Newly-refurbished Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre was officially opened by the town’s Mayor during a special ceremony on Saturday afternoon (July 9th).
A plaque was unveiled in the centre by Mayor Michael Clarke to mark the occasion before a ceremonial cake was cut, watched by over 100 people.
The centre in Berrow Road has been given a £203,000 overhaul over the past year with many improvements being made, including the redecoration and creation of new meeting rooms and offices plus enhancements to kitchens and toilets.
Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, who has overseen the project, was thanked for his work by the Mayor and Sedgemoor District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Gill Slocombe.
Many of the fundraisers who gave money to the project were in attendance, including Cllr Jane Moreton, who represented Viridor’s Landfill Communities Fund which awarded the centre a huge grant of £160,000.
Saturday’s event also included an upbeat musical performance by Burnham’s U3A Concert Party, including a stirring solo performance by Wendy Blood. And Burnham Womens Institute also presented a ceremonial cake and performed a poem recital.
Ken Hindle, Chairman of Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, which runs the centre, stressed that while the facilities have opened, a further £4,500 needs to be found before the end of November. “Our fundraising work has not been completed yet,” he said.
He thanked all those have financially supported the project so far, and there was further praise for the Friends of The Centre and volunteers who help to run it.
Mayor Michael Clarke said: “This building is the centre of the community for many people in Burnham and is a vital resource for the town.”
The centre – which is home to 60 groups and attracts more than 1,500 visitors per month – dates back to 1837 and is currently used by groups whose subject matter ranges from arts and crafts to exercise and faith groups.
