From the Archive: The Places That Keep Kibworth Going — October 2026
A village is made by more than its houses, roads and shops. It is also made by the places where people meet, organise, celebrate and spend time together.
For this October From the Archive, we looked at three October editions from different years. Each tells a different story about a community building or landmark, but all three show people working to keep an important place in use.
October 1988 — Issue 105
The October 1988 Chronicle reported major redecoration work at Kibworth Village Hall. The hall had not seen major work for 17 years, and the project covered the main hall, committee room, kitchen, foyer, lavatories, cloakroom and storage areas. A new kitchen floor was also being installed.
Opened in 1866, the Victorian hall could seat 400 people. Its volunteer trustees carried out much of the physical work themselves. The article ended with a simple reminder: “Leave it as you would hope to find it!”
October 1989 — Issue 115
A year later, the Windmill featured in the Chronicle. A young man from Kibworth helped put up its Christmas lights, continuing a tradition started by the late Brian Briggs. The illuminated sails created a giant cross visible from the village during the twelve days of Christmas.
The previous year’s display had failed after rotten timber caused the top sail to break. By October 1989, the sails had been repaired and the Christmas Cross could return.
The article also recorded that the Windmill had been given to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) in the 1930s, helping to secure its future.
October 2007 — Issue 295
In 2007, the Chronicle reported on major work needed at Kibworth Methodist Church. Its 150-year-old ceiling needed replacing, while subsidence had affected a rear storeroom.
The work would cost money, so fundraising began. Ian and Gwyneth Varey offered monthly coffee mornings, with stalls selling bric-a-brac, cakes, toys, games, books and gifts. Donations were also welcomed.
The connection
Three buildings. Three different challenges. But the same story runs through all three editions.
People recognised what needed to be done and found ways to keep an important community place in use.
That remains true today. The Windmill has undergone further restoration, while the Village Hall, Methodist Church and other community facilities continue to serve new generations.
The buildings change. Their uses change. The organisations responsible for them change. But the need for places where people can meet, gather, learn, celebrate and organise remains.
Perhaps that is what these three October editions reveal most clearly: keeping Kibworth’s community buildings going is something each generation has to take on for itself.
There’s more to discover in our archive…
Explore the full October From the Archive story online, where you can also follow the links to the three original Chronicle editions.
Mark Grech (Head of Archiving)
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