A FLINTSHIRE community was urged to “come together” by world-famous actor Jonathan Pryce who cut the ribbon at a newly refurbished hall at the weekend.
Star of stage, screen and radio Jonathan Pryce returned to his birthplace of Carmel, Holywell, on Saturday for the official opening of the Ysgol Bro Carmel main hall.
More than 250 people gathered to celebrate the occasion and learn more about a number of community groups who held stalls at the event.
The Holywell Band opened the ceremony, while children played on the bouncy castle and guests enjoyed refreshments from the buffet provided free of charge by the school’s PTA.
Jonathan, who lived in the village until the age of 16, spoke about his fond memories of the area in his opening speech.
He said: “It’s nice to come back and support these things and see that the community is still very much alive and well in Carmel.”
Speaking to the Leader, Jonathan, who has starred in blockbusters such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Evita and Tomorrow Never Dies, said he often visited the area when he had the chance.
He said: “My sister lives in Halkyn and my other sister lives in Boddlwyddyn so it’s good to revisit when I can – it’s nice to come back and there are some old faces here today – people I grew up with. Everything does feel a lot smaller than when I was here as a boy and where I used to play there are houses in those places now.”
During his speech to the crowd he spoke of old school friends and times of boyhood mischief in and around the village and the sense of community he felt whilst growing up in Flintshire.
He said: “In the street where I lived we shared each others lives and we all knew everyone else’s business. It was a time of a fine sense of community and it is that sense of community that has been brought here today.
“I’m glad a building like this has been made available to the public again and I would hope you will all use it well – it is very important everyone comes together and generate happy memories together, like I did when I was growing up here.”
Among the groups at the event were the Carmel Toddler Group, Five Villages Gardening Club, Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell, Cymdeithes Thomas Pennant, Jardiniere, Transition Holywell and District and the Holywell Band.
Head teacher Jo Garbutt said the event marked a milestone for the school and the community.
She said: “We are thrilled that Jonathan Pryce has come to formally open the hall. It has been 50 years since it was refurbished and it has been a real community effort to get it refurbished now.
“It’s a fantastic turn out and we hope that everyone has bought a raffle ticket, as the money will go towards refurbishing one of our classrooms.
“The hall will be a great hub for community activities and generate much-needed income for the school as well.”