About

The New Oriel Hall is a community hall situated in Larkhall serving the north east of Bath and the outlying villages of Swainswick, Woolley and Tadwick.  Until 2004, it was a derelict Victorian School which pigeons had colonised, where it was possible to see daylight both through the roof and walls.  It is now a large  and versatile complex including 2 large halls, a social area, 3 meeting rooms and a workshop – the Cedar Store.

As a busy community hall, the New Oriel Hall is host to a diverse range of community groups, classes and events, as well as being regularly hired out for private functions such as wedding receptions, wakes, exhibitions and parties. Over 40 groups use the hall on a weekly basis, and an estimated 25,000 people use the hall every year. All this enables the hall to be financially self-sustaining. For a brief history of the New Oriel Hall – click here

The present and future

As well as the day to day running of the hall, current and planned developments include:

  • Development of new community activities at the hall, particularly for the older generation
  • Installing wireless internet connection throughout the hall
  • An on-going energy efficiency programme
  • Installing cycle racks and ramp
  • Recruitment of new members to the Management Committee and Trustees
  • Recent award of all 3 levels of a nationally recognised quality standard, the Hallmark scheme, showing that our hall has reached high standards of operation and management. Hallmark 1 & 2 was awarded to us in November 2010 and Hallmark 3 in October 2011. Only 1 other hall in the BANES area has achieved level 3.

    How the Hall is managed

    The hall is managed by a voluntary Management Committee and run on a day to day basis by 2 part-time staff, with support from a small group of committed volunteers. Our key policies and Management Committee meeting minutes can be accessed below and our latest Annual Report is available from the office on request:

    Late-opening-sale-of-alcohol-101011.doc

    Health & Safety Policy 2010

    Green policy Sept 2011

    Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Users Policy Sept 2011 (Under review)

    Public Access Policy

    Equal Opportunities Policy

    7 Nov 2011 MC minutes