LEISURE and community activities in rural Mid Devon will get a huge boost in April when the King George V Sports and Community Centre in Moretonhampstead is due to open. An open evening and exhibition was held last Wednesday to showcase the centre and give people from Moretonhampstead and area the opportunity to find out what facilities will be available and to contribute ideas and suggestions. The centre will have a first class gym with weights and a variety of machines. A large multi-purpose hall will accommodate five-a-side football, tennis, badminton, basketball, keep fit, aerobics and table tennis. The dedicated climbing wall in its own room is expected to attract climbers from all over the South West. The first floor will include a health suite with sauna and sun shower, plus a large social/recreational room leading onto a balcony, which has fantastic views over the playing fields. There is also a further room suitable for meetings, exercise classes and clubs. The centre also has kitchen and bar facilities so it can be used as a venue for functions and parties. Outside will be a new children?s play area in an enclosed courtyard and the existing tennis courts, bowling green, netball and basketball facilities, football and rugby field and riding arena, complete the picture. Backers believe the combination of facilities is unmatched within Devon. In addition, the location is attracting a variety of rather special suggestions ? including a request to become a base for a new ?School for Falconry?. Phil de Glanville, former captain with the English Rugby Team and now head of delivery for Sport England, the primary source of funds for the project, has been closely involved since the project?s inception. He said: ?The centre in Moretonhampstead is a great example of a community working together in an innovative way to bring new opportunities to local people.? Clare Stanton, playing fields committee secretary said the open evening had been a resounding success. She said: ?The centre will become a focal point and a sociable place within the community, providing much needed new, modern sports and leisure facilities. It will also provide added social facilities for mothers and children and seniors. New classes and clubs should attract people of all ages so that everybody can benefit.? Staff at the centre are looking to recruit volunteer helpers to become a vital part of the venture. For those able to spare a few hours, there are opportunities to help with catering, arranging equipment and taking bookings. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should phone the centre on 01647 440107. If you would like to start a club, run classes, organise events, or just have an idea you would like considered, also contact the centre.
