slope and an EPDM membrane with drip trims and new sealing to the stonework. (EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane which isn't damaged by ultraviolet rays and is incredibly long-lasting.)
WINTER GALE DAMAGE - 2025
The winter gales dislodged a tile resulting in a substantial ingress of water, and emergency repairs have been carried out. Now a closer examination of the roof is taking place with appropriate remedial action as necessary. These gales also caused blow back extinguishing the pilot on our ground floor hot air heater. A new cowl is being fitted to the flue outlet to make this less likely to happen in the future.
Enjoying a much-loved hall
41st Annual Holt Flower and Produce Show Sept 2024
The 41st Holt Flower and Produce Show once again attracted the best and most beautiful of locally grown produce in friendly competition, the crowds fueled by a roaring trade in tea and cake. Well done to all those who entered and congratulations to all the winners!
Carrivick Sisters – February 2025
Charlotte and Laura Carrivick played to an enraptured full house at the Village Hall, on the second night of a UK tour and 7 years since they last played here. A suite of instruments – banjo, mandolin, 200-year-old violin, and a converted Serenader for Laura to play lap style for the opening numbers – delivered a depth and range of sound from American and instrumental blue grass to English folk.
Since their first gig here Laura has moved to Holt and Charlotte to Corsham. We are lucky to have such talent.
The Water Thieves – November 2024
Sarah, Sophy and Simon played a raucous and occasionally comical set from the early American songbook to an enthusiastic Holt audience. Sarah and Sophy’s harmonies carried the tunes for 20s and 30s jazz-vocal classics – not easy to do – with a light touch that paid homage to the earliest recordings – songs that were an antidote to hard times.
Jon Pierce Quartet, April 2025
A superb set from JPR with guest vocalist Jackie Byrne and husband and fellow Holt resident Felix Byrne on drums
Family and Friends Fun Skittles - May 2025
Friday 30th May saw our second annual Family and Friends Fun skittles event. The evening lived up to expectations being fast, fun, full of luck (Good and Bad) and light on rules. Participants of all ages filled the hall and were entertained and informed by Holt’s grandee, the one and only Jonathan Nibbs. Hot Dogs were eaten in large quantities and the bar was open at the usual Village Hall very competitive prices with free squash for the children.