A church and community centre which is the beating heart of Plungington is marking 160 years of operating.
Emmanuel Church and Plungington Community Centre saw the first foundation stone laid on 31 July 1865.
Since then it’s become a hub for community, education and faith in the Plungington area.
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Jim Berry, who has been part of the Emmanuel community since 1962, has shared his reflections on being part of the neighbourhood.
He said: “The building has been very much a part of my life, first as a pupil at Emmanuel Day School, then as part of the church and community centre.
“It’s always been part of my week, and I’ve seen it thrive through decades of change.”
Jim attended Emmanuel Day School from 1962 to 1968 and has dug out the gold-rimmed mug he received during the schools centenary in 1965.
He said: “It was a big occasion. Every pupil received one and I’ve kept mine safe ever since.”
The land on which Emmanuel Church stands was signed over to the Manchester Diocese on 15 September 1865 and it served as the Day School and later itself.
Now the main hall, once the original school building, is part of Plungington Community Centre.
Plungington Community Centre manager Ben Clayton said: “It’s truly inspiring to hear the stories of what Plungington Community Centre has meant (and continues to mean) to those who spend time here. The centre has been a lifeline for so many, past and present, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of its ongoing journey.
“For the past 10 years, Caritas Care has had the privilege of running the centre, creating a welcoming and inclusive hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, take part in activities they enjoy, learn new skills, and build lasting friendships.”
Both Jim and Ben are urging people to get in touch with their Emmanuel memories of the day school, church or community centre.
Ben can be contacted on 01772827840 or email benclayton@caritascare.org.uk
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