The Drill Hall
The Drill Hall
The Drill Hall in 1947
The Drill Hall was a well used building during the second world war, soldiers were fed here, and carried out drills here. The field next door was know as the soldiers field.
VE day celebrations
It seems fitting that a building which was much used by military personnel was also the venue for VE day parties for children at the end of the war to celebrate the restoration of peace.
The Drill Hall in 1975
The Drill hall is a much valued community space and has been home to lots of different clubs, societies and events. At one time it was home to the Aylsham Youth Club as shown in this photograph from 1975.
The Drill Hall
The Drill Hall was a busy place and provided food and shelter for troops billeted in the town. The field next door was known as the ‘Soldiers Field’ and on a Saturday morning local boys were allowed to wash and clean the vehicles and Bren gun carriers. It was a real treat to have a ride on them around the field.
Many soldiers were billeted in the town. One house had 13 men billeted with them to begin with and so there was not much food to go around. Their gas masks boxes had slogans such as ‘The hungry 13’ and ‘We don’t like wasp jam’ written on them.
There was a British Restaurant at the chapel just up the road from here on the corner of Mill Road. The chapel on the corner of Mill Road was British Restaurant. These were communal kitchens created during WWII to ensure communities and people who had run out of rationing coupons were still able to eat.
They were set up the Ministry of Food and run by local committees on a non-profit making basis. Meals were purchased for a set maximum price of 9d or less.
By the 25th November 1942 the total number of main meals served was 2,651, the daily average being 127.
The British Restaurant closed in March 1945
Aylsham High School Art Club
The art club at Aylsham High School meet weekly to experiment with different media and creative processes. Involving students from all years and of mixed ability, the club provides a creative space for anyone who needs it. The students sculpted the snail out of cardboard and papier mache, and used the colour wheel to inspire the tissue paper and painted design.
The following students were involved in creating the snail:
Evie Camelford, Naomi Edwards-Tubby, Maddy Meadlarklan, Megan Richards, Bonnie Muir, Willow Gladden, Freya Cousins and Bella Worley.
Follow on Instagram to see more of the fabulous work we create in art - you won't be disappointed.
All historical images reproduced here courtesy of Aylsham Town Archive, a part of Aylsham Town Council
