A MAJOR milestone was passed at Newport’s Rio Community Centre on Saturday when the BBC’s Louise Batchelor was the guest of honour at a ceremony marking the end of a £25,000 project.

The Crichton Hall, a former cinema, has taken on a new lease of life after a five week project that has involved the installation of new windows, lighting, linoleum flooring, and a paint scheme.

One of the prime movers behind the project was centre user and interior designer Sally Sneddon, who said that the refurbishment had been planned for a long time.

“When I came to the hall with my daughter for the mother and toddler groups I wanted to help set things in motion, and on a voluntary basis I set about working on a design and initial modest costing.

“I met the committee in April of this year and the proposal was enthusiastically received. We approached the council for some of the funding, but the rest of the money came from sheer hard work, particularly that of the inspiring centre chairperson Betty Martin and all of the volunteers, and staff.

“The result is stunning, but there is more to do and we are needing further money for new stage curtains, new furniture and a logo for the floor.”

*Louise (centre with flowers) surrounded by some of the hall committee and trustees.