Community owned centre opens

Visitors will be welcomed to tour the new Canolfan Hermon building from 1pm during the opening day celebrations.

There will be a talk on the low carbon techniques used for air source heating, 9kw solar PV system, solar thermal hot water system, under floor heating and timber frame Warmcell insulation used for the building.

Committee chairman Bill Davies said: “The community rallied together to purchase the old school site in 2008 through a community share offer and subsequently clinched the funding for the new low carbon centre.”

Bill added: “We now have a sustainable community centre and during the opening event the 12 tenants and groups currently using the site will give taster sessions on the type of community courses and group activities that are currently available and the plans for new activities.”

Maureen George the last Headmistress of the old Hermon Community Primary School will officially open the centre at 2pm. Following a full afternoon of activities for children and adults there will be a chance for further enjoyment in the evening with a Grand Ball. Live music will be provided by Sound Awake. Tickets are £7.50 in advance or £9 at the door, available at Canolfan Hermon.

Committee volunteers are grateful to grant funders, staff, builders, suppliers and the local community for their support in enabling the community venture to realise the potential of providing rural community services.

The site will now be marketing the 250 capacity hall with three conference rooms, kitchen and office rooms.

Several weddings and parties have already been booked with a string of charities using the site to fundraise for their causes.

Mr Davies added: “Canolfan Hermon is a great example of a community enterprise owned and run by local people, working together to sustain and develop rural activities and services.”

For more information visit www.canolfanhermon.org.uk or call 01239 831968.