The Jubilee Village Hall in West Rainton, County Durham, has been saved from closure after 145 years, with the official opening of a community café on July 15, 2026. The hall, originally built as a military drill hall in 1880, faced an uncertain future when long-time volunteer Janet Tayler announced in 2024 that she would step down by July 2025 unless new help arrived.
Community Rallies to Save Historic Hall
Janet Tayler, a retired teacher who had served as Secretary, Booking Clerk, and Treasurer, had managed the hall largely alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a decade of commitment, the burden became too heavy, and she informed the village that without new volunteers, the hall would close permanently. Close friend Chris Burns, a project manager, stepped in to help. Together, they distributed leaflets and approached the Parish Council, leading to the formation of a new management committee within two months, chaired by Allan Langford.
Janet said: "Since then the hall has gone from strength to strength. The energy is amazing. It's fantastic. We're so blessed to have these people on board."
£1.4 Million Refurbishment Plan
The new café is part of a £1.4 million refurbishment project divided into nine areas. So far, £400,000 has been raised through grants and fundraising. Chris Burns said: "It's a big ask for a little community." Support has come from Durham County Council and local businesses, including Select Interiors from Houghton-le-Spring, which transformed the old gym into a functional kitchen and café space completed in March.
The refurbishment includes partial rebuilding of the extension to match the hall's historic aesthetic. Chris said: "We want it to be sustainable for the future so it needs to be fit for purpose."
Café Launch and Volunteer Training
The café had a soft launch in May after 28 volunteers completed hospitality training in April. Volunteer Pauline, a former fish and chip shop owner, used her expertise to coordinate operations. The café initially opened Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings but expanded to an additional day due to popular demand for the July 15 launch. Chris said: "Everything we have done so far has been done by volunteers."
Janet noted: "Some of the people who have been volunteers aren't even from the village or haven't been here long but they've been really enthusiastic." With new housing estates being built, the hall is increasingly important for social and economic development.
Community Hub and Emergency Centre
The hall now hosts the local brownies, green group, and parish council, and is designated as an emergency hub for events like flooding or power outages. Janet said: "Each community has to make social connections. So it's a very important asset of the village." The team visited other community centres across the county for guidance, supported by a network of North East organizations. Chris said: "It's really heartening to see how they have been successful."
The hall also runs DOKO (Doors Open, Kettles On) on the last Friday of each month, offering tea, chat, and activities like bingo and singers. This initiative was created by Emily, Chris's daughter, who also helped establish a Dementia group providing free transport and meals on the second Tuesday of each month.
Janet said: "It's a question of what the community wants. It can be whatever people want it to be." The official opening of the Community Café on July 15 is open to all who wish to offer support.
