Community centre opens in village and organisers call it a 'dream come true'

The Jim Bell Community Centre opened on February 2 in Rainford to provide a new home for Rainford Table Tennis Club and space for other community groups; funding came from local donor Andy Bell and Sport England.

The Jim Bell Community Centre opened on Monday, February 2, on Church Road in Rainford. It provides a dedicated home for Rainford Table Tennis Club and space for other community groups. The club began in 2009 after chairman Geoff Pye struggled to find regular playing partners and has since grown significantly. The new facility is intended to support club teams and new activities for the village. Key details: - The centre was opened for Rainford Table Tennis Club and is located on Church Road in Rainford. - The facility includes four tables and was described by the club chairman as a "dream come true." - Funding came from local donor Andy Bell and from Sport England; the centre is named in honour of Andy Bell's late father, Jim. - Rainford Table Tennis Club was launched in 2009 by Geoff Pye and has grown from a handful of players to about 85 members, including county and international players. - The club runs nine teams and attracts members from nearby towns such as Ormskirk, Southport and Parbold. - The venue will also host pickleball sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Summary: The new centre gives the table tennis club a permanent base and adds a multifunctional space for the village, supporting existing teams and additional activities such as pickleball. Undetermined at this time.