Popular centre back in business

The centre was the first community building in Brownlow and was erected in 1972 and is one of the most used community buildings in Craigavon.

The centre closed in late last September for major renovations. A new extension has been built which boasts a state of the art dance studio, new toilets and a much needed new scout den for the St Brendan’s 7th Dromore Scout troop.

The entrance foyer has had a major facelift and the main auditorium has also been upgraded. Thousands of people over the years have performed on the stage which now has new curtains and a wheelchair access lift installed.

The new look stage is a major boost for all future shows to be put on by Moyraverty Arts and Drama Society. The upstairs party room has also seen a major reconstruction and the toilets have been upgraded. Three new meeting rooms will also be completed very soon.

Fr Martin McAlinden, Parish Priest of Moyraverty, speaking to the ‘MAIL’ said: “Thanks to a substantial grant from the Department of Social Development and Neighbourhood Renewal, St Anthony’s Centre has been substantially renovated.

“Hundreds of children and young people use the Centre every week, most of them involved with MADS and Scouting; I’m delighted that both these groups now have state of the art facilities.

“The Centre has traditionally been used by various groups in Craigavon and I hope that will continue. I thank also the parishioners of Moyraverty for their continued financial support of the Parish and the Centre.”

St Anthony’s Centre Manager Kieran Corr added: “St Anthony’s Centre has been re-opened for only six weeks but already we have hosted productions of ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Pocahontas’, and only last Sunday night we had a packed crowd to see ‘Craigavon Has Got Talent Final 2012’.

“The Ace U14’s Disco on Friday nights is proving very popular and the Bingo continues every Wednesday evening at 8.30pm. The new look party room is proving to be very popular and the advice is to book early to avoid disappointment. We are now taking bookings for any date in 2012.

Moyraverty Arts and Drama Society has now opened its doors for new members.

Any boy or girl aged eight to 14 can come along this Saturday or the next and join. Children aged five to seven can come on Tuesdays from 2.15pm to 3.30pm and join the drama group. The drama group will also be hosting a week long musical theatre summer scheme in August and application forms are now available. The new Dance studio is also available for hire for any dance teachers.