Marthall celebrates opening of new hall (From Knutsford Guardian)

Marthall celebrates opening of new hall

12:30pm Friday 11th December 2009

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A NEW eco-friendly building that will produce most of its own power was officially unveiled on Sunday.

Tatton MP George Osborne and World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton were among the special guests at the grand opening of the Marthall, Ollerton and Little Warford village hall.

Plans to transform the old wooden village hall at Marthall began more than two years ago.

Project leaders then received £475,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to pay for most of the work.

Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd also donated £50,000 and villagers helped to raise £110,000 by staging several events.

One evening – hosted by England football legend Sir Bobby Charlton – made £8,000 and the nearby David Lewis Centre, which specialises in severe epilepsy cases, provided equipment for a computer suite.

John Mason, a farmer and one of the oldest residents in the village, carried out the opening ceremony, along with resident Michael Leech, Sir Bobby and Mr Osborne.

More than 200 people were there to watch.

Mr Osborne said: “It was great to open the new hall at Marthall. My wife, Frances, helped to raise funds and I was there when the construction began.

“At a time when we want to do everything to support communities, it is fantastic to see a community coming together in this way.”

The state-of-the-art facility features solar panels, wind turbines, under-floor heating and is capable of recycling rainwater.

It is also hoped that it will become a focal point for the community.

George Littler, vice-chairman of the project, added: “The hall at Marthall is at the forefront of eco energy saving systems.

“John Mason in opening the hall stated that he was pleased to see a new hall available to replace the one that he had enjoyed over 40 years.

“He hoped that the next generation represented by Michael Leech would continue to enjoy to the full the new facilities.”

The village hall will be used by residents in Marthall, Ollerton and Little Warford and David Lewis Centre.

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