A REFURBISHED education centre in Ipswich is to be officially unveiled to the public this weekend.

A REFURBISHED education centre in Ipswich is to be officially unveiled to the public this weekend.

The East of England Co-op Education Centre is throwing open its doors on Saturday , providing an opportunity for the public to look and find out more about the activities available - including choirs, brass bands, education conferences and seminars, training programmes and rock concerts.

There will be performances from the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Brass Band, the Co-op Juniors, the Co-op Music School and three choirs, along with refreshments, games, arts and crafts displays and information about other Co-op groups such as the Woodcraft Folk and the Gardening Club.

The centre is used by thousands of people every month, including school-children, staff members and Co-op activity groups.

Member education officer, Pam Walker, said that the Co-op is now keen to encourage other groups, companies and organisations in the area to use the centre.

She said: “We're very proud and pleased with our new facilities. New users are extremely welcome and our rates are very reasonable.

“There will be plenty going on and we want as many people as possible to come along and see what we do. Visitors can even join a group if they want to, or just enjoy the morning of fun and games.”

The Grade II listed building in Fore Street has undergone extensive refurbishment and extension to provide bright and modern facilities. The building now contains newly furnished, spacious, internet-enabled meeting rooms and a new lounge area where visitors can relax.

The centre will be open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

The unveiling of a commemorative stone plaque by Dame Pauline Green, chief executive of co-operatives UK, will take place at 11.30am.

Dame Pauline will be joined by the Mayor of Ipswich, cllr Henry Davies, and representatives from the East of England Co-operative Society including vice President, Gillian Bober, chief executive designate, Richard Samson, and Pam Walker.

Do you use the refurbished centre? What do you think of the courses on offer? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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www.ipswich-norwich.coop

The East of England Co-operative Society has 200 trading outlets in 65 towns and villages covering more than 2000 square miles of East Anglian countryside, from Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex to Sheringham in Norfolk.