Rescued hall celebrates (From Witney Gazette)

Rescued hall celebrates

9:00am Wednesday 15th November 2006 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

A COMMUNITY hall rescued from closure is to hold an open day on Saturday, November 18.

The Ceewood Hall, which was once dilapidated and could have been shut by owners Shaftsbury Housing, is to open with a celebration of dance and music.

Students from Flair Dance and music groups, including saxophonists, will perform on Saturday at the hall, in Fettiplace Road, Witney.

The hall is being run by the Oasis Family Church, which is to run free community groups for the young and old - Oaks, a group for the elderly, Saplings, a groups for seven to 11-year-olds, and Acorns, a mother and toddler group.

The Ceewood Playgroup, which runs from 9.30am to 12pm on a daily basis, will continue to use the hall.

Flair Dance school and Windrush Ballet will also hold lessons there.

Pastor Gary Long, of the Oasis Family Church, said: "It gives people in the community the opportunity to use the hall and get personal benefit from it.

"We did a survey of what people wanted, and found they wanted a place they can hire out, something for the elderly and children, parents and toddlers.

"We are trying to use the resources to meet their needs.

"We want to start a youth club, and we are running a dads group."

Anyone wanting to find out more information about the hall, or about volunteering to help, should call Mr Long, on 01993 705600, or visit the website www.oasisfamilychurch.co.uk