NEW Earswick Folk Hall will fully re-open later this month following a million-pound refurbishment.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) are inviting the public along to see the finished product of the year-long works at the official unveiling at noon on Saturday, September 22.

While respecting the ‘arts and crafts’ heritage of the original hall, the JRF – who own and manage the hall – have opened it out to create a light and spacious interior.

The hall is now DDA-compliant with extra provision for wheelchair users, and incorporates a post office, a café and the New Earswick Library. Four rooms are available to book for meetings, a hall for large group gatherings and new IT equipment with free Wi-Fi available.

GALLERY OF OLD PHOTOS OF THE FOLK HALL IN THE EARLY DAYS

The Discovery Room – a designated space for young people – was designed by pupils from Joseph Rowntree School, using upcycled chairs, while the café and library have spaces for children and older people alike.

Community development manager Fiona Godfrey-Faussett said: “We’re hoping to create a space where people want to spend time.

“It is a place for meeting – which is what it was given by Joseph Rowntree to be – where you can have a meeting or meet new people.

“Now, there are fewer and fewer places where people can gather.

“From our point of view, a village needs a place for meeting. What we hope we have done now is make this building sound for the next hundred years.

“We have made the most of the space it offers for people of all ages to get together and make New Earswick an even better place to live.”

There will be other events and activities at the opening, such as apple pressing, live music, food, crafts and dancing.

To book a room at the new-look Folk Hall, see the online request form at newearswickfolkhall.com/contact or ring 01904 769 621.