HRH The Duke of Gloucester opens Potton Hall for All
A new larger hall for Potton residents to enjoy
Potton Hall for All were pleased to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, to Potton to officially open its newest community venue, Potton Hall for All. His Royal Highness was warmly received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, to the newly built facility designed to meet the needs of the many community groups and activities in this growing town.
Also in attendance were distinguished local guests, including Bav Shah, The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, and Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson.
During the visit, His Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the new community venue and planted a heritage apple tree Hunt’s Duke of Gloucester together with Denis Ellison, Potton Community Orchard volunteer. Potton Primary School Choir sang during the planting of the tree.
Potton Community Orchard Volunteer Andy Gibb presented His Royal Highness with gifts of apple juice, honey and preserves from the Orchard, which is located beside the Hall.
Co-host Cllr Jonathan Price Williams, Chairman of Potton Town Council and Potton Hall for All Trustee said: “We were immensely proud to showcase Potton Hall for All to His Royal Highness and express our gratitude for his visit earlier today.”
Elizabeth Smith, Chair of Potton Hall for All charity and co-host remarked: “We were delighted to host a special visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, to mark the official opening of Potton Hall for All. It was a great opportunity to showcase the building which has been designed in consultation with residents and user groups to ensure it was fit for purpose.”
During his visit, His Royal Highness heard about the fascinating history of Potton from George Howe, Chair of Potton History Society.
The Duke of Gloucester was later introduced to Potton Hall for All Trustees Phill Banks (Vice Chair), Kim Gutteridge (Principal Fundraiser), and Craig Gant (Treasurer) who explained that Potton has many arts, community and sporting groups who are in need of larger premises that can better meet their needs. They described how Potton has many smaller venues but that groups are outgrowing these spaces. They explained that this is not a new problem and Potton is a growing town. The issue was first raised over 30 years ago and the volunteer committee that emerged to champion this idea eventually became the charity Potton Hall for All. Kim Gutteridge described how during this time the trustees, working with Potton Town Council, held many community consultations helping to navigate Section 106 opportunities and applied for the public and charitable funds that were needed to fund this £1.7m facility.
His Royal Highness also spoke with to Darren Wallace (Managing Director, Watson & Cox) and Chris Wayman (Director Wayman Architects) to find out more about the design and construction of the building. Watson & Cox’s brief was to design and construct a multi-functional community centre to serve the Potton local area, working to a strict budget to provide the best value for the local community.
The Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada commented: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome His Royal Highness to Potton for the opening of this wonderful new hall. It is a lovely facility and will provide the growing community of the town with greater opportunity to organise events and activities and come together.