First events lined up for Melton Mowbray's new community hall
The first events are already in the diary for a new community hall in Melton Mowbray which is set to open its doors next month.
The building – adjacent to St John The Baptist Catholic Church in Thorpe End – is slightly behind schedule having originally been earmarked for a January opening.
But the front doors have now been installed ready for the hall to be handed over to the parish in April ahead of the first planned events – a flower festival and a 1940s celebration in May.
Frances Levett, a member of the buildings committee, commented: “There are always unexpected delays with a big project like this, but all the doors and windows have now been installed and the basic construction is completed.
"Internal work remains, including decorating and floor finishes, but now that the building is weatherproof, progress with these should be rapid and we are assured that we are on track for the hall to be handed over in April.”
The church plans to offer free community meals in the new building and a host of community groups have already enquired about booking the hall for their activities.
Friends of St John’s Church also have a full programme of events booked for the year, starting with that flower festival showcasing the creative abilities of Melton Mowbray Flower Club and St John’s Church Flower Arrangers.
That will be followed immediately afterwards by the nostalgia event, which is part of the Melton Mowbray 1940s Weekend – it will showcase the work of the Women’s Institute during that wartime period and will also feature a cake-making competition, a jam and chutney making contest, exhibitions and a variety of stalls selling goods. Thomas Corden will also be playing 1940s Music on the Saturday, and the event is free for all to enter.
Friends of St John’s trustee John Smalley added: “We’ve waited a long time for this hall, and it’s great to be so near opening.
"Our focus is on community: both for the parish which for so long has had nowhere for its members to meet, and for the whole of the local community.
Email [email protected] if you would like to help at the 1940s event or enter the competitions.