A COMMUNITY hall in Tadley has reopened following a £1.3m extension and refurbishment project last year.

The War Memorial Hall, in Pamber Heath, was formally reopened on Saturday, February 10.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr David Leeks, the Mayoress Amanda Leeks and Hampshire MPs, Ranil Jayawardena and Kit Malthouse.

The mayor unveiled a plaque dedicating the building to the people of the parish and to those listed on the two roles of honour which have been recently renovated. 

Rev Cathy Pynn blessed the building and MP Ranil Jayawardena cut the ribbon to the new extension, also home to Impstone preschool.

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Mr Jayawardena, the North East Hampshire MP, complimented the new building and recognised the team effort of those from the community that made the project happen.

North West Hampshire MP, Mr Malthouse said it is one of the best village halls he has seen. All guests were impressed with the new facilities, especially the expansive car park, new toilets, new kitchen and child friendly pre-school extension. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Pamber Heath Memorial Hall re-opening event

Hall committee chairman Jane Escot-New guided dignitaries around the new facilities. The mayor praised the building and car park accessibility and gave a speech on the importance of public buildings being inclusive.

The chairman and members of Pamber Parish Council, who own the building, and the committee of management were in attendance along with Hampshire County Council Cllr Rhydian Vaughan MBE, vicar Rev Cathy Pynn, and around ninety guests including Stephen Blunt, the director of Morris and Blunt Construction Ltd, the builders who delivered the project.

Cllr Simon Greaves, chairman of the parish council welcomed everyone to the hall in Pamber Heath Road and thanked all those who were involved.

Basingstoke Gazette: Pamber Heath Memorial Hall re-opening event

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Conservator Victoria Stevens said the new building is magnificent and a high end facility.

The atmosphere was celebratory with many past members of the parish council, hall committee and pre school organisations, ‘friends of the Hall’, newsletter distributors and neighbours all coming together to enjoy the event.