In praise of... village halls

We take them for granted - but village halls have a magic all of their own.

Santon Bridge

I TOOK part in the photographic exhibition at Santon Bridge village hall last Sunday and it was a delightful - and very English - day out. About 20 photographers crammed into the village hall to exhibit their work and a steady stream of visitors wandered through during the day. It was a chance to view stunning photographs of our beautiful West Cumbrian landscape but also to enjoy some 'good crack' with fellow exhibitors and visitors. The home-made cakes and copious cups of tea ensured the day was pure delight. Village halls struggle to survive in these days of economic recession so I'm more than happy to pass on news of another event coming up at Santon Bridge's village hall. It's a visit by world-famous photographer John Beatty who will be talking about and showing some of the pictures he has taken on his travels. He'll be at the village hall (just on the left as you climb up the hill past the pub) on Friday, October 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 (children £3.50).