Lady Mary opens new extension at Saintfield Community Centre

Lady Mary opens new extension at Saintfield Community Centre

17 September 2025

LADY Mary Peters was the special guest at last Saturday’s official opening of an extension to Saintfield Community Centre as part of the town’s fun day celebrations.

The community came together to mark the official opening of a further 5,500 square feet of activity space at the Belfast Road centre. 

Lady Mary cut a gold ribbon to mark the occasion — a symbolic gesture that centre trustee Linda Beers said was “especially fitting” given Lady Mary’s Olympic gold medal achievement in 1972 and her unofficial title as Northern Ireland’s Golden Girl.

Welcoming guests, Ms Beers said it was a pleasure to host Lady Mary, Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Philip Campbell, local councillors, council officials and the professional team who delivered the project.

Much of the story of the new development was told by fellow trustee David McMinn, who has led the project for the Saintfield Community Association.

“This is a very special moment for everyone involved,” he said. “This additional 5,500 square feet, including a brand-new sports hall, allows us to cater for more activities and more people than ever before. 

“The community centre has become the heart of Saintfield life and this expansion ensures we can continue to meet the growing demand for high-quality recreational and social facilities.”

Mr McMinn said the project has been a “real community effort” with the Association grateful to the local council for granting a 25-year lease on the additional building.

He also thanked the Garfield Weston Trust for a £40,000 grant, the Aughrim Landfill Programme for a £10,000 grant and Community Finance Ireland for a loan, all of which enabled the delivery of the project.  

“Our thanks also go to the professional team, including our architect and project manager Gary Harpur and Alistair Scott of Glad Properties, our main contractor who delivered such a high-quality facility,” Mr McMinn continued.

“Finally, we must acknowledge the residents and existing centre users whose encouragement kept us focused on delivering for Saintfield.”

The opening took place against the back of a village fun day organised by the Community Association in conjunction with local retailers and businesses.

The day had a delightful Alice in Wonderland theme, featuring a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Saintfield Market, a Wonderland Village Scavenger Hunt for children and live music. 

At the community centre, there were bouncy castles, face painting, garden games and an opportunity for residents to learn more about the Windmill Park project that the Association is leading with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Gymnastics and Trampolining Network are the first tenants of the new facility and during the opening event, Lady Mary met two of their young gymnasts Jacob Dumigan and Oscar Hall who proudly told her that they had each received funding from the Mary Peters Trust to help them progress in their sport.

There was also a memorable moment just before the formal ribbon cutting when Lady Mary spotted local girl Edie Brown, an eight-year-old pupil at Saintfield’s Academy Primary School. 

In a lovely gesture, Lady Mary invited Edie to help her cut the gold ribbon, to the delight of the assembled crowd.

Lady Mary praised the project and the dedication of everyone involved. 

“Community facilities like this are so important,” she said. 

“They give people of all ages the chance to get active, to learn, to connect with others. I am thrilled to see this wonderful new space open and already being put to such good use.”

The day concluded with refreshments and tours of the new spaces, rounding off a vibrant celebration that combined the official opening with a lively village festival — a true reflection of Saintfield’s growing community spirit and ambition for the future.