We are back!

Dear All,

I am pleased to advise that with effect from today, the Hall is reopening for all users.

If you have not made a future booking and need to do so, or if you want to discuss anything, please contact me.

If you are a group which was a regular user and no longer want to use the hall, then it would be helpful if you would let me know in order that I may use days which were previously unavailable.

Coronavirus Care

We have set up a QR code which is present at a table or on the notice board in the foyer. Those with the NHS Covid app. should scan the code. Those without should advise their group leader or the principal hirer, who should then record names and contact numbers and keep them in case of need.

Hand sanitiser is also available in the foyer.

A box containing anti-bac wipes and spray is on the kitchen counter. Prior to hire commencement, all users are urged to wipe down surfaces to be used eg. tables, kitchen surfaces, door handles light switches etc. and where necessary toilet seats and flushes. The paper towel roll above the hand basin in the kitchen can be used in conjunction with the spray where necessary.

Whilst in use, windows and doors should be opened as appropriate for circulation of fresh air.

Let us all hope that we can keep the venue safe and remain open during these difficult times.

Regards and thanks,

Trevor Webb

Bookings Secretary.

ALL THE CHARM OF AN OLD BUILDING.....

WITH ALL THE FACILITIES YOU WOULD EXPECT IN A NEW ONE

The building was beautifully restored in 2002, supported by Heritage Lottery and Babergh District Council.

• Full entertainments licence (including 130 seated at table)
• Spacious,airy hall (with sprung wooden floor)
• Modern Kitchen (with professional 6-burner cooker & industrial dishwasher)
• Full access for the disabled (both to the building and toilets)
• Excellent baby changing facilities
• Hearing loop
• Car park
• Free Wifi

You will find there is an option to suit all budgets, for more information and details of booking click here or for more pictures of the building click here

The Green, Hartest, Suffolk IP29 4DH

HISTORY OF BOXTED AND HARTEST INSTITUTE

Boxted and Hartest Institute was built in 1888 as a Reading room. Its purpose was for the education of the men of the two villages.

Commissioned by Thomas Weller - Poley, brother of the owner of Boxted Hall, Reginald T Blomfield M.A. at the age of 31years, was the Architect and the builder Thomas Cadge of Hartest. When completed, the building had a resident caretaker.

Reginald Blomfield, brother of Bishop Blomfield, was born in 1856 and died in 1942.In an account of the Blomfield Family, it is recorded that he was knighted in 1919.At the time it was written of him “there have been many Architects but few have combined so great a knowledge of architecture, art and letters as Sir Reginald did” He was at one time the President of the R.I.B.A. In his younger days Reginald Blomfield was closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, and knew Gimson and Barnsley.

The design of Boxted and Hartest Institute was based on the work of the English Arts and Crafts movement, in the style of William Morris, which is of particular significance locally, regionally and nationally.

Some other works designed by Reginald Blomfield are:-

• King Edward Grammar School, Bury St.Edmunds.
• Lambeth Bridge.
• Swan and Edgar, Piccadilly Circus, London.
• Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.
• The restoration of Chequers, the official residence of the Prime Minister