HISTORY OF DUNSTON VILLAGE HALL

The hall was originally opened in 1948 by Smiths Crisps, a major employer in the area, as a community building for the residents of Dunston.  In 1983, the hall buildings and grounds were given freehold to the Parish with the proviso that it be used as a Village Hall.

The Parish Council is the Custodial Trustee and holds the property whilst the Management Trustees are responsible for the day to day administration of the Village Hall.  The Management Trustees are all volunteers who are assisted by staff consisting of the Village Hall Manager, Caretaker and Cleaner, who are all employees.
There have been changes to the original building over the years, the addition of a main and a smaller kitchen, new roof, electric heaters, wooden floors and a disabled toilet facility. During Covid, there was a major refurbishment and redecoration project and more recently, the main kitchen was replaced.  We have also had LED lighting installed and the heating system upgraded.

In July 2025, Hearing Loops were installed in both the Main Hall and Lamyman Room.

Additionally, hard standing car park spaces were recently installed.The Hall grounds are gradually being transformed into an attractive garden by the Dunston Community Garden Group, who also maintain vegetable beds planted with a variety of produce.  This is a slow process and new volunteers are always welcome!