Portinscale Village Hall was officially opened on 10^th October, 1925 amid much rejoicing: celebrations on the day included speeches, games, stalls, entertainment and a ball. At last the village had a hall big enough to accommodate village events and the thriving Women’s Institute. Today the hall is still the centre of village life and continues to be the base for the Women’s Institute.

The committee is keen not only to maintain the hall as the centre of village life but also to ensure that it is modern, comfortable, economical to run and fit for the twenty first century. Extensive refurbishment of the hall has been undertaken in the past five years, including a new kitchen, double glazing and a new floor. In 2009, the first phase of the Sustainability Project, which reduces the hall’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, was completed: the hall is fully insulated and waterproofed and electricity is generated via 33 solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof. Phase 2, the refurbishment of the toilet and shower block to provide facilities for people with disabilities, will also include an air source heat pump. The installation of a hearing loop into the main hall is also being considered for this phase which will be implemented in 2011.