THE community of Buckskin came together at an Easter-themed event last week to celebrate the re-opening of a centre which served as a flood emergency centre.

Around 150 residents from Buckskin went to the Ridgeway Centre, in Blackdown Close, last Sunday for a community event with visitors treated to stalls selling items such as handmade cards, homemade doorstops and sweets.

Easter eggs, a DVD player and children’s toys were just some of the prizes that lucky winners could also get their hands on at the event’s raffle.

On the day, £230 was raised for the Basingstoke (Buckskin) Flood Relief Fund, which has been set up by the Buckskin Evangelical Church, in Chiltern Way, to help flooded Buckskin residents, who can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to buy items which they have lost in the floods.

Suzanne Hewins, chairman of the Ridgeway Centre, said: “The event went really well and we have raised about £230 for the flood victims.

“It was absolutely excellent and I think with all that’s happened in Buckskin, neighbours have spoken to each other and that has put the community spirit back, and it is now about the clear up for everybody. I wouldn’t have been able to do this (event) without all the volunteers who have helped.”

Buckskin borough councillor Robert Taylor, who opened the event, said: “The Ridgeway (Centre) has served as the hub and refuge for all residents affected by the floods, and all the agencies that have combined in a superb way to tackle it.

“Now the Ridgeway Centre is back doing what it does best, and today’s event is an example of its key role in this community.”