Adastra Hall is run for the benefit of the community by Hassocks Community Association, a registered charity – number 277606. It was formed in 1976 as a Registered Charity under the Chairmanship of Dick Hall and it was charged primarily with the rebuilding of the old Adastra Hall, which was originally an army hut used during the First World War and was donated to the people of Hassocks by the Stafford family to provide a temporary community building in Adastra Park.
During the Second World War, the hall was used as a canteen, run by the local community for service men stationed in the area. After the War, the old building continued to be used by local residents. However, it no longer provided the type of facilities required by those who wished to enjoy a wider range of leisure pursuits.
During 1980, Dick Hall decided to start the ball rolling by getting together a small ‘working party’ to push for the building of a village community centre with a programme to be spear-headed by a volunteer architect Tony Reynolds. This ‘working party’ then became the basis of the Hassocks Community Association and negotiations began with relevant authorities, which resulted in the location of the agreed present site of the new Adastra Hall. In November 1980 a Fund Raising Committee chaired by Mr. Harry Matthews was formed. Over the next few years, many fund raising events were promoted and residents at that time will recall the regular weekly lottery at the old yellow kiosk in the Service Station Garage forecourt opposite Orion Parade, and the traditional Hassocks Fayre was revived – both provided valuable funds. Alongside a number of legacies, all efforts were made into getting the Hall into the form of ‘bricks and mortar’.
In early 1986 with these funds, grants from local Councils and loans from the Sports Council etc. sufficient money had been accumulated to enable Architect’s plans to be drawn up and a contract placed for the erection of the present Adastra Hall.
The Hall was opened in May 1987 and since that time it has continued to function with increasing success and prosperity in providing a venue for such activities as concerts, dances, group and Society meetings, parties, wedding receptions, craft fairs, blood donor centre and even as a Polling Station. The hall takes both regular and one-off bookings.
Hassocks Parish Council own the land and buildings, but the hall is leased, run and operated by Hassocks Community Association through a committee of trustees, and volunteers. Much has changed since the hall was built all those years ago but the principles of the Hassocks Community Association remain – to provide
The Adastra Hall is a credit to the village. Hirers (not only from Hassocks) compliment the Committee on the high standard of the Hall with its various facilities. It has a large main hall; a large kitchen; a Green Room behind the stage which has a small kitchen and is ideal for smaller gatherings such as children’s parties. This room is soundproofed which enables the room and the hall to be used at the same time without disturbance from the other. There is also a Committee Room.
Hassocks Community Association would like to thank many people for helping it along its way over the years – the late Harry Matthews, Dick Hall, Peter Martin, John Gargett – to name only a very few – our thanks to all of you.
