Glory days are back

From the The Oxford Times, first published Wednesday 4th Jul 2007.

RESIDENTS who have spent years fundraising for a new community centre are celebrating after a temporary building was installed.

People living in the Glory Farm area of Bicester have been without a permanent community centre since 1997 when the building was demolished due to old age and vandalism.

A temporary building was put up in its place, in Keble Road, but that was taken away in 2004.

Since then, local people have raised about 40,000 for a new community centre by holding a series of events such as tombolas, stalls and barn dances.

Now a new 100,000 building - the rest of the cash came from grants - has been put up.

Bicester's mayor John Cozens said although the building was temporary it could last up to 30 years.

He said: "We will still be fundraising. I think it's very important. We're the only council ward in Bicester that hasn't had a community centre."

Mr Cozens said the building would be open for use this autumn and added he hoped community groups such as Guides and Scouts would move back into it.

Bicester East Community Association was formed in 2004 to help raise money for a new centre. Chairman Adrienne Crockett said the previous temporary building had been too small for Brownie groups or children's parties.

She said the new one was much bigger, with two separate meeting rooms.

She said: "Bicester East is quite a big area - about 6,000 people - and the nearest community centre is in Southwold.

"Some of the community groups have been meeting in the Salvation Army Hall, but it's quite far and some have had people driving them there.

"It's also upstairs, which isn't ideal."

The community association is holding an open day at the new community centre on Friday, July 20, from 5pm to 8pm, when local people are welcome to have a look around.

If you are interested in using the building, call Ms Crockett on 07934 427029.

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