New Forest District Council officially reopens St George’s Hall in Calshot following renovations
A RENOVATED community hall which features a room dedicated to an evacuee who settled in the area has been officially reopened by New Forest District Council.
St George’s Hall in Calshot, which is more than 100 years old, has undergone repair and redecoration, as well as a restructure of rooms to create a larger kitchen, main hall and accessible toilet.
The new cinema room has been dedicated to Dora Tarrant, a 1961 evacuee from the Tristan Da Cunha Islands who made a significant impact in the community.
It was officially opened by members of the Tarrant family, some of whom still live in the house Dora made home after she, along with around 260 others, arrived in Calshot after a volcanic eruption threatened to destroy their homes.
A speech written by her granddaughter on behalf of her family said: “Having a room named after our beloved nan and mum, Dora, to have her legacy commemorated in this way, is more than I could have ever dreamed, and I am truly humbled.
“My nan was a remarkable woman, a beacon of kindness, in a world that often forgets the importance of compassion. She taught me that true strength lies not only in the challenges we face but, in our resilience, to rise above them.
“Coming from humble beginnings, she showed me that regardless of where you start you have the power to create a life filled with love, joy and generosity.”
“Her spirit was one of abundance, not in material wealth but in the richness of character and heart. She inspired everyone around her to embrace their potential and lift others along the way.
“I can only hope to carry forward her legacy of kindness and resilience in my own life. As we gather here to honour her memory, let us remember that we all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, just as she did.”
Other improvements at the hall include the transformation of the outdoor area, with a new community garden, skate ramp, all-weather shelter, goal posts and a basketball net.
Speaking at the reopening, NFDC chairman Cllr David Hawkins said: “You can all see the hall and grounds are transformed, and I am particularly thrilled local young people have somewhere warm, safe, and fun to come on a regular basis.
“It’s pleasing that this has been a partnership approach from day one, with several NFDC teams, members, officers, Fawley Parish Council officers and members, Hampshire County Council, the youth club, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment in Marchwood, and community members all coming together to deliver the ideas, provide funding, and work on a refurbished hall that delivers what our residents need.
“I know it will be the beginning of much more activity and community participation for years to come.”
The council’s cabinet member for communities, safety and wellbeing, Cllr Dan Poole, added he was so proud” of the “modern facility”, which will be handed over to Fawley Parish Council to run.
