New Volunteers’ Hall at Barnsley

‘The new drill hall of the Barnsley Volunteers which has been completed nearly 12 months was formally opened by Colonel Stanhope C.B., on Wednesday.

‘The premises have been built at a cost of more than £4,000, towards which £1,937-7s-10d has been raised. They comprise on the street level a drill hall 85 ft by 45 ft, with a drill shed of similar dimensions beneath it. An armoury, smoke-room, officer’s rooms, clothing-rooms, caretaker’s premises etc., are also provided. About £2,300 is to be raised to meet the cost.

‘At the opening ceremony there was a large and representative attendance. Major Senior having presented a silver key, the gift of the architect (Mr. H. Crawshaw) with which to open the door, Colonel Stanhope expressed his pleasure at having such a duty put upon him. He, (Colonel Stanhope) contrasted the Volunteer force now with the movement at the beginning, when they were really merely Volunteer rifle-shooting companies. The pressure now put upon the country from, sad to say, the ill-feeling shown by many foreign nations, had awakened us to the necessity of looking after our defence. The Volunteers were an essential element in the assurance they had to pay for their security.

‘The door was then opened, and the large room, beautifully furnished for a bazaar, was entered, and the bazaar was opened by Lord Milton. A public luncheon followed, and dramatic and other entertainments, most of the best-known families in the district taking part in the proceedings, through some member or other, as stallholders, assistants, and performers.’