Padworth Village Hall reopens after £150,000 refurbishment

More than 100 local residents and dignitaries attended the event, including MP for Wokingham John Redwood, representatives from West Berkshire Council and the chairman and members of Padworth Parish Council.
The improvements to the building include a new roof, installation of solar panels and an energy-efficient water-heating system.
Newbury MP Richard Benyon, whose late father, Sir William Benyon, opened the extension to the hall 16 years ago, cut the ribbon and unveiled the commemorative plaque to declare the new-look hall open.
Speaking at the event, Mr Benyon, whose family trust made a contribution to the project, said that it was a good example of what could be achieved through the combined efforts of local people.
The formal part of the proceedings was then introduced by the chairman of the refurbishment group, David Evered, who thanked the trustees of the charities, corporate bodies and individuals who had contributed towards the cost of the work.
Addressing the crowd, Dr Evered said that the renovation had given the hall “a new lease of life for at least a generation”.
He added that it had been transformed into a warm, welcoming and energy-efficient venue for community activities and events.
The Veolia Environmental Trust contributed £37,000 towards the project, and other contributors included Greenham Common Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and Grundon Waste Management.