Our new building in Banbury was overflowing with members, volunteers, staff and guests for the official opening on Friday 17th February. We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Penelope Glen, to cut the ribbon, declaring the building open.

Fenella Trevillion, Head of Partnerships at Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, kindly gave a speech congratulating Restore on opening the North Oxfordshire Service. She said that she had visited the service in its early days and that, ‘it was a wonderful experience, the atmosphere was vibrant, full of enthusiasm and had a strong sense of ownership, everyone was involved in setting it up – on a sixpence.’

The same sense of ownership, vibrancy and enthusiasm shone throughout during the day. Some members gave tours to guests and members of the public and their pride in what the group have established together was evident. Members and volunteers delighted visitors with an excellent musical performance that they had been working on during the week.

Special guests on the day included architect John Williamson and Events Consultant Collin Barcock from CB Design, who kindly donated their time to make the move possible. Also PCSO Rob Bliss, who supported the group by encouraging donations after an arson attack on their allotment last year.

Thank you to all who supported the event and well done North Oxfordshire Recovery Group!

Read Oxford Mail article about the opening.