VILLAGERS have got a community centre project off to a great start – raising £38,000 towards the £125,000 total in one week.

Hyde Church launched its fundraising campaign to build a new church centre last Saturday.

About 100 people turned out to see displays from the building project team showing the plans, and the village pre-school demonstrated why the new centre facility is needed.

The centre will be used by the pre-school every day, and will provide a safer and better space than the current rooms behind the church.

It will also be used by the Sunday school, youth group, messy church sessions, Mothers’ Union, Royal British Legion Women’s Section and clubs.

There will be two levels that can be used separately, and underfloor heating.

An events programme was also on display and there was an opportunity for everyone to get involved by signing up for various events.

The church now has a website and a blog and is also on Twitter, and fundraisers are using technology and social media to help the campaign.

Churchwarden Heather Clark said: “This was well received, and many of the older generation in our community were getting into the swing of it.”

Fundraising committee member Elaine Micklewright said: “We’re hoping to raise the money in six months and have the building started by the end of the year.”

There are events for everyone in the next few months. There is a concert at Somerley House with Dame Emma Kirkby on May 24 and wine tasting on April 11 at Hyde Memorial Hall.

There will also be a Come & Sing Messiah session, Great Auction Stories by Paul Viney from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, an opportunity to meet with Jack Cork who plays for Southampton Football Club, a Last Night of the Proms event and an antiques auction among others.

Go to hydechurch.com and follow @hydechurch on Twitter.

Contact Mrs Micklewright on 01425 652499 for information or a list of events.

The display boards will remain up in the rooms at the Holy Ascension Church.