Thornham Village Hall's new Sports Pavilion

Wendelien Bellinger writes about the new building and how it will complement the existing facilities in the village.

We’re often asked about the New Sports Pavilion – how it came about, why it was needed, and what it will mean for Thornham. It’s been a long journey with lots of people involved, so we thought it would be helpful to share some answers to the questions we hear most often.

When and how did the idea first come about?

The project has had a very long gestation period. The old wooden pavilion was much loved, with real affection attached to it – especially as it had been dismantled from the old playing field on The Green and rebuilt on the new playing field entirely by volunteers. It was one of the very first structures on the site, dating back to the 1980s.

The Old Pavilion

Over time, though, it became increasingly clear that the building could not be kept going. Volunteers painted and patched it up every spring, but problems mounted: it was set on wooden sleepers and had become a fire hazard, our Health & Safety inspector was particularly worried about children accessing the crawl space underneath, and the toilets (especially the gents!) were literally going through the floor. The changing rooms had no doors, which meant they could no longer be used once juniors and women began playing for the teams. Safeguarding regulations also made it difficult to continue using the main hall changing areas.

A refurbishment was considered, but in the end the decision was made that a complete replacement was the safest and best way forward – and the New Sports Pavilion was born.

What needs or gaps will the Pavilion meet?

The new building addresses many shortcomings of the old one. It is suitable for juniors and women, includes disabled facilities, and is usable year-round – unlike the draughty wooden hut heated by a small fan heater. The aim is for the Pavilion to become a home for all sports at our facility.

The other need it meets is to enable us to put all our sports / community activities into one building. We will be moving our indoor sports classes into the new pavilion, we hope to run Friday night socials with 'indoor games' - such as dominos, draughts and possibly a dart board! The socialising space in the New Pavilion is smaller, making it more suitable for community get together such as the coffee & cake mornings we trialled. We may well also move the Parish Council meetings there. This in turn will free up the main hall, which is in much demand for longer term events, such as Art Exhibitions and all-day presentations. Currently it is difficult to book the hall for an extended period as these bookings have to be fitted around existing classes and other fixed events. It’s a win-win!

Who was involved in shaping the design?

The Trustees spoke with a wide range of people and groups: the cricket and tennis clubs, the bowls club, and also national bodies such as the FA, ECB, and LTA, particularly regarding safeguarding. We looked at how better facilities might encourage more women and girls into sport, and how to ensure access for people with disabilities.

We also talked to the Thornham Bowls Club, who might be interested in using the NSP as a facility for winter indoor bowls, and because of this discussion, extended the length of the main hall to be able to accommodate full length indoor bowls mats.

Jason Law, a Trustee of Thornham Village Hall, and Director of Strata Architects, worked with this brief and produced various design iterations. Consultation brought in further refinements – such as adding external doors to changing rooms so players in spikes or boots didn’t have to walk through the main space – before final plans were agreed.

The role of Strata

Strata (https://www.strataarchitecture... ) have been hugely supportive, from the first concept drawings to display boards, scale models, and the final planning applications. They have carried out a significant amount of work with the design and planning stages for no fee! Jason and his team have shown endless patience with our frequent – and sometimes slightly mad – suggestions!

The role of the Quantity Surveyor

Andy Arnold, Milestone Consultancy, has been our Quantity Surveyor – and our voice of sanity throughout. Like Jason, he has worked for a fraction of commercial rates. He produced the original tender documents, approached local builders, analysed four very different competing quotes, and alongside Jason guided the Trustees in selecting Arch as our contractor.

Andy has been on site throughout, addressing issues, keeping us on budget, and ensuring everything stays on schedule.

How will the design fit in alongside the Village Hall?

We know that, as it is going up, it looks a bit like something that can be seen from space, but it will fit in once finished! The final design really does complement the Main Hall.

Work in progress

The cladding will be in keeping, and there is a deliberate space on the frontage for our electronic scoreboard, sparing volunteers the need to wheel it out of the containers every match. In time, a terrace will also be added to the front, giving supporters a welcoming place to watch matches and enjoy the company.

How is this being funded?

We owe enormous thanks to our grant providers. The TVHPF grants team has submitted over 30 applications some of which we are still waiting to hear from.

Alongside support from major funders such as Norfolk Community Foundation, KLWNBC, and Sport England, we are especially grateful to local supporters including Thornham Parish Council, the BagLadies of Thornham, and Thornham Cricket Club.

In addition, community support has been nothing short of extraordinary. For Phase One alone, we raised over £80,000 from individuals, which Gift Aid boosted to more than £100,000. As we begin Phase Two, the fitting out of the Pavilion, we are again moved by the generosity of local people.

The current Crowdfunder

Our current Crowdfunder appeal is crucial. Not only does it bring in direct donations, but it also allows us to access match funding. For example, £2,500 has already been pledged by Norfolk County Community Fund, and Sport England will match up to £15,000 if we can raise that amount locally. Gift Aid is also automatic through the platform, easing the administrative burden on our all-volunteer team.

You can support us here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fit-out-of-thornhams-new-sports-pavilion

What difference will the new pavilion make?

For the cricket club, tennis club, fitness classes, and other sports groups, the difference will be huge. It will provide proper changing rooms, disabled access, warmth in the winter, and space for indoor activities. Regular exercise classes will finally have a permanent home, without the disruption of moving to other halls when the main one is booked. Tennis players will have somewhere to change, use the toilets, and enjoy a post-match drink. Above all, it will be a safe, welcoming base for anyone who wants to be active.

But as well as a space for sports, we see the pavilion as a community hub, especially during the winter. As well as the already mentioned coffee mornings, Parish Council meetings, Friday socials and possible showing of major sporting events, we would also love to create a “Thornham Room” to display memorabilia and photographs gifted to TVHPF over the years.

We are always open to new ideas, so please do get in touch if you’d like to be involved.

But what about the long term?

The new pavilion is designed to complement, not compete with, the main hall. It offers a smaller, warmer, more community-oriented space, while the hall continues to host the large, flexible events it is so well suited for. Together, they give Thornham the best of both worlds.

Challenges along the way

As with any big project, there have been challenges. Early discussions about what exactly we wanted took time but were worthwhile. Fundraising has been a major hurdle, which is why we split the project into two stages: the “wind and watertight” build (now fully funded and due for completion this autumn), and the Phase Two internal fit-out. Our aim is to finish this in one go – and with continued community support, we are confident we can.

Who deserves thanks?

So many people have given so much that it would be unfair to single anyone out. From those who shaped the early stages, to the current sub-committee, Trustees, and wider community, the list is long. You all know who you are – and you deserve a very big THANK YOU.