Just after the end of the in the 1920's 1st World War the villagers of Kirkbampton decided it would be a good idea to provide a place for everyone in the community to meet on a regular basis. Laurel Cottage was chosen and each day a fire was lit, papers delivered to the cottage, which was named THE READING ROOMS. Mr. Tom Mark as one of the founder members of the village committee to attend to the daily care taking of the building,
The 1930 the Committee decided that Laurel Cottage could no longer meet the needs of the Village and funds were raised to purchase a New building which was actually Ex Army stock. The building was erected on its present site 6 Riggs on the Hill, Kirkbampton at a cost of £2.18s.6d. The conveyance cost 13s 6d.
During the Second World War in the 1940 the Home Guard used the Hall for meetings. Local dances became popular and visiting RAF personnel who were based at Great Orton Airfield regularly attended them, the Great Orton airfield was used as a mass burial site during the foot and mouth epidemic on 2001.
In the 1950's transport was more readily available and the bright lights of Carlisle began attracting the local youth who flocked to the cinema.
In the 60's the Committee held a meeting and decided that if they were to encourage growth in use of the hall, then a larger committee would be required. It was agreed that £50 per annum would be raised to cover the annual running of the hall. During this period activities increased. Dances, Church Sales, Bonfire Night, Film Shows and a Barbecue became regular events. At this time Mr. Elstree applied to the Committee for permission to bottle and sell beer, sadly his request was turned down by them.
During the 70's the Village Hall was the place to be. The Women's Institute who having sold their own building at the end of the village on the Little Bampton road and who had been meeting in the school took up residence in the hall. Mr. David Story took over as Chairman and Mr. David Cotton as Secretary, together they instigated some serious fund raising to renovate the hall. Bingo, Quiz Nights, Sewing Classes, Play school and a Youth Club added to the existing facilities.
In the 80's the Committee were concerned about the life and viability of the hall. The Village owned the Hall itself but the land was rented from Mr. Holliday. The Government of the day were keen to encourage local community halls and grants were being made available for improvements and equipment BUT the number one or the main specifications was the land and building had to be owned by the village. Undaunted the committee of the day negotiated with Mr. Holliday for the purchase of the land. A Price of was agreed and Mr. Holliday agreed the money could be repaid over a period of six years. Additional fund raising ensured a hall refurbishment. The hall was extended to make way for a proper kitchen rather than the previously curtained off area.