This year marks a remarkable milestone for Delves Lane Village Hall - a century of serving as the beating heart of the local community. Since opening its doors in 1925, the hall has been a safe haven, a social hub and a place where generations have come together.
A pillar of support
For many residents, the hall is more than just a building it’s a lifeline. From toddler groups to pensioner lunch clubs, it hosts activities for all ages. Leanne Murray, a Community Connector from Karbon Homes highlighted the hall’s vital role in tackling isolation “Karbon has helped fund a sensory room for parents with newborns, supported holiday activities, funded the cost of purchasing of an indoor bowls mat and provided kitchen equipment for the lunch club. For some, the lunch club is the only time they get out.” Karbon also recently provided £750 of funding for a family and older person’s event to mark the 100-year anniversary.
Empowering young people
The hall is also home to Delves Lane Youth Club, run by Craig Martin from Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light. For over a decade, Craig has delivered the Premier League-funded Kicks programme, offering mentoring, arts and crafts, cooking and life skills sessions for young people aged 8–18. “It’s massive for the community,” Craig explains. “For some, this is the only place they feel safe.” The club has taken members on residential trips, supported SEN young people and even produced regional award winners. “It’s about quality youth work and helping them become independent and empowered.”
As part of the 100-year anniversary, the group are currently working on a timeline of a typical person who has lived in Delves Lane for the past 100 years “We bought a parachute so we can paint different items for each era. This gives young people a chance to understand their community and keep the history alive.”
A home away from home
Pat Iceton, who is one of the trustees at the village hall sees it as her second home: “I moved up here from Teesside nine years ago. I didn’t know anyone, so I came along to the exercise class at the village hall and really enjoyed it. I’ve been coming back ever since. I love it here; I’d be lost without it.”
Celebrating a century
To mark its 100th anniversary, the hall has hosted a series of events funded by Karbon Homes and local councillors, including events for older people, children’s parties and an open day with various service providers and a photo timeline showcasing a timeline of the past century. Mark Whaley, who runs the hall, says: “We’ve had buffets, singers, discos and face painting, all free for local residents. For many older people, it’s the only chance they have to get out and socialise.”
Keeping community spirit alive
With pubs and clubs disappearing in the area, the hall remains a vital space for connection. Around 20 different groups use the hall weekly, from men’s groups to toddler sessions and even football coaching by an ex-England Lioness. “Hopefully we’ll keep being popular,” Mark says. “We’re privately run by trustees, and funding helps us fight social isolation and keep that community spirit alive.”
As Delves Lane Village Hall enters its second century, its mission remains clear: to be a welcoming space for everyone, young and old, and to continue making a difference in people’s lives.
To find out more about our how we invest in our communities, visit our Community Funding page.
This year marks a remarkable milestone for Delves Lane Village Hall - a century of serving as the beating heart of the local community. Since opening its doors in 1925, the hall has been a safe haven, a social hub and a place where generations have come together.
A pillar of support
For many residents, the hall is more than just a building it’s a lifeline. From toddler groups to pensioner lunch clubs, it hosts activities for all ages. Leanne Murray, a Community Connector from Karbon Homes highlighted the hall’s vital role in tackling isolation “Karbon has helped fund a sensory room for parents with newborns, supported holiday activities, funded the cost of purchasing of an indoor bowls mat and provided kitchen equipment for the lunch club. For some, the lunch club is the only time they get out.” Karbon also recently provided £750 of funding for a family and older person’s event to mark the 100-year anniversary.
Empowering young people
The hall is also home to Delves Lane Youth Club, run by Craig Martin from Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light. For over a decade, Craig has delivered the Premier League-funded Kicks programme, offering mentoring, arts and crafts, cooking and life skills sessions for young people aged 8–18. “It’s massive for the community,” Craig explains. “For some, this is the only place they feel safe.” The club has taken members on residential trips, supported SEN young people and even produced regional award winners. “It’s about quality youth work and helping them become independent and empowered.”
As part of the 100-year anniversary, the group are currently working on a timeline of a typical person who has lived in Delves Lane for the past 100 years “We bought a parachute so we can paint different items for each era. This gives young people a chance to understand their community and keep the history alive.”
A home away from home
Pat Iceton, who is one of the trustees at the village hall sees it as her second home: “I moved up here from Teesside nine years ago. I didn’t know anyone, so I came along to the exercise class at the village hall and really enjoyed it. I’ve been coming back ever since. I love it here; I’d be lost without it.”
Celebrating a century
To mark its 100th anniversary, the hall has hosted a series of events funded by Karbon Homes and local councillors, including events for older people, children’s parties and an open day with various service providers and a photo timeline showcasing a timeline of the past century. Mark Whaley, who runs the hall, says: “We’ve had buffets, singers, discos and face painting, all free for local residents. For many older people, it’s the only chance they have to get out and socialise.”
Keeping community spirit alive
With pubs and clubs disappearing in the area, the hall remains a vital space for connection. Around 20 different groups use the hall weekly, from men’s groups to toddler sessions and even football coaching by an ex-England Lioness. “Hopefully we’ll keep being popular,” Mark says. “We’re privately run by trustees, and funding helps us fight social isolation and keep that community spirit alive.”
As Delves Lane Village Hall enters its second century, its mission remains clear: to be a welcoming space for everyone, young and old, and to continue making a difference in people’s lives.
To find out more about our how we invest in our communities, visit our Community Funding page.
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