New parish centre is officially opened

By [nbrown]

A NEW era dawned for Blandford Forum Parish Church on Saturday with the official opening of its new £500,000 parish centre.

Work started on the eco-friendly building last March after an old tin hut, which had stood on the site of the former Parish Rooms in the Tabernacle for more than 120 years, was demolished.

The new building was opened by the town's oldest resident,George Campion, who celebrated his 100th birthday last October, and three of its youngest representatives. Langley Weight of Archbishop Wake Primary, Jazmine Andrews of Milldown Primary and Alfie Dade of Downlands Primary joined him and Rector the Rev Tim Storey in cutting the ribbon to a fanfare by the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals.

Mr Storey apologised that all those attending would be unable to look around the centre following the opening, which was by invitation only, but promised an opportunity during an open day with coffee and cakes to be held on Saturday, March 20.

He said: "The thinking behind the centre has been very much about the community. As a church we believe our role is symbolised by our location in the centre of the town, and this parish centre has a vision to be a place where church and community meet.

"Through the decades people have met and forged friendships in the tin hut built on this site 130 years ago.

"From that tin hut with the leaky roof we now have a spectacular new building, which is the culmination of decades of discussion and the last seven years of planning and fund raising."

He thanked architect John Turnbull, contractors R B Snook Building Ltd, quantity surveyor Jack Wilds and all those who had given time, energy and money to the project.

Half the cost had come from the sale of the church property Lesley House, and grants had come from various sources including Wessex Water, EDF and Dorset Community Action.

"The remainder has come through the generosity of the community, people in the parish, church and beyond," he said.

Only £25,000 remains to be raised towards the £560,000 cost.

Hall steering group chairman Gail del Pinto said: "This project has given the church a wonderful opportunity to give something to the people of Blandford, and something which will benefit the church, the town and the community as well."

Church member Pat Ellen said: "It feels very welcoming, you come in through the door and it is all so open and filled with light."

Mayor of Blandford Cllr Lynn Lindsay said: "Having used the old parish rooms from the age of seven, the difference is astounding."

The official opening was followed by a parish party and firework display, a dedication service on Sunday, and the start of a new Alpha Course on Tuesday.

Facilities in the new centre, which include a 100-seater hall and two meeting rooms, are now available for hire.

Details are available from the parish office, open at the front of the church from 9.30am-noon Monday to Friday, or on 01258 456260.