THORVERTON Memorial Hall, which was closed for four months to enable a huge renovation and refurbishment project to take place, has been officially re-opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon.

The work has been made possible thanks to generous grant funding from many councils and organisations, including Devon County Council, Devon Freemasons, Thorverton Focus, Mid Devon District Council, The Leonard Trust, Thorverton Parish Council, Viridor-Credits and Devon Communities Together.

An open day from 11am to 11pm was held to celebrate the opening of the hall and there were many stalls, children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle, refreshments and music in the evening.

After speeches and to officially open the hall the Lord Lieutenant, assisted by Sam Browning (6) and Charlie Browning (10), cut balloons which flew away into the distance.

Chairman of the hall, Roger Fieldhouse welcomed everyone and thanked all those involved in the project, those who had raised funds or made funding available, the committee, ex-Thorverton Memorial Hall Trust members John and Jean White and Peter Wainwright of T P Wainwright Ltd, contractor.

He also thanked Mike Baldwin, who provided planning and technical support and hall secretary, Roseanne Benn.

Mr Fursdon said he was delighted to attend and perform the official opening of a hall conveniently situated not too far from his home.

He said he considered Thorverton his second home, Cadbury being his first, speaking highly of volunteers across the county who keep village and other halls open for the benefit of their local community.

He praised them for the voluntary hours of service they put in, praised those who stood as committee members and trustees and thanked all those who helped “behind-the-scenes”.

Peter Wainwright said that previous improvements at Thorverton Hall was the first job he worked on as an apprentice to his father, Terry, 35 years ago and was pleased to carry out the recent works which included a new kitchen, storeroom, doors, windows and other refurbishment works.

Mr Fieldhouse praised Mr Wainwright, stating that he “did an excellent job, on time and on budget”.