The long awaited and magnificent new Parish Hall at Ashwater, was officially opened on Saturday, March 20 by Torridge and Devon Cllr Barry Parsons before a large group of supporters from far and wide.

The hall was erected by Coyde & Co of Newton Abbot on a 'Design and Build' basis. Construction work commenced in June 2009 and was completed on time and on budget in December 2009. The highly insulated building is environmentally sound with a ground source heat pump, rain water harvesting and photovoltaic roof panels.

Interior design of the main hall represented a challenge to the builders who cleverly succeeded in installing remote controlled ventilation and avoided use of cross beams and suspended lighting units to allow unimpeded roof space for sporting events such as badminton.

Situated on land donated to the parish by the late Jack Moon, a long-term resident of Ashwater, the main hall has been dedicated to his memory and commands spectacular open views across fields he once farmed. Another room has been named in memory of the late Cllr Des Shadrick who was firm supporter of the project.

A packed day of celebration began with a display by the Holsworthy Majorettes. Lawrence Langston (hall committee chairman) spoke eloquently in praise of the hard work and dedication of both past and present committee members who enabled the project.

Trevor Moon (parish council chairman) expressed delight that after some 12 years of nurturing, the hall had finally come to fruition on the land donated by his father. Rev Jane Lucas then lead an official blessing before the ribbon was ceremonially cut and the festivities began.

Children from Ashwater School had been working hard on completing a record of school and personal activities which they then buried in a time capsule with instructions for it to be opened after 50 years and will provide people of the future with a brief snap-shot of life today.

A lively tea party was laid on by the hall committee and helpers being very well attended by the children who quickly disposed of copious helpings of green jelly and other culinary delights. There was just time to clear away before the evening events began when the bar, provided by the Village Inn, opened.

The hog roast from local experts, the Spitroast Specialists, was thoroughly enjoyed by 150 people who were also entertained by the versatile Chris Batters from Bodmin, before the dance floor was thoroughly christened to the music of Revival, a three-piece group covering tunes from the last four decades. Finally, local DJ, Rob Yetman wound up the night with a selection of dance music.

The residents of Ashwater Parish and the surrounding settlements, plus their friends, relations and supporters have 'dug deep' over the years to raise money to build their new hall and it was clear from how quickly the opening event was sold out that the new venue was appreciated.

With the aid of a Big Lottery Grant, donations from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Devon Community Foundation (Grassroots Fund), BRE Community Sustainable Energy, PURE Clean Planet Programme, May 29, 1961 Charitable Trust, the Fitton Trust, Devon County Council (Airport Fund), Devon Councillor Community Grants Scheme, Torridge District Council, the Community Council of Devon and Ashwater Parish Council, the new hall now stands proudly alongside the church as a testament to the future.