A MYSTERIOUS feature of Strensall’s village hall will be revealed today at its 21st anniversary party.

The hall was built 21 years ago at a cost of more than £200,000 after 15 years of fundraising.

While the hall is well-used by toddler groups, the Women’s Institute and pensioners’ parties, most visitors have never known the story behind a small piece of wood stuck to the wall in the entrance of the building.

A plaque explaining how the piece of wood is the last remaining part of the former village hall will be unveiled at the party.

The previous hall was a former army hut, donated to the parish by the nearby army camp at the end of the First World War.

The prefabricated sectionalised hut, which was made from a wooden frame and galvanised sheeting round it, had been used by the army at the Suez Canal, said John Hampshire, who oversaw the development of the new facility.

He said: “It was quite a handsome building in its time, but it became very passé and we decided to replace it.”

Ryedale District Council gave the village hall committee the plot of land the hut was sited on and it sold part of the plot to raise funds.

Mr Hampshire said: “We wanted something which was substantial, well-built and would last several years.

“So far it has still not required attention and we’re very pleased with the outcome.

“It’s well used, although we feel it has greater potential even now and we hope more people will become aware of it and make use of it.”

Village hall committee chairman John Scott said the hall, which is run independently as a charity, has no debt and makes a profit. He said: “Everything happens there. It’s the social centre of the village and it’s extremely well supported.

“It’s a highly successful commercial operation.”

During the party, Mr Scott will introduce Judy Smith as the incoming chairman of the committee.