DOZENS of people attended the opening of the new pavilion in Over Wallop.

Located at Over Wallop Recreation Ground the pavilion was opened by the Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Ian Jeffrey and Romsey, Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes and the chair of Over Wallop Parish Council Kate Dixon on Saturday, October 26.

Also present at the pavilion for the opening was Martin Wiltshire of CFW Architects and a representative of Milway Builders.

The opening of the pavilion came after decades of planning discussions and building works.

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Following the opening, members of the public were invited inside to look around the pavilion, as well as have tea and cake.

Cllr Jeffrey said: “I think this is a prime example of the best sort of cooperation between our rural villages and the borough council. The grants that have been offered to the project have been superb, but, of course, the villagers have worked very hard indeed to match the funding. The result you see before you is a brilliant piece of architecture as well.

“So, I’m delighted to have been involved in this. The chairman said that I was here at the beginning of the project, and to be here on this day when it is officially opened is very special indeed. I was very happy to see Caroline Nokes cut the ribbon, but also happy to have had my chance to say thank you to everyone involved in the project.”

Ms Nokes MP said: “I can trace this back to the original pavilion, which I think to describe as dingy is an understatement, so its fabulous to finally see this one finished, looking really modern and accessible, and providing the facilities the community needs.

“It’s great to be here. It has been a really long journey for the parish council.

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The new pavilionThe new pavilion (Image: Chris Atkinson)

“What really struck me is, if you go into the changing rooms, they have accessible showers, so it will make it possible for disabled people to use the facilities here and that really matters.

“The building is also bright, it’s light, it’s going to provide something that people feel is welcoming and warm.”

Kate Dixon, chair of the Over Wallop Parish Council said that the pavilion has been 15 years in the making, saying: “We are delighted to have finished the new Community Pavilion and will support parishioners and the wider community to use it for sporting activities. Over Wallop Cricket Club and Hampshire United have a beautiful new home and we look forward to welcoming many more local teams and sports, in the spirit of the gift of the land to the Parish in 1976, by Henrietta Evans, as a sport and recreation ground in memory of her brother Alan Evans.”