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1926:
A pre-Victorian chapel in The Street, Draycott, was given in perpetuity to the village as a memorial to those who fell in the First World War. The same year, Cobley's Trust gave the village its recreation ground and the adjoining land was given as allotments for First World War veterans.
1988:
In danger of collapse, the Memorial Hall was patched up, but it is recognised that the building is reaching the end of its useful life.
1989:
Cobley's Trust handed over the recreation ground to Rodney Stoke Parish Council.
1993:
Rodney Stoke Parish Council bought the allotment ground from the County Council to form the present six-acre site. Major earthworks were undertaken by a local firm to bring up the level.
1996:
The annual parish meeting calls for a new hall to be built as a millennium project.
1996 to 1999:
Rodney Stoke and Draycott are in Mendip District; the new hall site is in Sedgmoor, whose planners give change of use, outline, and detailed planning consents for the new hall to be built.
A £150,000 lottery grant is achieved, which along with grants from Somerset CC, Mendip DC, Rodney Stoke PC, the sale of the old hall and site together with much local fund-raising means funding for the project is complete.
2000:
Construction began at the end of January.
Completion and handover late August. The new hall continues to be dedicated as a memorial to those who died in two World Wars.
Dedication and Open Day Sept 10, 2000. Dedication performed by the Rev. J. Hall, our parish priest.
2001:
Official opening performed by Lady Gass, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset on Thursday March 8.
2002 to Now:
Our Hall has been permanent home to a large number of organisations, 2 short mat bowls clubs, a whist drive, the WI, the Parish Council, Playgroup (until Sept 2009), Mother & Toddler group, Pilates sessions, Dance classes, Cheddar Male Choir, Mendip Players amateur dramatic club, Beekeepers, Adult Education Classes, Blood Transfusion Service, Draycott Cricket Club, and others. In addition we have hosted large numbers of parties, weddings and other celebrations since we have been open to bookings.
Since the opening, new equipment, improvements and additions that were not affordable initially have been made - funded from operational revenue and ongoing fund-raising both by the committee and by individual user groups, as has routine maintenance to maintain the building in a first class state.
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