Official opening of St Andrew's community centre

The Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Rev Mark Davies cuts the ribbon to officially open the new St Andrew's Church community centre

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The Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Rev Mark Davies officially opened the new community centre at St Andrew's Church, Dearnley this morning (Saturday 14 December).

The community centre, which will be used by groups such as Brownies and Cubs, is part of the churches' redevelopment programme and is a room that can be hired out.

Chairman of the project, Peter Shrigley, said: “This is a brand new facility which will help us welcome in everyone from the community.”

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk and Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who has attended the church all of his life, attended today’s opening. During the service, Councillor Dearnley said: “I am delighted to be a part of this church and am pleased that we are forward thinking in what we do. I hope we continue to go forward for many more years.”

Simon Danczuk added: “It is a delight to be here today. I thank everybody for their hard work with this development and I know that members of the wider community, as well as your community, will use these facilities for many years to come.”

Members of the local community filled the church for the official opening of the community centre, with the service being accompanied by Littleborough Training Band.

Reverend Canon Sharon Jones said: “We are thrilled with the place. If you had seen it before then you would know what a difference this has made.”

The Bishop of Middleton, Rt Rev Mark Davies, described the new development as having the “wow factor.” He said: “Thank you for all of
your hard work. Your wow factor is truly awesome.”

The community centre is part of new developments at St Andrew's. Other development has included work on the exterior of the church to allow easier access for the disabled, elderly and infirm.

Peter Shrigley added: “Everyone has welcomed the work and the work has gone on around us which has been great.”

Celebrations continued this evening with a concert for the first time at St Andrews from the Maranatha Gospel Choir.

On Sunday 15 December, at 9:30am, there will be a celebration Sung Eucharist, headed by Bishop Mark, followed by a parish brunch in the new facility.

St Andrew's opened to serve the he Anglican community of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge in 1895 and continues to be an important part of the community.