MELBOURN S new community hall opened on Saturday, nine years after it was first planned. The £280,000 All Saints Community Hall has been funded by a mixture of donations from villagers and sponsorships from businesses, including TTP Group, Barclays Capit

MELBOURN'S new community hall opened on Saturday, nine years after it was first planned.

The £280,000 All Saints' Community Hall has been funded by a mixture of donations from villagers and sponsorships from businesses, including TTP Group, Barclays Capital, Johnson Matthey, Rugby Cement, DEFRA, and Garfield Weston Foundation.

The hall was officially opened by TTP chairman Dr Gerald Avison and Melbourn resident and donor Miss Daphne Black.

Dr Avison said: "TTP Group is delighted to have been involved with such a community-orientated project.

"It is difficult to co-ordinate the planning and fundraising of such a large project and the community and local business have worked really hard to pull it together."

The hall features a large stained glass window, designed by Yorkshire-based artist Dan Savage, which celebrates the community of Melbourn, its heritage, and industry.

Rev Andrew O'Brien, the vicar of All Saints' Parish Church, is delighted with the hall.

He said: "It has taken a long time, but it has definitely been worth it.

"We already have keep fit and yoga booked in, so it is proving very popular.

"I hope that the hall will be there for many generations to come."

The hall is available for events including Cubs, Brownies, private parties, and village clubs.

To book the hall, contact Cllr Rosemary Gatward on 01763 261 225 or at rosemary.gatward@ btinternet.com.