ST JOHN Ambulance Cymru volunteers in Deeside have held an official reopening ceremony for their Divisional Hall, following a two-year renovation project.

The event took place on February 17, 72 years after the building first opened, bringing members of the community in celebration.

Following the extensive regeneration project, the Deeside Divisional Hall reopened as both a volunteer hub and a workplace first aid training centre at the end of 2023. The official ceremony was an opportunity to thank all that have been involved in the project and highlight the Division's importance in the Deeside community.

The first aid charity for Wales hosted the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph; Kate Hill-Trevor, the High Sheriff of Clwyd; Carolyn Thomas, MS for North Wales, local councillors; the Deeside Round Table and local contractors at the event. Many volunteers and their families also came along.

The plaque reads Pro fide, pro ulitate hominum meaning for the faith, for the service of mankind, the Order of St Johns motto.

The plaque reads Pro fide, pro ulitate hominum meaning for the faith, for the service of mankind, the Order of St John's motto.

Volunteer Divisional Officer in Charge of Deeside, Clare Buckley spoke about the regeneration project itself and highlighted the vital work of volunteers in the communities of North Wales.

She said: "When I started working on this regeneration project, it was about returning the building to our members. It became more than that as I started finding out more about our history, like stories of past members or finding historical documents.

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"There have been these fantastic volunteers who have dedicated their life with passion and professionalism to our organisation. Preserving the building and their stories has become essential to me. I genuinely hope I have done them proud."

Clare talked about how the community spirit in Deeside has helped to save the building, thanking local charities who provided grants and contractors who offered discounted services, such as ShorePower and Matthew Hewitt and Sons.

She added: "Charities are struggling and the financial pressures are significant. Without the support of the community in Deeside, we would not be in this position today."

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Fifteen-year-old Deputy National Cadet of the Year Bethan Jones also spoke at the ceremony, touching on the importance of the charity's Badger and Cadet groups, which run for young people in the community.

Bethan compared her experience seeing the building again as "visiting an old friend", having been a member of St John Ambulance Cymru since she joined as a Badger in 2018.

She said: "This building has gone through a lot in the past few years, whether it be covid and the absence of members or not being able to open due to safety regulations.

"I'm hopeful to see what opportunities the building has in the future, such as being a first aid hub and dispersing knowledge to those that need it."

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A special plaque was unveiled by the High Sheriff and Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL, Prior for Wales, made in dedication of those who have served their community as volunteers in the building over the last 72 years.

The team at Deeside are looking forward to continuing their lifesaving work in the community now they are back in their revamped Divisional Hall.

• For anyone looking to become a volunteer, find out more at www.sjacymru.org.uk.