The Darby & Joan Hall
One of the more modern public buildings in Bourne that is not yet 50 years old is the Darby and Joan Hall that stands on the edge of the Wellhead Gardens. The date over the entrance suggests that it was opened in 1959 but this is incorrect although building work did start in that year and the official opening took place on Tuesday 12th July 1960 and was performed by the Earl of Ancaster, accompanied by the Countess. The hall is now used for a variety of functions by the town's senior citizens and the upkeep is supplemented by hiring out the premises for other commercial purposes such as one-day sales.
The bronze plaque on the wall at the entrance to the hall (left) commemorates King George VI (1895-1952) and the fund in his memory that contributed £1,000 towards the building costs. The date on the stone tablet over the entrance (right) is incorrect because the hall was actually opened by the Earl of Ancaster in July 1960. The picture below shows the hall as it is today.
For a history of the Darby and Joan Hall see A Portrait of Bourne Return to HOME PAGE MAIN INDEX
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