AN OPEN day and car boot sale this Saturday afternoon celebrate the rebirth of Cinderford's Enterprise Centre. After an unhappy two years, the former Engelhard building on Valley Road has been taken over by the Royal Forest of Dean College as a replacement for its former Station Street campus.
Diana Organ MP will be formally opening the 1-4pm programme of displays and demonstrations of crafts. College staff will be on hand to provide training and careers advice for all ages.
A creche and activity centre – plus Pokémon trading post – are free for younger visitors. The fun theme highlights plans to make the building a social as well as training centre.
The former Engelhard canteen and social club occupies the top floor, with skittles alley and bar areas. Age Concern already uses the kitchen for its Meals on Wheels service, and aims to provide a cafeteria for students and other visitors.
Community groups will be encouraged to use the facilities.
"It is intended that the Centre becomes an asset for local businesses and all members of the community, whether undertaking a computer course or hosting a wedding reception," says training unit manager Alison Ali.
Cinderford Boxing Club has its ring above the welding workshops which, says estates manager Jim Hemings, "are among the best-equipped in the county." Small businesses renting offices here include Dean Motor Cycle Training and Omega Electronics.
Two rooms are fitted out for computer training, and the College is offering free IT training sessions over summer at the Five Acres campus in the weeks of 17-20 and 24-26 July (details on Dean 810283).