Trust launches with an afternoon of fun (From Gazette Series)

Trust launches with an afternoon of fun

BERKELEY Community Trust has been launched in great style and committee members hope that it will soon be enhancing the lives of the town's people.

On Saturday an afternoon of fun and entertainment was held to mark the new beginning.

Gill Hastings, from the community trust, said: "The day was wonderful. The launch went like a dream - better than we could have expected. Even the weather was perfect."

BBC Points West news presenter Maurice Flynn opened the event at Berkeley Town Hall and then later judged a children's fancy dress competition on the Canon Park recreation ground.

Music, stalls and performances from the Berkeley Players pulled in the crowds at the town hall before the event moved on to the field.

A parade took everybody down to the recreation field, with the children in fancy dress proving to be the centre of attention.

Celebrations continued with a venison roast, a beer tent, a balloon launch and numerous games and competitions.

There was also a cheque presentation for the town's Great Britain hockey goalkeeper Simon Mason. He was unable to attend because of training commitments, so his aunt Frances Branum accepted it on his behalf.

The community trust's documents are still being assessed by the Charity Commission, but once that has been dealt with committee members will get straight on with bringing funding to Berkeley.

Added Mrs Hastings: "We will be making the community aware of our existence and shall be looking around local organisations to see how we can help."