Grand Opening of the Community Centre

30 March 2015

John Mann M.P. formally opened the new Community Centre in West Wells Lane on Saturday 28th March. He was introduced by Ann-Marie Morley, Chairman of the Community Centre Management Committee. The event was open to all villagers and about 100 attended.

One current resident and one former resident were commemorated by renaming the two public halls with their surnames in honour of their successful commitment and contribution to the project over many years. The hall was renamed the Downton Hall in honour of Chris Downton, who has managed the legal process on behalf of the village, and the meeting room was renamed the Hargreaves Meeting Room in honour of John Hargreaves, the former chairman of the Parish Council, who co-ordinated the negotiation processes. 

The Antiques Study Group, Body Balance, the Village Website and the History Club all exhibited at the event, with the latter featuring an 8 minute photo-journal  / slideshow on the story behind the new community centre. This is now available on YouTube - tagged “Gringley” and “Community Centre.”  Catering was kindly provided by several helpful villagers.

A feature of Saturday’s event was the burial of the time capsule of Gringley memorabilia below the new centre. This was carried out by the Gringley May Queen, Amélie Woodwards.