£110,000 Parish Centre revamp for St Peter's

At the event were a former rector, Rev Matt Moore and his wife Audrey, who left 10 years ago and now live in Tennessee, USA, who were among those to hear the current incumbent, Archdeacon Robert Miller, tell worshippers that the project didn’t mean the parishes’ work had ended.

With 2016 having been designated a Year of Opportunity in the Diocese, Archdeacon Miller said the new-look centre would allow them to reach out in mission and friendship to the whole community in the city.

The Rector thanked those who had helped raise funds for the improvements, as well as those who had carried out the work.

Also there was veteran civil rights activist, Ivan Cooper, a parishioner of St Peter’s, SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins and members of the North West’s business community and during the afternoon, members of user groups provided information about classes and activities in the parish centre, while the McLaughlin-Leppard School of Irish Dance provided entertainment.

Over the past nine months, £110,000 was raised to finance the work, which brings the hall up to the necessary health and safety standards.

Among the improvements are a new kitchen, toilets, heating system and internal doors, and new flooring has been laid throughout. The hall has also been painted inside and out, and new insulation fitted.

The money for the refurbishment was raised through donations from parishioners and groups who already use the hall, and with funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation and Awards for All.

Existing user groups staged demonstrations and provided information for those who wished to know more about classes.

Refreshments were served and the afternoon finished with a Service of Celebration and Dedication at 5pm.

A number of external groups already use the hall weekly, including Zumba, Weight Watchers, Irish Dancing, Baby Sensory and a Quilting Class.

It is also used by the parish badminton group, bowls group, Sunday School and Mothers’ Union.

Throughout the year, other groups use the centre for fundraisers, meals, parties and youth events, including Mencap, the City of Derry & District Gardening Society, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Limavady Grammar School, Badgers and the Church of Ireland.

The Parish Centre can be hired for weekly classes or one-off events. Please contact the Parish Administrator for more information on 02871 358925.