Washington Village Memorial Hall is a registered charity based in West Sussex. We have regular activities throughout the year: adult ballet, an art class, dog training, free style dancing, live music and dance, martial arts, morris dancing, pilates, a pudding club, Women of Washington and yoga. All look forward to welcoming you.
Washington Village Memorial Hall (the “Village Hall”) is located at the foot of the South Downs, two minutes walk away from the famous South Downs Way. It serves the local community centred around the village of Washington in West Sussex, England. For more information about our village and the local area see our village and our local area.
The Village Hall originated as a Reading Room built in 1910. After the Second World War an additional, larger hall was built adjoining the Reading Room, in memory of all those killed in both World Wars. The original Reading Room is now known as the Dore’ Room, the addition is known as the Chanctonbury Room and jointly the whole building is the Washington Village Memorial Hall. Over the period of 2005 – 2009 a major refurbishment project took place to extend and modernise the facilities and bring into being the building that exists today.
The Village Hall is administered and managed by a Charity (No. 278148) called The Washington Village Memorial Hall Charity. The object of the Charity is:
“The provision and maintenance of a village hall for the use of the inhabitants of the parish of Washington and the neighbourhood thereof without distinction of political, religious or other opinions including use for meetings lectures and classes and for other forms of recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.”
Source: www.charitycommission.gov.uk
Manna Yoga offers small, personal, friendly and welcoming yoga classes for all abilities at Washington Village Hall, with a philosophy of clear explanation and light-hearted fun — no judgement, no pressure, just a willingness to try. Run by a Yoga Alliance accredited teacher with nearly eight years of experience, classes run across multiple sessions each week during term time, including a gentle/beginners class and a faster-paced Vinyasa flow session. Contact: 07798 616821 or mannayoga1 on Facebook.
Cadillac Country is a six-piece combo playing new and traditional country music with a mix of rock 'n' roll and blues, and has been performing monthly at Washington Village Hall for over nine years. The club night runs on the third Friday of every month, with doors opening at 7:30pm and music from 8pm until 10:30pm, creating a great atmosphere for an evening of live foot-tapping country sounds. Entrance is £5 on the door, refreshments are available, and guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol.
Rock Pilates UK is led by Arlette, a former professional dancer whose career spanned ballet, the Moulin Rouge, and Argentine Tango. A spinal injury led her to discover Pilates, and after experiencing its transformative effects first-hand, she qualified as a Level 3 Pilates instructor in 2017, initially working alongside osteopaths in a clinical setting. She has since helped hundreds of clients achieve their goals — whether recovering from injury, enhancing sports performance, or improving general fitness — and holds mixed-ability mat classes at Washington Village Hall every Tuesday and Friday at 11am.
Richings Korean Martial Arts is an independent martial arts club based on the Choi Kwang Do syllabus, a system developed to promote optimum health, fitness, and practical self-defence using modern scientific principles — combining maximum-force techniques with mental and physical conditioning. Open to all ages from children over 5 through to adults of all levels, the club meets at Washington Village Hall on Monday evenings for a family class, offering a fun and exciting way to improve flexibility, coordination, balance and concentration in a safe, disciplined environment.
Rachel Attmere is an accredited Body Control Pilates instructor with 20 years of experience, originally trained in classical dance, who offers classes at all levels from beginners to advanced, including gentle sessions for those returning to exercise after pregnancy, illness or injury. She keeps class sizes small — a maximum of 12 people — to ensure individual attention, and holds a Beginners/Improvers class at Washington Village Memorial Hall on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am. All classes are also available on Zoom.
Findon Downs Dog Training Club has been serving the community since 1967, promoting reward-based training methods to help dogs become well-behaved and welcomed members of the family. Classes follow the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, progressing from a Foundation Class for puppies through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, up to an Advanced Class for those wishing to compete in dog sports. The club keeps class numbers deliberately small to ensure every dog and handler gets the individual attention they need, and meets on Tuesday evenings at Washington Village Memorial Hall.
The Washington Village Art Class is a relaxed and friendly group that meets regularly at the Village Hall, welcoming painters and drawers of all abilities — from complete beginners to those looking to develop existing skills. Working in a range of media, participants enjoy both guided sessions and independent practice in a sociable, encouraging atmosphere. Whether you fancy picking up a brush for the first time or returning to a hobby you have always loved, all are welcome.
Women of Washington is an independent social group for women aged 18 and over, offering a safe, warm and inclusive space to laugh, make friends and learn something new. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month — evenings from April to September (7 pm–9.30 pm) and afternoons from October to March (1.30 pm–4 pm). Sessions have included craft activities, guest speakers and shared home-cooked food. Members can come to a single meeting or sign up for the whole year. Outings and lunches are also organised throughout the year.
Temporary Measured is a lively mixed North West Clog Morris team formed in 2016 and based in Washington. The group dances in the tradition of North West Clog — a vibrant, music-driven style from Lancashire and Cheshire — and performs at events and festivals across the region in their striking costume of black trousers, white shirt and red waistcoat. New members are always welcome; no previous experience is needed, just enthusiasm. The team practises on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings at the Village Hall.
The Washington Parkinson's UK Support Group is a volunteer-led group meeting on the first Saturday of every month from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. It provides a welcoming and understanding space for people living with Parkinson's, their carers and family members to come together, share experiences and find mutual support. Part of the wider Worthing and Washington branch — one of the largest local Parkinson's UK branches in the country — activities have included an exercise group, a carers' group, guest talks and occasional lunches out. All those affected by Parkinson's are assured of a warm welcome.
Adult ballet classes at Washington Village Hall are led by Susie Bates, an IDTA-qualified ballet teacher. Held on Monday evenings from 7.15 to 8.15 pm, the classes are open to all adults regardless of experience — no prior training or ballet shoes are required. It is a fun and effective way to improve fitness, tone the body and enjoy the pleasure of movement in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Classes cost £6 per session.
Washington originated as a Saxon settlement of the Wasa (or Wassa) tribe, with its name meaning “town of the sons of Wasa.” In 947, King Eadred granted the area to Eadric, including Horsham and likely modern-day Gatwick. By 1066, the manor belonged to Gyrth, King Harold’s brother, but was taken by William the Conqueror and given to William de Braose after the Battle of Hastings.
Traditionally an agricultural village, Washington remained so into the 20th century. Since WWII, it has evolved into a diverse community.
Today, Washington is a charming village at the foot of the South Downs, with many Grade II listed buildings, a village hall, St Mary’s Church and primary school, a recreation ground, and the Frankland Arms pub—named after inventor William Frankland, a former resident of Muntham Court.
Washington Village Memorial Hall,
School Lane
, Washington
RH20 4AP
Location
50°54’21.3″N 0°24’25.7″W 50.905924, -0.407133
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