Joint effort secures new village hall

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

Belford has purchased Ferguson Hall, a former church building, to replace its village hall that closed in 2018 due to rot, securing over £160,000 through community fundraising and grants. The acquisition enables the community to renovate the space and reestablish a central hub for local groups and activities after nearly eight years without a dedicated venue.

Belford has secured a new village hall nearly eight years after its previous facility closed due to severe rot issues. The community successfully raised over £160,000 to purchase Ferguson Hall, a former United Reformed Church building that will now serve as the village's primary community hub.

The original village hall was closed in 2018, leading to the temporary disbandment of several local organizations that lacked a suitable meeting space. The acquisition of Ferguson Hall marks a significant milestone for Belford residents, who have worked for years to restore a dedicated community venue.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, representing Belford within Northumberland County Council’s Bamburgh ward, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. “The purchase of Ferguson Hall has now been completed,” he said. “This has taken years of work by the trustees and a huge community effort, with more than £160,000 secured through existing funds, grants, donations and fundraising.”

Renner-Thompson also contributed £15,000 from the council’s Small Schemes fund and worked closely with trustees to secure various grants. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the fundraising efforts and emphasized that attention now turns to renovating the building for community use.

The funding package included proceeds from the sale of the previous hall and more than £12,000 raised locally through fundraising events. Significant donations were received from charitable organizations such as the Sir James Knott Trust, which gave £10,000 in October 2022. Additional financial support came from the Joicey Trust, Bedmax, Coastal Grains, Belford Parish Council, the Barbour Foundation, the Catherine Cookson Trust, and Barmoor Wind Farm.

With the purchase finalized, Belford’s community leaders plan to begin essential improvements to Ferguson Hall, aiming to restore the facility as a vibrant venue for local groups and activities. The successful acquisition marks a new chapter for the village’s communal life after years without a dedicated hall.

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