THERE were celebrations at a local church as more than 150 people turned out for the official opening of a major building project.

The new Henry Ellis suite at Colwall Community Church – formerly Colwall Free Church – has been named in honour of a muchloved village character who was a regular at the venue for many years.

His family travelled down from Sheffield on Saturday, April 28, to see Herefordshire councillor Barry Ashton and local MP Bill Wiggin cut a ribbon and declare the new room open.

The new suite, which has taken a little over six months to build, is intended for use as a ‘community room’ and will be available for hire to local groups and societies.

The building project, which has been entirely financed by donations and church funds, also incorporates a new kitchen and disabled-access toilets.

Audrey Smith, a member of the church for more than 50 years and whose husband Colin is one of its leaders, said: “Henry was a muchloved character in the village and beyond, who had an enormous love for everyone, and it was always his desire to reach out to the people of Colwall with the good news of God’s love for all. We’re delighted the suite is now open and all-in-all it was a hugely successful occasion, greatly enjoyed by all.”

A church dedication service, led by Gary Gibbs from the Regents Theological College in West Malvern took place the following day.

Anyone interested in using the room should call Rob Darby on 01684 540353.