OVERMONNOW’S St Thomas’s Church Hall will be renamed the Ty Price Hall when it re-opens in July.

The name change is in tribute to Reverend Norman Price, who was vicar of Overmonnow from 1964 to 1993.

Work has been underway for a number of months on the redevelopment of the hall, and the name change reflects its future use as a community facility which will be

open to all.

Norman, pictured conducting a christening in 1991, is fondly remembered for his pastoral work in the community and for a time when the hall was in a serious state after bad flooding in 1979. The church had no funds for the repairs but Norman said: “Have faith, it will all come right.” Plans were made and with the aid of a Youth Opportunity Scheme, various donations and other help, the hall was saved.

Revd David McGladdery, present Vicar of Monmouth said: “People always tell me how they were helped by Norman and his wife Eira, and it is fitting to name the hall in recognition.

“We hope the whole community will benefit from the new work done to extend and improve the hall.”

The building has also received a new logo, designed by David Evans of Platform One in Monmouth. This features a group of people and the Overmonnow Market Cross to reflect the role of the hall as a community meeting place.

The market cross is thought to have been in place in Overmonnow since at least 1039.

Team vicar Revd Catherine Haynes said: “We are looking forward to working with partners to provide a range of activities for the community”.

Ty Price will have an enlarged main room for up to 60 people and three smaller rooms and modern facilities.

It will also be available for booking on a regular or one-off basis. Plans are being made for the re-opening of the hall at the end of July although fundraising is continuing for the equipment and furniture for hall.

If anyone would like more information about the project or to make a donation, they are asked to contact Steve Martin (project co-ordinator) by emailing [email protected]; calling 01600 772466 or by visiting www.typricehall.co.uk.