Volunteers help bring hall out of 'time warp'
DOZENS of Holderness residents have been celebrating the completion of their community hall refurbishment.
Volunteers, who helped raised some of the £30,000 needed for the work on Preston Community Hall, got stuck in by painting the walls and helping to install a new kitchen.
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official opening: From left, Geoff Catterick, of Preston Community Hall's management committee, MP Graham Stuart, Alison Acey, of the management committee, and the Reverend John Staton with community members. Picture: Jack Harland. Order prints at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/hullandeastriding or call 08444 060910
The work also included a new disabled toilet, a heating system and a floor.
Remarkably, at the opening ceremony, the original Preston Hall sign was found, after spending several years buried in nearby woodland.
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Alison Acey, chairman of Preston Community Hall's management committee, said: "The refurbishment of our community hall gives the residents of Preston a hall they can be proud of.
"It allows residents to organise and take part in the many functions planned for the future.
"From planning to completion, the refurbishment has taken 20 months but has ensured a hall that will be serving the people of Preston for many years to come."
It has been more than 40 years since any major work was last carried out on the hall.
The ten-strong management committee drove the project forward, with the help of dozens of residents and local businesses.
The majority of the funding came from commuted sums.
John Myers, 66, of Preston, is among the volunteers.
He said: "It has been a long time since any work has been done to improve the hall.
"The old window frames were rotting and there were a few loose tiles.
"We've had a new floor and a new heating system put in as well. It looks great."
The centre is used by groups ranging from the Women's Institute and the local branch of Young Farmers to keep-fit and Zumba classes and the Preston Stitchers.
Mr Myers said: "We invited all the contractors and volunteers to the official opening. It went really well.
"I hope now the hall has been refurbished that more people will want to use the facility.
"We've already had quite a few people interested."
Councillor John Dennis, ward member for South West Holderness, attended the opening.
He said: "What a transformation. I've been in the hall many times before it was refurbished for parish council meetings.
"To think what the building used to look like, it's a credit to everyone who has made this happen. It was in a bit of a time warp.
"Well done to all concerned.
"It really is a brilliant example of community spirit and the community coming together.
"Preston can now be proud of this community facility."
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