Many years of hard work came to fruition this afternoon as South Wonston's brand new Pavilion was officially opened at a packed event for all the local community.
Local MP Steve Brine, attended with his daughter Emily, alongside Cllr Stephen Godfrey who lives in the village, the Mayor of Winchester and parish councillors.
Saints legend, Lawrie McMenemy, cut the ribbon and spoke of his support for the new half-a-million pound facility situated at the Recreation Ground.
The project has been managed by South Wonston Parish Council with financial support from, along others, The Football Foundation and the Ministry of Defence via Military Covenant money via the adjacent Worthy Down. The building will have two changing rooms (plus room for match officials), a meeting room, kitchen plus storage capacity.
Steve Brine said; "I have seen a number of new facilities during my time so far as the MP here and I have to say this is one of the most impressive. Not only does it meet a clear need in what is a growing village, the project team have clearly gone to great lengths to future proof it as much as possible and ensure it will do that for many years to come. Huge credit must go to June Perrins (who leads the Parish Council), Ann Peal and all the team at South Wonston Parish Council, as well as those on the project team, for such a brilliant job.
"I haven't actually met Lawrie McMenemy before so it was a great honour to do that and he was as impressed as any of us with the new pavilion. He also wasted not a second in chatting to me and lobbying me about the parliamentary football team, and the Special Olympics especially. What a star."
Pictured; Cllr Stephen Godfrey, leader of Winchester City Council, Lawrie McMenemy and Steve Brine MP at the event.
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