Maxey Village Hall dates from the middle of the 19th century and sits right at the heart of our village. Built of local stone, the building originally housed the village school until the mid-1960s. Since then, it has been enlarged and improved to support a wide range of local activities. 

During 2025, the building was beginning to show its age—particularly the external stonework, which suffered from failing mortar joints and spalling on the stone faces. Inside, damp patches were appearing as a result of water ingress through the outer walls. 

Advice was sought and quotes were gathered for repointing the external stonework and redecorating the interior. The total estimate came to approximately £25,000 — funds the hall trustees simply did not have. Turning to ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) for guidance, the trustees decided to apply for grant aid. After significant hard work on the application, we were delighted to secure funding from Biffa Award. 

Biffa Award is a UK funding scheme that awards grants to community and environmental projects. Managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts on behalf of Biffa Group Limited, it operates through the government's Landfill Communities Fund, using landfill tax credits to support local initiatives near landfill sites. 

The external restoration and internal redecoration were finally completed in July. 
Today, the village hall, which is in active use every day of the week, remains both physically and figuratively at the centre of our thriving community. This essential work ensures it will stay that way for many years to come. 

Our sincere thanks go to Biffa Award for their funding through the Landfill Communities Fund, as well as to ACRE for their invaluable support and advice. 

 Andy Bagworth 

On behalf of the Maxey Community Association Trustees