A FORMER north Pembrokeshire school has gained a new lease of life as it opens its doors to the community following an extensive refurbishment.

Moylegrove residents recently celebrated the school’s transformation into a village hall, and will welcome a welknown archeaologist to the building this month.

Professor Mike Parker Pearson, well known for his appearances on Channel 4’s Time Team, will be giving a talk at the hall on September 18.

The famous archaeologist has been leading excavations at Brynberian, aiming to show how the bluestones of Stonehenge were quarried in the Preseli Hills more than 4,000 years ago.

This is one of the first events to take place at the freshly refurbished hall. The building opened as the village school in 1867, but in 2003 it became a victim of cuts. Despite a campaign by local parents, it was forced to close. The school’s 26 pupils, were dispersed to schools in Newport and Cardigan.

Now the building, renamed Neuadd Yr Hen Ysgol Trwyddel—Moylegrove Old School Hall—has been redesigned as a community centre, following a big grant from the National Lottery.

“It used to be cold, dark and draughty. Now it’s warm, light, and roomy.” said Peter Fletcher, chair of the village committee, Cymdeithas Trewyddel.

“We’ve spent several years getting the grant and planning the work. Everybody’s contributed – there’s even a fantastic crafted panel of village life covering one section of the wall.”

The school bell rang once again at the opening ceremony during the bank holiday. Former headmistress Mair Lloyd cut the tape and walked in to the freshly modernized hall, accompanied by a small crowd of former pupils, ranging from teenagers to retirees.

Paul Davies AM, who took part in the ceremony, said: “When the school was closed, local people felt the heart had been taken out of the community. But the re-opening has given a great new resource both to Moylegrove and everyone in the area.”

Cllr Mike James said: “It was a great pleasure working with such a hard working committee to see the grant application through the Lottery. The programme they’re planning looks great, and I’m really looking forward to coming along to as many events as I can.”

Almost everyone in the village was at the party after the ceremony.

“It’s great to see it open again” said one happy resident. “It’s not just a home for the table tennis club. We’re planning concerts, dances, workshops, talks – everything from Stonehenge to how to change a tyre.”

For more about the hall visit http://moylegrovehall.org .