Picture this a grand manor house standing proudly on Allum Lane. This is the Allum Lane Community Centre a place steeped in history and buzzing with life. For over 400 years this building has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls.
The Manor House as it was originally known has a rich past. Thomas Jemmitt was the earliest recorded resident living there around 1827. Later it was home to affluent families escaping the grime of inner London. Significant structural changes occurred over the centuries. A low kitchen wing was added in the 18th century. Around 1880 a major remodelling took place. One notable resident was Euphrasia Haworth daughter of Thomas Haworth who bought the house in 1830 for £1500. Euphrasia became a successful author artist and friend of the poet Robert Browning.
In 1927 Madame Mabel von Briche became the last private owner. She held onto the property until the end of World War II. Then the Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club realised a community centre was needed to serve the growing population. The Elstree Borehamwood and District Public Hall Association was formed. Their goal was to find a suitable building to transform.
They found it in the Manor House on Allum Lane. It was for sale at £6500 but the Association only had £2000. They organised a fundraising campaign. A midnight matinee at the Ritz cinema in Edgware was a huge success. Stars like Audrey Hepburn Richard Attenborough and Norman Wisdom attended. The money raised allowed the purchase of the Manor House. Parts of the land were sold to create housing estates. The Association changed its name to the Elstree Borehamwood and District Community Association. They still own the site.
In 1974 the council added an extension. It houses the Citizens Advice Bureau still based there today. A major £2.6 million refurbishment happened in the eighties. The manor house was restored. Two rear halls were demolished. The new Allum Hall opened in March 1998. Today Allum Lane Community Centre hosts everything from weddings to exhibitions. It truly is the heart of the community.