"Timber Pavilion is an inspiration" Says Suffolk Acre magazine

Walpole and Cookley Pavilion - 12.0m x 6.18m Passmore Club Range Building
During the summer I was privileged to be invited to the opening of the Walpole and Cookley Pavilion. As with any project the path to the successful opening had been a long and sometimes arduous journey for the volunteers who gave up their valuable time for the long-term community good. What made this project stand out from the current trend were the construction methods adopted by the project group. After being turned down by some major fund givers the group rejected a traditional brick, block and steel building and opted for their first choice, a modular timber sectional structure which provided the villagers with a building to serve their needs at a fraction of the cost conventional construction methods.

What impressed me the most was that from within the building there was no perceivable clue as to the construction method utilised as the interior was light, airy and extremely well appointed.The simple building has a small kitchen area to the side of a main hall and meets the needs of the disabled with a ramp onto the veranda at the front of the hall and an accessible loo within.

Serious consideration should be given to this type of construction by groups who have to face the current shortfall in funds for village hall rebuilds. It could be logical and practical to provide a good quality hall, which is able to attract sufficient funding and serve the community needs, and utilise that hall while engaging in long-term fund raising for its eventual replacement in twenty-five to fifty years ahead.

After all, at one time the majority of village halls in Suffolk were ex-military wooden structures recycled after the wars that provided sterling service for their users for many many years.

An interior view of the Walpole and Cookley Pavillion shows the basic building's potential for versatility.