Dobwalls Memorial Hall opened in 1953 after several years of fundraising by stalwart residents, determined to establish a village hall for the community. The land was given for the purpose by local benefactors, with the proviso that the facilities be provided for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents of Dobwalls and the surrounding area. Since then it has been run by a committee of trustees who are dedicated to its care and upkeep in order that it can be maintained as a vital aspect of the village of Dobwalls.
The ‘Memorial’ in its name refers to the war memorial opposite the front door, which is in memory of ten Dobwalls residents who died in the First World War and eight who died in the Second World War. The war memorial was moved here from the top of the village after the Hall was built. It was cleaned around 1999 and the cement renewed where the memorial joins the plinth. The Memorial Hall has a dedicated plaque inside mounted on a wooden backboard, with the same 18 names as on the war memorial. Further details of these can be found at https://www.cornwallfhs.com/cornwallswarhistory/maps/war-memorials-2/dobwalls/ and https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/26065.
The Hall is constructed of mundic block with an asbestos roof. The mundic block was manufactured at St Mary’s lead works and contains impurities which over time cause the blocks to break up. Although mundic is a risk factor which can cause buildings to collapse, and asbestos is a health risk if it breaks up, the current condition of the building and the roof is satisfactory and so these factors are not a cause for immediate concern.
The Hall has been updated and renovated over the years, but funding for any substantial work has always been difficult. Between 2013 and 2015, a plan to build a new hall on the site was developed, but the estimated cost of £600,000 proved prohibitive.
The Hall is used regularly for keep fit classes, short mat bowls, bingo, NHS training, and private functions, but its long term future is uncertain: it is not energy efficient, solar panels cannot be fitted because of the asbestos roof, the mundic walls may deteriorate, the car park needs resurfacing, and the volunteer pool is shrinking and ageing (even though Dobwalls village is expanding).
So if you want your village hall to continue to thrive, please consider volunteering or using the Hall facilities.