Chairman: Dean Gunteret
deanjguntert@gmail.com
01865 739665
If you are interested in booking the Community Centre please email:
w-and-dscc-booking@hotmail.co.uk or call
Diana McNeil : 01865 730506 or Judy Phipps : 01865 735865
The newly-refurbished Community Centre was officially opened on 12 October by HRH The Duke of Gloucester. The day went extremely well. Everyone present was very impressed by the lively interest which the Duke took in everything that is going on at the Community Centre. The various W&DSCC user groups mounted an exhibition showing off their activities and achievements, including the Football , Badminton, Indoor Bowls and Karate clubs, the Irish Dancers, the Wootton Players (drama club), the Wednesday club, the Bingo and Quiz, Sandleigh Seniors and Community Coffee groups, the History Society and the Womens’ Institute. The overall picture presented was one of a very active and lively village.
The Duke also saw the work going on in the Children’s Centre, the Pre-school Toddler group and the Youth Group, who turned out in strength to demonstrate their activities.
As an Architect by profession, the Duke was also interested in the more technical aspects of the redevelopment programme. He even gave us some helpful advice on how to deal with the acoustic reverberation problems which we are experiencing, particularly in Function Room 3 where the Youth Group meets. Altogether, the Duke stayed with us for an hour and half, including a buffet lunch.
To celebrate the occasion, we had a Grand Dance in the evening, and a grand evening it was too. First we had a superb display from the Irish Dancers – Michael Flatley, watch out! Then the 17-piece Swing Time Band gave us great music to dance to – Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, etc.
I would like to thank all the people who worked hard to make the day such a success, particularly the small team of volunteers who cleaned and polished the building and tidied up the grounds, and who prepared and served the lunch.
Kevin Langley
(W&DSCC Chairman)