A COMMUNITY centre in South Cerney to open early in 2017 will be named after beloved resident Raymond Fenton, who died in 2014, the parish council announced.

Raymond Fenton, a member of several groups including Cirencester Choral Society and was treasurer of the South Cerney Sri Lankan Community Support Fund, died aged 72 on March 30, 2014.

The former chartered accountant was described as “an amazing man” by friends following his death.

South Cerney Parish Council recently announced that the new community centre would be named The Raymond Fenton Centre, but 'Fenton's' would be adopted by the parish council for most purposes. 

The parish council said: "For all those who knew Raymond and his selfless generosity, it is a name that reflects the welcome of a community, connecting the past to the future.

"The centre is intended as a space where everyone feels welcome, and will offer something for everyone, with one of the principle users being the youth group R-Way."

The centre will comprise of a large hall with a sprung floor and will be able to accommodate a variety of activities such as badminton, dance and yoga.

There will also be a cafe serving hot drinks and cakes. 

A tender will be going out in the next few weeks to find a suitable operator for the cafe.

Outside of the centre will be a playground and parking for up to 15 cars.

It is envisaged that the South Cerney Village Hall on School Lane will compliment the new community centre. 

Each venue is suited to slightly different activities and events. The village hall, for example, has an alcohol license and will continue to host events which require one.    

The community centre will be managed by a facilities manager, a role which will be advertised in the next few weeks.   

If you are interested in booking the centre for group activities, contact Deborah Farrant at 07511 800 865 or deborah@farrant.me.uk.

For other inquiries, contact the parish council clerk Robert Cowley at clerk@southcerney.org.uk.