The Porthallow Village Association exists because in the 1970’s the village bought the beach from the Trelowarren estate. A group of villagers invested the cost and became Trustees of both the beach and the institute to be maintained for the benefit and use of the village. The building was used initially to cure pilchards. Another room was added as a reading room and various events were held there over the years. When the Association became a charity it was decided that, due to he dilapidated state of the building, funding should be sought and raised for a rebuild. The new Institute, now renamed the Village Hall, was officially opened by Caroline Quentin in September 2011. Today the Hall continues to be used for educational and sporting activities, meetings, religious services, talks, film nights, parties and more.