Building on a great half (From Stroud News and Journal)

Building on a great half

A BUILDING that has served as the centre of village life in Oakridge for half a century marks its birthday with an evening of celebration on Friday.

Villagers will come together to mark the 50 the anniversary of the opening of their Village Hall, which is still well-used and undergoing an extensive renovation.

And although it is a long time since the original opening, which was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, organisers insist the hall has weathered the storms of change.

"We are thriving," said hall secretary Pauline Battison. "In the last 18 months the hall has undergone considerable renovation. We have been lucky to receive many grants but we have done a fair amount of fundraising in the village.

"This is as much a celebration of the village community as the village hall itself and we are looking forward to the next 50 years."

Party-goers have been asked to bring along any Village Hall memorabilia from the last 50 years as part of Friday's event, which also includes a dance with a live band and a buffet.

Tickets for the dance, which lasts from 8pm until midnight, are available in advance from the Oakridge Post Office, priced £10 including the buffet.