Tittensor is a charming village located just three miles north of Stone, Staffordshire, and a mile south of the beautiful Trentham Gardens Estate. Our Village Hall, situated just off the A34 on Winghouse Lane, has been at the heart of our community for generations.
A Hall with History
The land for the Village Hall—around one acre—was generously donated on 10 April 1956 by the Sutherland Trustees: Thomas Fortescue Crawshay Frost, the Honourable William Humble David Ward, and Arthur Stephen Fuller. Their gift was for the benefit of the people of Tittensor and the surrounding area.
This land was originally part of the Duke of Sutherland’s estate and was later held in trust from 13 June 1960 by Frederick Maitland Wright, Thomas Robert Copeland, Mary Clare Bassett, and Harold Spilsbury.
The Village Hall was designed as a space for community meetings, educational classes, and recreational activities—helping to improve quality of life for residents of the parish.
Official Opening
The hall was officially opened on Saturday, 7 July 1965, by Mrs Maitland Wright, representing her mother, Mrs Frank Wedgwood, who was a key figure in the campaign for the hall. The project had been many years in the making, with local residents contributing funds since the post-war period.
Designed by Albert Homes, Assistant Surveyor to Stone Rural District Council (and a neighbour to the hall), the original brick-built structure cost £5,000.
Development & Renovations
In the late 1980s, plans were made to extend the hall with an alcove. The work began under the Community Programme Agency, initially estimated at £7,000 for materials. However, the final cost rose to £21,260. By 1990, the agency transitioned into the Employment Training Division, and extensions to the kitchen and toilet facilities were successfully completed.
A major refurbishment took place in 2003–2004. Improvements included new ceiling tiles and LED lighting, new flooring in the alcove, kitchen and corridors, updated chairs and tables, fresh curtains, and full redecoration—revitalising the space for future generations.
Community Projects
A children’s play area was created next to the hall using funds from Stafford Borough Council’s Section 106 housing contributions (£20,000) and a £30,000 grant from the Staffordshire Environmental Fund. The land was leased to Swynnerton Parish Council, who now manage its maintenance, insurance, and overall responsibility.
Supporting Village Health
In 2013, a public defibrillator was installed on the hall’s exterior. This life-saving initiative was funded by generous donations from local groups, Bassetts Transport, Swynnerton Parish Council (£1,537), and a £200 contribution from the British Heart Foundation. Defibrillator training was provided to two groups of local residents.
If you have any photos of the hall or Tittensor village and you are able to share them with us – please get in touch via our contact page. We would be delighted to hear from you.
[Featured image of Tittensor Post Office, on what is now the A34. Courtesy of Mrs Valerie Bell and available at the Staffordshire Past Track website]
