THE official opening of a new community hall for Okehampton Hamlets will take place on August 10 and all parishioners are being invited to attend the celebrations.
The hall at Meldon will replace the former dilapidated building which had fallen below health and safety standards. When the hall committee started spending up to £3,000 a year on maintaining the old hall, they decided to look into the prospects of constructing a new one.
The new hall project, which has cost in the region of £250,000, has been supported by the National Lotteries Charities Board, West Devon Borough Council and the Community Council of Devon.
Designed by architect Stephen Wettem, the new facility, which includes a kitchen and disabled toilets, is now nearing completion following work by contractors Bryant and Chandlers.
The official opening will be followed by a viewing of the hall, an exhibition and refreshments and in the evening there will be a big party.
A Gala Week will follow, starting on Sunday, August 11 at 3pm with sports, a duck race, barbecue and various stalls at the Granulite Quarry, Meldon.
Other plans during the week include short-mat bowling, keep-fit, a youth day with various crafts, whist drive and competitions in the new hall. Anyone is welcome to join in.
For more information call G Greenaway on 01837 53769 or C Heard on 01837 55078.