This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnon Downs Village Hall and a programme of events is being planned for residents to enjoy. 

The official opening was in March 1970 and the hall has hosted social gatherings, fitness classes, and a huge variety of clubs and societies ever since.

Hall treasurer Ray Goddard said: "This is a free event to showcase the regular activities that take place at the hall. We have in excess of 20 of our groups attending and three will be providing entertainment during the morning.

"So, come along and join us for tea, coffee and celebration cake and find out how you can get involved.”

The event is part of Village Halls Week - a national campaign which celebrates England’s 10,000 village halls and the dedicated volunteers who help run them.

The week is co-ordinated by rural charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and their 38 member organisations.

It takes place from Monday, January 20 to Sunday, January 26 and Carnon Downs Village Hall is proud to be holding an open morning on Saturday, January 25.

As part of their 50th anniversary year celebrations, Carnon Downs trustees are keen to collect residents ‘memories of the Hall and the Village from 1970 to the present day.

Ray added: “If you have any photos, home movies or press cuttings you are willing to lend us, we will give you a digital copy in return." 

"Please bring any items along to our Village Hall Open Morning on Saturday, January 25, or phone us on 01872 865126 and we will arrange to collect them from you.

"We would love you to share your memories via email, or letter, or better still come along to the Hall on 25th January to arrange a time to record them for posterity." 

By the end of the year the aim is to produce a short video and soundtrack to keep for the next 50 years.