A NEW centre for a Forest community has officially opened.

Sedbury Space in King Alfred’s Road aims at building community spirit in the area with a range of activities and opportunities for volunteering.

The ribbon was cut on Sunday afternoon (April 15) by former lollipop lady Chris Lavis who was one of the residents involved in the ‘Celebrate Sedbury’ initiative which led to the opening of the centre.

Sedbury Space chair, Rev Janice Hamilton, said: “It’s hard to imagine that four or five years ago this journey started and it’s been great journeying with so many people.

“The idea that this (place) could be this seemed crazy but there were enough people who had the vision and believed in it to take it forward and it’s really exciting for that dream to be realised.

“This centre is all about building community – if people go out feeling better, then they make a difference to the people they meet.”

Gloucestershire-based Barnwood Trust gave £25,000 towards the £55,000 target and landlords the Two Rivers Housing Association has given a 10-year lease on a peppercorn rent.

Much of the refurbishment work was undertaken by volunteers, some of it on the day before the opening.

There was also music from the local Samba band Old Bangers.

Activities include a one-stop café on Tuesday mornings and a gentle exercise group on Tuesday afternoons, a memory café on the first Wednesday of the month, walking for health on Thursday mornings, a Monday afternoon homework club and the Gaff youth project.

For more information e-mail [email protected]