A new community space has officially opened in Libanus following the transfer of the former Libanus United Reformed Church to Glyn Tarell Community Council.

More than 60 people attended a celebration party on Sunday, July 26, to mark the transfer and the opening of the building for community use.

Claire Boot, Property Officer for the URC Wales Synod, formally handed the keys to Paul Woods, Chair of Glyn Tarell Community Council.

Mr Woods thanked the former congregation of the church and the URC Wales Synod for helping make the transfer possible.

Rev Julie Kirby spoke at the event, reflecting on the sad closure of the church while also looking ahead with hope, to its future as a community facility.

“So today we do not simply say goodbye. Instead, with thankful hearts, we entrust this place to the community it has served for so long, trusting that it will continue to be a place of blessing, hospitality and hope,” she said.

County councillor Raiff Devlin also spoke about the importance of having a hall where people can come together and share in the life of their community, before formally declaring the building open.

The celebration brought together people from Libanus, Llanspyddid and the surrounding areas, with those attending ranging in age from four months to 99 years old.

Guests enjoyed a buffet and live music, while a raffle and children's games provided entertainment during the afternoon.

The event also provided an opportunity for local people to discuss ideas for the future of the new community space.

Organisers said there was considerable enthusiasm for developing the facility, with a number of suggestions put forward for both activities and uses for the space.

A new name for the hall is also being considered and will be announced at a later date.