MORE than 80 villagers joined a building's birthday party to celebrate the golden jubilee of their village hall with a remarkable story.

Just over 50 years ago, the villagers of Grove were clamouring for a civic building they could use for parties, clubs, meetings and local societies.

The parish council at the time simply could not afford such an undertaking. So, instead, it offered parishioners a piece of land on which they could try to build their own hall.

The villagers leapt at the chance, but it was not going to be easy. Over the next eight years local bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians sacrificed their evenings and weekend to erect their own civic centre.

Local housing developers donated leftover materials and, on April 30, 1966, the hall threw open its doors to a jubilant celebration.

And on Wednesday, almost 50 years to the day, the hall once again filled with dancing and singing villagers celebrating five decades and going strong.

Current hall chairman Ron Hill, who joined the afternoon teaparty, said: "It was a great success.

"Fifty years ago, they village elected four volunteers to run the hall and here we still are, 50 years later. We couldn't let the occasion pass without marking it."

Mr Hill himself even provided live entertainment at the event with other members of Hendred Ukulele Club.

Today the hall is used by children's groups, Grove Horticultural Society, the local Women's Institute branch, a camera club, a a baby sensory group and more.

To make a booking call the committee on 01235 762891.