Local volunteers seeking to save the Church Hall, Kirkby Woodhouse, and promote its resurgence in the community, are laying on a free Heritage Fun Day and Picnic in September, aimed at providing a little family fun and a lot of information about their plans.

On Saturday, 15th September, members of the local community, and anyone interested in local heritage, are invited to come along, join in the fun, reflect on days gone by – and share some local memories if they wish.

The event is intended to introduce the building’s change of name from St John’s Church Hall to St John’s Heritage Centre, and showcase outline plans to restore and revitalise the historic Edwardian building, its impressive stage and spacious gardens.

Between 3pm and 6pm there will be stalls and attractions, including free face painting and a bouncy castle, Kirkby Brass Band, and a mini-steam train offering rides for £1.

As local heritage is a big part of plans for the future, there will be a number of local heritage organisations and historians with photographs, artefacts, videos and memories to share – and Sutton Library’s Ancestry Roadshow will be up and running for anyone who wishes to discover their family’s story.

From 6.30pm a free showing of The Greatest Showman will take place on the big screen and free popcorn and ice cream served. Refreshments will be available to buy throughout the afternoon.

The event has been paid for with some of the National Lottery funding raised earlier this year by volunteers Elaine Moulton and Gail Rigley, and is hoped to attract greater use of the centre’s large hall, local volunteers and additional funding to fulfil their vision of it becoming a thriving community hub.

“We’re hoping this will be a lovely family afternoon out, and local people will understand what we have and we are trying to achieve for them,” explained Elaine.

“We’d love it if people came along for the afternoon and evening with a blanket, picnic, and maybe even a bottle of wine too. Hopefully the weather will be kind, but there’s plenty of room to take everything inside, if need be.”

Anyone interested in holding a stall, stand or activity – or volunteering to help on the day – is invited to contact Elaine or Yvonne on 07561 794666.

Pictured are volunteers at St John’s Heritage Centre.