Popular Hucknall events venue the John Godber Centre enjoyed a good turnout for its open day yesterday (Sunday 22 August).

The Centre, in its 114th year of existence, used the day to inform people that it is again fully functional after such a heavily disrupted past 18 months due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Centre Manager, Kim Pears said: "We had a great day at the Open Day, it was a brilliant turnout post restrictions and a great opportunity for the community to see all the wonderful things that happen in our building. We were able to show off our spaces to potential new bookings, meet up with existing hirers to discuss their plans and needs for their upcoming events, and see old friends again who haven't been able to visit us over the past 18 months."

The day gave the Centre an opportunity to show off their latest refurbishment project, which as reported by Nub News last week , was made possible because of the Council's Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) and donations from St Mary Magdalene Jumblers and St Mary's Trading Company.

Hucknall Councillor Phil Rostance and Vice Chairman for Nottinghamshire County Council Roger Jackson were both also in attendance to view the more than 300 much-needed new chairs and 54 new tables which are worth approximately £15,000.

A post on the John Godber Centre's Facebook page, said: "It was a pleasure to show Vice Chairman for Nottinghamshire County Council Cllr Roger Jackson and Cllr Phil Rostance the meeting and function room furniture improvements we've been so fortunate to make in the building today during our Open Day.

"We submitted our application back in February 2020 which was fully supported and signed by Phil and we're so thankful he was able to attend today, along with Roger on behalf of the LIS scheme to see the outcome of this support and grant and what it means to our team, charity and the users of the venue.

"The furniture will be used for many years to come on a daily basis by the many users of the venue including those they were able to meet in person at our Open Day."

There were lots of user groups who attended the event to showcase their classes and groups to visitors. A number of live demonstrations took place on stage from a variety of groups including Steph's Dance (weekly dance fitness class) Ceroc Heaven (weekly dance class) and Little Legs with Lauren who did a Zumbini demonstration for young children.

Mrs Pears added: "It was brilliant to see people getting involved in the demos and having a go, hopefully this will lead to new customers for the classes. We had an amazing day, and it was a great atmosphere. We're so happy we did it and we're looking forward to our full timetable in September when all groups and classes return after summer, some of whom haven't been back since last March."

For more information about the John Godber Centre, visit their website here .