VILLAGERS have been told they will be left without their only community hall for several months following a blaze which caused thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

Forty firefighters were called after an electrical fault sparked a fire at the village hall in Nuneham Courtenay, near Berinsfield – just as amateur dramatic group The Baldon Players were due to walk on stage on Saturday evening.

The steel-framed wood-clad venue, which sits beside the A4074, was evacuated at just before 8pm as flames spread into the roof above the stage.

On Monday, members of the village hall committee gathered to assess the damage.

They warned groups and clubs the building would be out-of-action for months while the damage is repaired.

The building is used for parish council meetings, bingo sessions and craft clubs, as well as productions by the Baldon Players.

Committee member Morley Benson, who lives on the Nuneham Park estate, was waiting for a meeting with the loss adjusters. He said: “There is some fire damage but the structure doesn’t look too bad.

“However, there is smoke damage and some water damage – and it will be out of action for a good few months.

“I would imagine it’s going to cost a few thousand pounds but we won’t get a final figure until the man comes out.”

Mr Benson said villagers in neighbouring Marsh Baldon had offered them the use of their village hall for meetings and events for the time being.

Mr Benson said: “As far as I’m aware, it’s the first time the hall has caught fire since it was erected in 1922.

“It’s the only community building in the village and it’s a shame to lose it, because we do hold regular events there.

“On Saturday we had a number of fire appliances outside the hall and I am sure it was a shock to people.

“The hall has got character and it’s going to be a bit of a loss in the short term. But while it has been a blow, it gives us an opportunity to make it a better place in the future.”

The next meeting of Nuneham Courtenay Parish Council, due to take place today, will, instead, be held at Marsh Baldon Village Hall.

The village hall was used as a polling station on election day last Thursday, and is used about twice a week by local groups and clubs.

It was also going to be used in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Nuneham Courtenay later this year.

The Baldon Players plan to meet over the next few weeks to discuss a new set of shows and temporary rehearsal venues.

Colin George, a member of the Players, said: “We were about to do our pre-show notices including safety announcements when the fire started.

“The audience was alerted straight away, shepherded out, and the fire service called.

“We are all very sad. Obviously it would be good to do a fundraising show for the hall itself.

“We look forward to performing in the hall again later in the year.”