Worleston residents turned out in force to mark the 10th anniversary of the village hall they worked so hard to make a reality.
Back in the 80s organisations including scouts had to meet in an old hut and when that was beyond repair villagers said enough was enough and set about fundraising.
They staged all manner of fundraising activities from sponsored jogs, discos and strawberry fairs to a bath push from Nantwich to Crewe but were still way off the mark to fund a build project.
In 2012 a new committee was formed and it was decided to make a bid for Lottery funding.
They hit the jackpot with a £300,000 grant and in 2015 Worleston Village Hall officially opened its doors.
Chairman Mark Astbury said: “We received a fantastic boost when a local landowner donated us the land the hall now stands on and the village threw itself into fundraising.
“We did raise £30,000 which allowed us to build the current boundary fence and the site became a popular football field and play area for many years.
“However we never let go of the village hall plan and it was agreed to put funds towards employing a professional consultant to make our Lottery bid which proved a big success.
“Lottery funding covered the build project and we hit the ground running with the local bridge club being our first booking, and they are still with us today.
“Today the hall is fully occupied but new enquiries are always coming in and we accommodate as best we can.”
Devlin Hobson, who acts as local Town Crier, joined the village hall committee in welcoming more than 100 visitors to a 10th anniversary afternoon tea.
Children enjoyed face-painting, bouncy castle and a magician. Celebrations went on into the evening with music from vocalist Megan Lee and Nantwich Voices as well a quiz, food and bar.
Worleston-born Mr Astbury, a construction manager, added: “Worleston Village Hall is a really busy community hub and a real asset to the village and wider Nantwich community.
“To qualify for Lottery funding we had to prove a lasting benefit to local people and to better lives. We believe we have done just that.
“All of that would not have been possible without the help of past committee members and residents who all played a part no matter how small.
“We are completely self-funding with no further ties to the national lottery and as the present chairman I am proud to be part of this great asset.”
The hall is home to many groups and activities such as yoga, art, musical theatre, dancing, martial arts and metal detectorists.
There’s exercise for the elderly and a popular Tea and Chat helping to combat isolation.
It also caters for functions such as wedding anniversaries, luncheon clubs and children’s parties.
Looking to the future, the committee hopes the hall will become completely sustainable with solar as its main energy source.
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