HUNDREDS of people flocked to see the unveiling of Yorkley Community Centre – 104 years since the original Miners Welfare Institute opened.

The ribbon to the new Big Lottery and Gloucestershire Environmental Trust-funded centre was cut by two of the youngest pupils from Yorkley and Pillowell Primary School as well as resident Mrs Lil James, who will be 100 years-old in July.

The two-day event at the weekend saw music from Forest of Dean Brass, Pillowell Training Band and Pillowell Ladies Choir. Volunteers served up refreshments.

The team behind the four-year project are Chair Sharon Freeman, secretary Helen Black and treasurers June and Don Pugh.

On behalf of the committee, Don presented Sharon with a gold medal and June presented gifts to Sharon and Helen in appreciation of their dedication and determination to see the project through. Sharon gave a brief history of the project and thanked everyone for their support.

On Sunday children were kept busy with a bouncy castle and the celebrations were rounded off by a Thanksgiving Service led by the Rev Canon Philippa Brunt from Viney Hill and Parkend churches.

Sharon said: "The turnout at all three events was beyond our wildest expectation with more than 600 attending the opening ceremony.

"In the main hall individuals and organisations looking to hold classes and events at the centre were overwhelmed by support. Some of those include the recently-formed 1st Yorkley Brownies and Forest Threads, a new local craft group.

"A new playground group was formed to design and provide a new children's playground. We plan to start a youth club soon and have been awarded £5,000 from Gloucestershire County Council for activities for older children, but want the children to come and tell us what sorts of activities and events they would like to see in the centre.

"The meeting-place cafe will be open every Friday from 9am."

A short mat bowling club are holding free taster sessions this Sunday (April 26) from 10.30am-1pm.

Sharon added: "All of our hard work over the last few years was rewarded by the turnout to our opening events and the looks of amazement and admiration as people entered the building. It was a weekend that all there will never forget!"