Ref. 29563-27WROUGHTON residents have marked the 30th anniversary of the opening of the village's Ellendune Community Centre.

About 50 people, including volunteers and Wroughton dignitaries, attended a ceremony at the hall, in Barrett Way, on Tuesday.

The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a montage of four historic pictures showing the village's High Street.

Christine Spooncer, the chairman of the Ellen-dune Hall Trust said: "When I was younger I used to take the fact that there was a community hall for granted.

"I would never have thought that I would now be chairman.

"But it is a wonderful resource to the community and I thank all of the volunteers and everyone who has helped us over the years."

The current Ellendune Community Centre Hall, named after a Saxon battle, replaced another hall in Wharf Road.

More than half a century ago the school dentist extracted children's teeth there on a twice yearly basis and generations of villagers played whist and billiards there, ran rummage sales and held political meetings.

The site is now home to the village's war memorial and public library.

Bob Collins, who took over the job of hall warden nine years ago, said: "Use of the hall has really taken off in the last few years.

"We now have around 30 different groups actively using the hall and it is also used for our two annual craft fairs, railway talks and musical events."

The trust is now considering improvements to the building.

Among the projects being discussed is one to add an extension to provide improved storage space.

In the long-term they also hope build a conservatory where a patio currently stands.

Malcolm Cripps, a retired builder who once carried out work at the Ellendune Centre, said: "The hall is just what the community of Wroughton needs.

"It is always being used and I think it has brought many people together."