Vogrie Hall open for business after huge refurbishment project

The refurbishment of a historic building in Gorebridge, Midlothian, by St David’s Brass is now complete. The premises had fallen into disrepair but, following the band’s purchase of the Vogrie Hall from the local council for £100,000, it has now been given a new lease of life, not just as a first permanent home for the band but also an asset for the community.

The hall was originally built in the 1930s for local miners and later became a community space. After the council deemed it unsafe and closed it, St David's Brass led a campaign to save the building.

The band purchased the building and secured over £700,000 in funding from sources including the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery, Foundation Scotland and generous private donations.

It has since undertaken a complete refurbishment to repair, restore and modernise its facilities, while retaining the original stone walls and sprung flooring to respect the building’s heritage features.

A solar panel array with a storage battery has been installed to help the building be self-sufficient and more environmentally friendly.

The main hall is now available for community groups to hire for activities, meetings and events. The venue can accommodate concerts, classes and social gatherings.

The main hall has a capacity of 100, either standing or seated. The premises offer wifi and have kitchen amenities for tea, coffee and basic food preparation. Tables and chairs are available. Blackout blinds have also been installed in the main hall to enhance privacy and atmosphere at events.

A Spring Craft Fair on 21 March marks the first public event at Vogrie Hall and will allow residents the chance to see the renovated venue. An official opening ceremony for building is planned for later in the year.

St David's Brass is a Scottish charity that runs a competing brass band, a training band, and offers individual brass and percussion lessons for all ages. Both bands perform in concerts, contests and community events throughout the year.

St David’s Brass Band rehearses at Vogrie Hall on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. New musicians of any age or ability are welcome. Instruments and tuition can be provided free of charge.

To book Vogrie Hall or enquire about joining the band, visit stdavidsbrass.co.uk or email secretary@stdavidsbrass.co.uk

Vogrie Hall is located at 33 Vogrie Rd, Gorebridge EH23 4HH.