Residents in Brailes are enjoying a modern new kitchen at the heart of their community thanks to funding from Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Community Grant Scheme 2025.

The Community Grant Scheme 2025, launched to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, awarded £350,000 to strengthen community facilities across the District in memory of the wartime generation. In Brailes, the funding supports the village hall that remains closely linked to that legacy through the annual Brailes Show, which began during the Second World War to raise money for the war effort.

Brailes Village Hall was one of the successful recipients, securing £20,000 through the scheme to modernise its kitchen facilities.

The village hall is a busy and well-used community venue, hosting classes, parties, coffee mornings and a wide range of events throughout the year. Its spacious kitchen is a key feature, capable of catering for up to 200 people using the hall. However, having been installed in the 1970s, it needed significant refurbishment.

The funding supported the installation of new commercial-grade units and worktops, improved storage, modern appliances and energy-efficient lighting, creating a more functional and welcoming space for users.

The Trustees of Brailes Village Hall said: "We are delighted to be awarded the community grant to update our dated, worn kitchen. It will be a great enhancement to the facilities on offer at the hall, to encourage new bookings as a good catering kitchen, and improve facilities for regular bookings like coffee mornings to larger community events. We look forward to work beginning in the summer to fit in with the quieter time in the hall."

The new kitchen was installed over the summer and is already proving popular with community groups and hirers. An official reopening and coffee morning was held in September, giving residents the opportunity to view the upgraded facilities while also helping to raise funds for new utensils and finishing touches.

Councillor Liz Coles, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Revenues and Customer Services, said: "The community grant scheme has been able to support successful community assets across the District. I was really pleased to visit Brailes Village Hall to see their new kitchen and hear about the impact it will have for residents."

Find out more about the grant on our website.