GoFundMe appeal launched to help build new Walsingham Village Hall after severe fire destroyed building

Fundraisers hope a campaign to replace their fire-ravaged village hall will allow it to “rise like a phoenix from the ashes”.

Walsingham Village Hall was largely destroyed after a serious blaze in January last year, with firefighters and the police rushing to the Wells Road building in the early evening.

Following enquiries, a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson. Howvever, Norfolk Police has confirmed that no further action was taken against him, with all lines of enquiry exhausted and the case closed.

Now, Walsingham Parish Council and the Walsingham Recreation Trust have launched a fundraiser in a bid to replace the building.

Together, they say they hope that “good will come out of that disaster and that in time we will be able to rebuild a better and more attractive village hall”.

This new facility is estimated to cost around £1million. An insurance pay-out is expected to cover £700,000 of this, leaving another £300,000 to be found.

Keith Tuck, who sits on the parish council, started spearheading a series of fundraisers last year to rustle up some much-needed cash for the project.

Now, a GoFundMe page has been set up to try and give the appeal an extra boost.

“We are just trying to get people interested in it again,” Cllr Tuck told the Lynn News.

“It has been a great loss and a great sadness for everybody who used it.

“We hope to see it rising like a phoenix from the ashes.”

The Walsingham hall was previously popular for the likes of children’s playgroups, weddings and private parties.

On the GoFundMe page, those donating have a choice of options. They can donate £10 towards a brick, £75 to help with heating, £100 to support the roof, or up to £6,000 to sponsor the bar serving hatch - which would come with a dedication plaque.

The community effort has been titled the Phoenix Project and, if successful, would see a new, modern hall constructed.

Money would also go towards revamping the car park and creating a raised patio overlooking the playing field, allowing for step-free access around the building.

The council has applied for a series of grants to go towards the plans.

“It will be a different shape and design to what was originally there,” Cllr Tuck said.

“We are bringing it up to date, especially with energy costs and things like that. We are looking to update it and bring it up to speed with current legislation.”

The recreation ground in Walsingham remains open and available for use. The site of the hall, which is partially demolished, has been barricaded off since the fire.

Anybody who wishes to discuss a potential donation can email the parish council clerk at walsinghampc@googlemail.com