THE annual Village Fun Day in Monkokehampton last Saturday was the scene of a special celebration — the opening of the refurbished Old Schoolroom, the village hall.  

Hatherleigh Town Crier Roz Chard started proceedings in traditional manner, before Sandra Pruski, chair of the management committee, thanked funders, fellow committee, and volunteers alike for their help and support.

Sandra said that raising more than £70,000 was a great achievement for a small community.  

The Rev Carolyn Brodribb blessed the newly renovated building — and later in the day also won the women's 'welly-wanging' competition! 

A cake, specially made and decorated by Anita Pearce, was cut jointly by Peter Fishleigh, Val Murrin, Sandra Pruski, and Jo Pullin.

A large contingent of the children of the village cut the ribbon to declare the Old Schoolroom officially open.

With games and races, swing boats and skittles, produce and craft stalls and a barrel of beer donated by the Red Lion in Exbourne, there was plenty to entertain people on a lovely afternoon.  

Thanks were expressed to Anita Pearce and her team from the ladies' group, who worked hard serving cream teas in the new hall, and to Jenny and Pete Shalders, who cooked burgers and bangers.

Thanks also went to Penny Griffiths, who was tasked with judging the hotly-contested scarecrow competition.  The winner was the Pullin-Sivyer household's silver robot which carried the slogan 'Almost as modern as our village hall'.