24
Jun
Social club agrees to buy Ripley Town Hall for £400,000
Ripley Castle Estate has agreed to sell the village’s grade II-listed town hall to the social club that manages it.
The town hall has been in constant community use since it was built in 1854. Ripley Live runs an eclectic music programme at the venue and Ripley Endowed Church of England Primary School serves school dinners there.
Now Sir Thomas Ingilby, who owns Ripley Castle Estate, has reached a deal with Ripley Star Club to sell it for £400,000.
The club, which was formed in 1948 for soldiers coming back from the war, is in the process of applying for grants to raise the funds.
Sir Thomas, who is president of the club, said the club had indicated for some time it wished to purchase the town hall and he felt the time was right. He said:
This time I said ‘yes’ because they are run by a strong committee, which is very forward-looking.
If the sale is completed, they wouldn’t have to pay any more rent and the money they save from this would be available to pay for repairs and upkeep.
Club secretary Andy Herrington said:
The challenge for the Star Club now is raising £400,000 and grants are being applied for.
The club will also have to show matched funding and anyone able to help should contact andy@ripleyblues.com. Rewards are on offer for larger contributions but any help whatsoever is appreciated.
Sir William Amcotts-Ingilby envisaged the building to resemble a French town hall, or hôtel de ville, which is its formal name. It was completed by his wife Mary Anne in 1854.
It was refurbished and restored in 2003 with the help of Sir Thomas Ingilby and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Further improvements since then have ensured the club, which also has two snooker tables and charges £20 a year for membership, has become a respected live music venue.
Dr Feelgood, the rock group from Canvey Island in Essex, performed there last month. This Friday it hosts a jazz, blues and gin night.
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