FRED CHRISTOPHERS, of Ashburton, writes:

Last week's story of the sale of the former Bickington Church Hall from the church to Bickington Village Trust for the village brings back memories.

The building was originally the local school, and between the two world wars there were 70 pupils attending. My great aunt was one of the teachers.

When the school closed in the late 1950s the church purchased the building, the sale being secured thanks to Mrs Noelle Brander-Dunbar, of Bickington Barton, who paid around £450. This was then 'paid back' by the church.

There was another hall in the parish, the WI hut on the old A38. It was the main venue for the village with concerts, children's events, along with whist drives and dances. There is now a new house on the site.

The village can now look forward to a refreshed hall, with an opportunity to hold events which can also include a licensed bar.

The old church hall committee has kept the building going during the past years with fortnightly whist drives, garden shows, the nursery day meetings for the pre-school group and parish council meetings.

I am sure that because of its location and refurbishment the hall will be used and prove a great asset to all villagers.THIS AND MORE LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION