ROYALTY dropped into Paulsgrove today as Prince Edward opened a new community centre – more than seven years after it was burnt to the ground. The Earl of Wessex cut the ribbon to declare Highslopes in Carlton Road officially open this morning.
Built with the help of a £300,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund – one of the largest amounts ever given to a project in the south of England – the hall replaces the former timber community centre on the site which was burned down by vandals in November 2000.
Prince Edward spoke to Scouts and Guides who had turned up for the ceremony.
On top of the £300,000 grant, the West Paulsgrove Scout and Community Association raised £100,000.
The Prince said: 'The community has really played a tremendous part in this great achievement and it's an honour to be asked to open this.'
Prince Edward was presented with a basket of flowers by Samuel Wellington and Sophie Evans, both nine.
After the devastating fire that destroyed their hall, the Paulsgrove community was adamant it wouldn't let the yobs win.
Formed in 2002, the West Paulsgrove Scout and Community Association set about raising the money to build a new hall.
Years of hard work saw the centre open a year ago.
This has prompted a new wave of interest in scouting activities in the area, with Highslopes also delivering early learning and family support in the area.
The centre is managed by a 16-strong committee, but with the help of Portsmouth City Council's early years team a part-time manager was recently appointed
Shirley Hoade, a member of the West Paulsgrove Scout and Community Association committee, said: 'I worked with my husband on putting this bid together for the lottery grant.
'It's amazing that the community has really rallied round; it's made it a very special occasion.
'We've had our ups and downs but it's all come together now and to have the prince here together with us is even better.
'We are a bit out of the way so to have a visit from royalty really puts us on the map.'
Samantha Jordan, chairwoman of the committee, added: 'It's all part of the community spirit. It's fantastic to see.
'This building's terrific. We really needed it up here to give the kids opportunities.
'It was fantastic to have the prince visit. He was very warm and jovial meeting with the children and seemed to really enjoy himself.'
