A veterans’ group that has been meeting for social evenings for nearly three decades is facing uncertainty after being informed they may no longer be able to use a community hall starting January 2025.

The J Sainsbury’s Veterans Group, comprising around 50 elderly members in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, has held monthly gatherings at St Peter’s Church Community Hall in South Ham for the past one year.

These gatherings provide a crucial social outlet for the group, many of whom have deep ties to the South Ham area.

St Peter's Church in South HamSt Peter's Church in South Ham (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Future of community centre remains uncertain as closure continues

“We’ve been at this community hall for over a year, and we’ve looked after ourselves,” said Mr F Gifford, the group’s 87-year-old chairman.

“We only use the space eight days a year, yet we’ve now been told we can’t continue. Most of us have lived here since the church was built. I can’t understand why they would deny us this space.”

The group’s troubles began when their previous venue, Westside Community Hall, closed last year, leaving them with limited options.

Mr Gifford expressed frustration with the lack of clarity and added that securing affordable, accessible venues has become increasingly challenging.

“We’ve faced so many hurdles,” he said.

"We have been in Westside Community Centre for 10 years. But we were the last people to get told that it wasn't going to open again. We tried to find somewhere else to go, but all the centre were gone. So we just had one choice left - the church community hall. But we were told that we should leave that too. But if people are still going to use it, I can't see why elderly people can’t use it. That's why I’m so upset?

“We even pay rent and take out insurance to meet here. I just can’t believe the church would turn away a group of elderly people when the hall is still being used.”

The group has also sought assistance from Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy and is scheduled to meet him soon. They hope the issue can be resolved in time to avoid further disruption to their cherished gatherings.

The group was initially told they could no longer use the hall because it would be reserved for other events.

However, Mr Gifford argues that the veterans themselves are predominantly locals, having lived in South Ham for decades, raising families and contributing to the community.

After the Gazette contacted St Peter’s Church, it has since confirmed that it would work with the group to continue at the community hall.

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A spokesperson said: “We try to minimise disruption for hirers by working in one-year hiring blocks. We informed the veterans of an expected increase in the church’s use of the space but have agreed they can continue in the meantime and will work with them should a clash arise.”

The veterans’ group, however, claims the initial communication suggested they would be unable to use the hall altogether from January 2025.

Despite follow-up questions, the church has not clarified whether this was indeed the case.