New suite opened at community centre in Butterknowle

A FRESH lick of paint has gone a long way in converting a tired village hall dumping ground.
Butterknowle Village Hall saw its freshly renovated lounge suite reopened with the help of funding from two county councillors.
New curtains, soft furnishings and flooring will mean the facility can offer more services when its hired out.
Hall committee member Bryan Whiley revealed how the group decided to take action and renovate the former snooker room.
He said: “When the old boys started to depart, it became neglected and, like all neglected things, it became a bit of a wasteland.
“The table went unused, the decoration was sad and the floor tiles were chipped – it eventually became a dumping ground for the village
hall – it was in a shocking state.”
Councillors Heather Smith and Andy Turner were told about the back room at this year’s village beer festival and decided to put £3,000 of their neighbourhood budget into the scheme.
The expertise of committee member Paul Tennick came in handy for sourcing the room’s furnishings.
It was finally finished last month and room bookings have already started rolling in.
Mr Whiley added: “You wouldn’t know any different if you hadn't seen it before but people who knew it were wowed. We’re starting little live music sessions soon – we already run an open mic nights and the idea is we use the room, put on refreshments, charge an admission fee and what’s left over we give to the bands.
“We want to get it used.”
Cllr Turner thought it was money well spent.
He added: “When you come in here it’s just lovely – one of the best things you can do is help the community and help keep things like this going.”
Cllr Smith added: “I think it’s a lovely resource for the community.”
The hall committee are seeking a village-based treasurer – for more details, go to the Butterknowle Village Hall Facebook page or call Mr Whiley on 01388 710855.