Teddington's new community centre officially opened last night (Thursday, 27 November), while the town's annual Christmas Lights Up event took place.

The new Elleray Centre, located on North Lane, opened at 5pm on Thursday, having been moved from the old centre round the corner, which saw over 90 locals attend a farewell party, hosted by the Elleray Community Association (ECA) in September.

The old Elleray site is going to be used for a new housing scheme (Credit: Nub News)

To celebrate the opening of the new venue, ECA hosted a Christmas market onsite.

The market included face painting, food and drinks stalls, Park Lane Stables pony rides, and homemade crafts and gifts stalls.

Speaking about the new centre, "Joan Barnett, the charity's Chair said: 'We want everyone who lives in the area to regard the new Centre as a real community asset. It will be the venue for a host of daytime and evening activities, classes and events that will appeal to a very broad cross section of the community. It is going to be a very lively place indeed!'

"ECA already has firm bookings for various exercise and fitness classes including tai chi, yoga and pilates.

"There will also be a bridge club, a community choir, other singing groups and indoor bowling.

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"Discussions with other organisations, group leaders and charities are well advanced and it is anticipated that before too long there will be announcements about classes and events relating to culture, health, education and self improvement as well as a regular programme of talks on a wide range of light hearted, informative and more serious subjects.

"There will also be art exhibitions, activities and groups specifically designed for mothers and babies, children and younger adults. There really will be something for everyone!

"ECA have not yet revealed their plans for the post-opening period, but the word is that there will be receptions, performances and free 'taster days' when local residents can come to the centre and try their hand at some of the activities that will be on offer.

"Let us keep you informed!

"Over the coming weeks, you will hear more details, but to ensure that you are kept in touch with forthcoming events and activities or want to give us suggestions about what you'd like to see at the centre, please go to the contact page at www.elleraycentre.org and leave your name and email address."