4:40am Saturday 15th November 2008
By James Rush
The Prince of Wales will officially open a £4.5 million community centre which has taken six years to create.
Prince Charles will visit Cottingley Cornerstone Centre on Monday, November 24 to meet people involved in supporting the project and those who now use its facilities.
His association with the project goes back to 2002, when he attended a service to re-dedicate the vandalised war memorial at St Michael and All Angels Church, where he learned of initial plans to replace the crumbling church and hall.
Inspired by the vision, he committed support from his Foundation for the Built Environment and the expanded Cottingley Cornerstone Centre was brought to life.
Centre manager Zoe Marston said: “We are delighted for Cottingley that the Prince of Wales has agreed to officially open Cottingley Cornerstone Centre.
“It is fitting that His Royal Highness should do this, as he was instrumental in helping move the thinking forward, and the assistance of his Foundation for the Built Environment was crucial in determining the shape of what we have here now.”
Prince Charles will be shown around the complex and meet trustees and staff of the charity set up to run the centre, along with representatives of funders, the builders, Bradford Council, the architects, fundraising consultants and the Diocese of Bradford.
The centre’s development worker, Emily Godfrey, said: “This is the icing on the cake for everyone who has been involved in the project and especially for the people of Cottingley who have supported the development from the start.
“So many people have already been to our open week events in October and want to use our facilities, and they deserve the recognition both locally and nationally that this visit will bring.”
Charity trustee Irene Senior said: “This recognition by the Prince of Wales of everyone’s efforts over the last six years highlights his deep understanding of the importance of regeneration in local communities.
“People remember HRH’s last visit with affection and appreciation and will undoubtedly give him a very warm welcome on his return.”
The visit will also mark the return to Cottingley of the Reverend Canon Sue Pinnington.
The former vicar of Cottingley and chairman of trustees led the project from the beginning and was its champion throughout the development.
She left Cottingley at the end of October to take up the position of Rector of Houghton-le-Spring in the Diocese of Durham.
She said: “It is wonderful that the Prince of Wales is coming back to finish what he helped so much to begin.
“His quiet, generous support has inspired us all and it is fitting that he should be here to celebrate with the people of Cottingley.”
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