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Our history

For generations, the people of Riding Mill have gathered in their village halls to mark life’s milestones, enjoy shared interests, and strengthen community ties. The story of the Parish Hall and the Millennium Hall reflects almost a hundred years of local effort, imagination, and pride.

The Parish Hall - built by the village, for the village

The Riding Mill Parish Hall stands on land purchased in 1925, with the support of the Church of England Commissioners, to create a permanent home for village activities. At that time, Riding Mill was a growing settlement, proud of its independence and keen to have a space of its own.

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Local residents raised the funds through public subscription and community events – a true act of collective will in the aftermath of the First World War. The new hall opened in 1926, and from its earliest days it was the centre of village life.

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In the 1930s and 40s, the Parish Hall hosted dances, Whist drives, concerts, and wartime fundraising evenings. During the Second World War, the hall served as a meeting point for local volunteer groups, sewing circles, and relief collections.

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In the post-war years, it remained the setting for countless weddings, pantomimes, Women’s Institute meetings, Brownie pack nights, and Parish Council gatherings. The hall was extended several times to meet growing needs, with a foyer added in the 1980s, later becoming home to the now much-loved Cafe @ the Foyer.

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A major renovation in 2018 saw the installation of a modern kitchen, allowing the hall to cater for larger functions and community events. Around the same time, a new garage was built to improve storage, and the grounds were enhanced with the creation of the Peace Garden – a quiet space that honours both the memory of past villagers and the spirit of togetherness that continues today.

The Reading Room and the Millennium Hall

Not far away, on Church Lane, stood another important community building – the Reading Room. Gifted to the village in 1948, it reflected the post-war belief in education and self-improvement, providing a warm, well-lit place for reading, small gatherings, and committee meetings. Many older residents remember it as a hub for youth clubs, Parish meetings, and social evenings.

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By the 1990s, however, the Reading Room was showing its age. Accessibility and space were limited, and the community began discussing how to create a more modern, versatile building for the future.

Thanks to determined fundraising, generous donations and support from local authorities and grants, plans were drawn up for a new community hall on the same site. The old Reading Room was carefully dismantled, and around the year 2000, the Millennium Hall was officially opened – symbolically marking a new century of community life in Riding Mill.

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With its open-plan layout, adaptable facilities, and full accessibility, the Millennium Hall quickly established itself as a popular space for everything from children’s parties and yoga classes to exhibitions, film nights, and public meetings.

The two halls today

Together, the Parish Hall and Millennium Hall provide complementary spaces that reflect both tradition and progress. They are managed by the Riding Mill Village Halls CIO, a charitable organisation run by local volunteers, and supported by the fundraising, goodwill, and energy of the community.

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Between them, the halls host hundreds of events each year – from regular clubs to weddings, performances, and social gatherings. They continue to evolve, but their purpose remains the same as it was in 1926: to serve as places where people can meet, belong and build community together.

A living heritage

The history of Riding Mill’s halls is not just about buildings – it’s about the people who’ve filled them with life. From the first fundraising committees to today’s volunteers and trustees, every generation has left its mark.

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As we look ahead to the next hundred years, these halls remain symbols of what makes Riding Mill special: a village that takes pride in its past, works together in the present, and always looks to a sustainable future.

Explore more

  • Meet the people keeping the tradition alive on our Trustees page

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