Trumpington Pavilion: Opening Weekend, 14-15 November 2009

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The Pavilion was opened by the Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Russ McPherson, on Saturday 14 November 2009. This was part of a weekend of events to celebrate the completion of the Pavilion.

This page is a report on the weekend. You can also browse through photographs of the Mayor's visit and other events on the Saturday and Sunday and check the programme of events and a video of the opening by Steve Kimberley.

The new building is leased from the City Council to the Residents’ Association and the City Council is providing a grant to support its operation. The Residents’ Association has appointed Roger Randall to manage the building. In order to take on these new responsibilities, the Association has been established as a company and is working hard to increase its membership and involve local people in its activities. Graham Bass, the Chair of the Residents’ Association says “We are delighted to be taking on the Pavilion and will ensure that it is run by local people for local people. The project has been a great example of a partnership between local residents, councillors and council officers.” Youth, football and community groups have been benefiting from the facilities since July and the response has been very positive. Eleven year old Brandon, one of the youth club participants, said “The Pavilion is cool because we can come in and do lots of activities that ChYpPS run”, while Lewis Owen, Senior Project Worker for ChYpPS, said “It's nice to see a new building that is well used and enjoyed by lots of members of the local community.” Andy Blackhurst, one of the local councillors who has supported the development, said “I'm delighted at the transformation of the old Pavilion into a striking modern building, which will provide a 'hub' for varied organisations and activities, right in the heart of Trumpington.  It's particularly pleasing that the local community is so involved both in the design and the future running of the facility.”

Trumpington Pavilion King George V Playing Field, Paget Road Trumpington Cambridge CB2 9JF Pavilion Manager: Roger Randall tel. 01223 847433 mobile 07545 641691 Photos: Andrew Roberts and Stephen Brown

At the start of his visit, the Mayor unveiled a photographic exhibition which had been organised by Mike Tuck and the ChYpPS youth group. Councillor McPherson was welcomed by Cathryn Raffan (ChYpPS) and 8 year old Shanice Newman, who presented him with a drawing and said “The kids who come here always have lots to do. I think the grown ups have worked really hard, making games and activities enjoyable. There are always lots of different things to do and take part in, all the kids always have lots of fun.” The Mayor was then invited by Graham Bass to mark the completion of the building. Councillor McPherson said that he was impressed by the transformation of the building and how wonderfully light the inside was and that the view across the playing field was fantastic. He praised the good partnership between the City Council and the Residents’ Association and the very community-focused efforts of local councillors. He thought the Pavilion was a delightful place and commended it to the audience. He toasted the success of the project, cut a ribbon and was presented with a bouquet by long-time resident Audrey King, who reminisced about the original recreation ground and sports pavilion that was in the area until the 1940s. As a permanent record of the event, there is a plaque in the foyer commemorating the visit by the Mayor. Ken Hay (Head of Community Development in the City Council) said “It was a very nice event and atmosphere, with good will in abundance”. There were other events running throughout the weekend, including soft play and story telling, bingo, cookery class, tango demonstration, choir performance, talks and demonstrations and a football match. These were backed-up by displays about the building, the local allotments and community orchard and the ChYpPS activities. There were around 70 participants at the opening by the Mayor and nearly 200 at the other activities. The reaction to the building and the events has been very positive. Local resident Jackie Etgart said “It’s a real community centre with a lovely atmosphere, it’s nice that it’s built up so quickly. There is so much daylight inside, it’s comfortable and great.”, while Carol Holloway said “It’s a lovely light and airy space, it feels welcoming because of the open sitting out space at the back which can draw people in, and it’s a good size for parties - not too big. It’s excellent to have the separate room for the pool table so the kids can be in there and feel they have their own space.”

Copyright © 2010, Trumpington Residents’ Association. Updated 1 February 2010. Trumpington Residents’ Association. A Company Limited by Guarantee. Company Number 6729377. Registered in England. Registered Office: Trumpington Pavilion, Paget Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9JF. Pavilion email: pavilion@trumpingtonresidentsassociation.org. TRA email: admin@trumpingtonresidentsassociation.org.