In 1998 two local residents, John and Diane O’Keefe, took on a challenge that most viewed with tolerant scepticism, a laudable aspiration but with little prospect of success. Five years and £425K later, in April 2003, the new village hall was opened. The process was fraught with difficulties and expert advice from the Dorset Village Hall Advisor was essential. Fundraising was a major and time-consuming task, as it had to draw on many sources and balance requests for contributions, while convincing sponsors that the momentum of the project was being maintained. The Community Fund was critical but not a panacea as it was predicated on lesser but equally important individual contributions from local government, agencies and trusts. (including DEFRA and the Countryside Agency) Over £100 per head of population was raised within the village, generating the first bonds of community involvement through fundraising projects including the establishment of an annual Country Fair.

It was predictable that opening events would excite the interest of the village but the value and viability of the hall had to be proved in the longer term. The size and facilities of the hall were subject to thorough management planning which had been borne out in the first year of operation. There are three broad objectives:- a) To benefit the Durweston community, b) To provide an additional facility within North Dorset and c) To produce income to sustain the operation of the village hall. All have been met within the first year, with the new experience and confidence gained, points the way to further opportunities in the future.

Village groups now have a regular meeting place and an open morning every Friday, provides a sociable venue for anyone who cares to drop in with the addition of refreshments and produce stalls. Youth football teams have changing rooms away from the elements and there is a thriving ladies group called Cameo. The Computer Club members regularily assists anyone wanting one to one help in our Computer Suite. We have support from Learndirect for on-line courses or anyone can just surf the net to book holidays or just look for that special menu for a dinner party! The village hall's facilities are used for parties, particularly children’s parties but also christenings and weddings. Each year at Christmas time, the Village Hall Committee organised free events for the over 60’s, children and teenagers. The wider area now has the opportunity to attend monthly film nights and there have been several cultural events provided through Artsreach. Local government, charities and local businesses use the hall for meetings and conferences. Five years after the opening the Hall now has a successful youth club, pilates, dance classes and an amateur dramatics group.

It is just another village hall but Durweston now has a new focus for the community and new options to stimulate those who choose to benefit from community life. It is the product of the initiative and drive of individuals in the voluntary sector supported by local government advice and a wide range of funding sources.

The facilities now available include Digital Projector and large screen (4m x 2.25m) which can be used for Powerpoint or similar presentations, DVD, VHS and DIGITAL TV receiver capable of screening programmes from the FREESAT satellite on the large or small screen. The Hall holds an Entertainment Licence for most types of public event. The stage also has a PA system (with hearing loop) and a range of stage lighting suitable for most productions. The computer suite can be hired separately or linked to the digital projector for the display, on the big screen, of live internet pages.

If hirers are unable to obtain a Licensee or a Temporary Event Notice the Hall has its own Premises Licence and licensed staff to run a cash bar for a standard charge, subject to availablity and agreement on both sides.

The Hall has, for a number of years, sucessfully arranged catering for small groups, conferences and parties at a very reasonable charge. The catering staff have obtained their Food and Hygiene Certification, as guided by the local authority.