NEW ELLERAY CENTRE GRAND OPENING IN TEDDINGTON TODAY (Photo Special)
The brand new Elleray Centre in the heart of Teddington was officially opened today with a ceremony attended by the local Mayor, councillors as well as volunteers and various organisations involved in the building and design of the community centre.
Guests included the Mayor of Richmond Cllr. Penelope Frost, local MP Munira Wilson, the leader of the Richmond Council Cllr. Gareth Roberts, Cllr. Richard Baker, Cllr. Philip Geisler as well as representatives of the construction company and other council officials.
Chair of the Ellery Centre, Joan Barnett BEM highlighted all the activities the new centre would provide which were ‘mostly free or subsidised’ and added: “Many of our members regard Elleray as a social lifeline.”
Joan, who is stepping down as Chair of the Elleray Community Association, to be replaced by Trustee Douglas Chisholm, added: “Our new community centre will make Teddington an even better place to live.
“With this wonderful new centre, we will attract many more members to our social club. With its flexible space, we will also be able to extend the range of activities that we offer.
“Our vision is that this new centre will become a place for the entire local community to enjoy – a place for all manner of activities, classes and courses, a place for music and performance, a place for talks, meetings, and children’s parties.
“We at Elleray Community Association are very grateful to Richmond Council for providing us with such a wonderful building and for all their support over the years.”
Councillor Nancy Baldwin told the packed room of guests: “How exciting is this to be in your new building. It means so much to so many people as a great hub for the community. It’s more than just a new building, it’s an investment in community connection for many in our borough.
“Elleray Hall was at the heart of the Teddington community for decades – and this new centre strengthens that legacy, supporting the many life affirming activities that take place here each and every day.”
Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson told Teddington Town: “I have witnessed at first hand the value and importance of the new Elleray Centre when I joined those having lunch on Christmas Day – people who would, otherwise, be on their own. It’s a great asset for our local community and I’d like to thank all those involved in bringing it to life especially all those hard-working volunteers who give so much of their time for free.”
The Centre provides a state-of-the-art venue for events, workshops, and community activities. All areas of the centre are wheelchair accessible.
The website describes it as “A place for everyone to enjoy events, workshops, and community activities. A community hub for people who want to meet old friends, make new ones, and enjoy themselves in a friendly, welcoming, and engaging environment.
The new Centre is a short walk from Teddington railway station and within easy reach of local buses serving Kingston, Richmond, Hampton and Twickenham
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACTIVITIES GO TO WWW.ELLERAYCENTRE.ORG