THE Ockment Centre trustees, staff and special guests gathered last week (October 13) to open the centre’s newly refurbished hall.

With the help of two local grants the large hall has been renovated and guests joined together for a celebratory lunch to toast the hard work of people who helped to make the refurbishment possible.

Okehampton United Charities gave funding of £5,235 to cover a new heating system and a shed for hall storage, while West Devon Borough Council contributed £6,348.30 to cover all the decoration costs such as painting the hall, sanding and re-varnishing the floor, putting in new blinds and replacing old furniture.

During the celebrations Carole Ward of the Ockment team read out a speech written by Jenny Hopkins, the current manager who unfortunately could not attend.

Carole said: ‘Thank you to everyone for coming along today to celebrate the completion of the hall refurbishment with us.

‘We are thrilled that all of the hard work paid off and we have managed, with your help, to turn a shabby and cold room into this warm and welcoming space for community groups and events.

‘This project started in 2014 when we started fundraising by holding community events such as table top sales, quiz nights, craft fairs and many more.’

Gratitude was expressed to the Pennon Environmental Fund which supported the centre with a grant through Viridor Credits which was used to replace the roof and remaining windows.

Thanks were also given to Okehampton United Charities, West Devon Borough Council for their support and generous contributions.

Carole added: ‘We would like to say a really big thank you to the funders who have made this refurbishment possible.

‘The impact this space will have for the groups and events taking place in the hall is tremendous and their support has meant that this building will be used for the benefit of the local community for many years to come.

‘Finally, a special and heartfelt thanks to all of the fantastic volunteers who have given up their time to help us both in the hall and making the garden outside look so lovely.

‘The support of the local people for their community centre is brilliant and we are delighted with what we have been able to achieve this year working together as a team.’

For the refurbishment the centre teamed up with the DD&C Community Payback Scheme to complete some of the painting. The centre also used local companies for building work and decorating advice.

Karen Nolan, chief officer of West Devon community and voluntary services, said: ‘The centre brings services and organisations together all in one place, it is such an asset to the community.

‘The work done has made the centre more accessible for local people, it is just brilliant.’