ON October 6, the hall came alive again with a party for parishioners to celebrate the re-opening after a refurbishment which took nearly six months.

Volunteers firstly stripped the interior and then the roof which was completely renewed, as were the kitchen fittings, doors and curtains.

A bar and disabled toilet were added, the floor sanded down and re-varnished, with the rest of the hall being painted.

Chairman Peter Morris welcomed all guests and thanked all that had contributed in any way with the refurbishing.

Special mention was made of Mr and Mrs R Bailey, Gill Blackband, Tracy Brewer, Terry and Val Brimmel, Chris and Mandy Farman, Martin Fernihough, Mike Forrester, Kevin Hill, Steve and Sarah Mogg, Peter Pumpalovic, Ernie Smith, Rosemary Smith, Mr and Mrs I Thorpe and Mark Underwood.

Peter said if it had not been mainly for the tremendous amount of voluntary help given, plus grants from Wychavon, Awards for All, the parish council and donations of money, plans, various building materials, skips, electric and kitchen fittings plus curtains, this project would not have been possible.

Now needed was updating of furniture. There had already been three £100 donations and £350 was also collected on the night.

Bill Smith, past chairman who started the refurbishment off four years ago, thanked Peter and his wife Marilyn for all the hard work they had done in leading the project.

Peter asked Bill to cut a cake made in the shape of the hall by Ellen Harrison.

Terry Brimmell and Sue Burford ran a raffle, which raised £137.

Anyone wishing to hire the hall can call Mrs J Carney on 01386 792981.