Before Hexhamshire had a parish hall Whitley Chapel School had been used for social events, as were Lilswood and Ordley schools to a lesser extent. The first hall was originally a wooden hut moved from the prisoner of war camp near Middle Dukesfield around 1920. A wood and coal burning stove was positioned centrally around which dancing and socialising took place.

By 1929 when the hall was considered inadequate for local needs it was decided to start fund raising towards a more suitable building. Plans were drawn up for the new hall which was to be much larger than the existing hut.

After sales of work, garden fetes, whist drives and dances £619 3s 1d had been raised towards the hall. Once Juniper builder Mr T. Charlton’s tender of £837 had been accepted and the balance found, building commenced on the 19th August. By the end of 1932 the new parish hall was opened on December 24th by the Bishop of Newcastle.