The Main Hall was opened on 29 January 1955. In his opening speech Mr Joseph Cast said “This is the day we have long waited for. I think it is about ten years ago that I was approached and asked if I would sell a portion of this land for the purpose of building a Hall as a Community and Youth Centre.
I thought it a good idea as there was no other place where the inhabitants of Petts Wood could meet, and after due consideration, I agreed to give a portion for this purpose, also a larger portion which was thickly wooded as a Garden of Remembrance in memory of those who lost their lives in the two Great Wars.” (The Story of the Petts Wood Memorial Hall, Fred Walford, 1985)
Petts Wood was developed in the late 1920s and 1930s and from the beginning, and certainly post-war, it was clear that the community wanted space for "meetings, concerts and other social gatherings.’"
In 1950, the Gardens were opened to the public with Orpington Council undertaking to pay half the cost of upkeep as it became a public amenity. Later, a portion was set aside on the basis of an indefinite loan to the local branch of the British Legion (now Royal British Legion) for them to maintain and use for the poppy-laying ceremony which follows their annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service. Today, the Hall and Gardens still fulfil these functions for the local community.
The Memorial Hall in Petts Wood is an active community centre, a peaceful garden and hub for events. The venue is available for hire and has two halls, the main Hall and the smaller Towncourt Hall. They are in regular use by a variety of local groups and organisations.
The Hall and Gardens are managed by the Petts Wood War Memorial Trust, Registered Charity no. 303032.
