A COMMUNITY library has celebrated its tenth anniversary with a commemorative cake.

North Baddesley Community Library, based at All Saints Church in Rownhams Road, welcomed volunteers past and present, and the Mayor of Test Valley to an event on Tuesday April 11.

Mayor Alan Dowden cut a cake, which had been made by the Cake Workshop from Southampton.

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Author Claire Gradidge, who grew up in Romsey, was in attendance with her new book, A Conflict of Interests, as one of the prizes in the raffle.

The library stocks a wide range of books, from children's fiction to crime thrillers. 

Volunteer Debbie Evenhand said: “Thank you to Mr Mayor who actually cut the ribbon ten years ago, when we first opened. Thank you to Claire Gradidge for supporting us so wonderfully with her books. Thank you so much to all the former volunteers and to those who first joined us ten years ago and are still with us. Thanks also to my husband Richard for lifting all the books and keeping them in the garage.

“Thank you also to the church for welcoming us. We've found a really nice home.”

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Cllr Dowden said to Debbie: “I can't believe it has been ten years. As the Mayor of Test Valley, as I've been around the borough, I have realised how important volunteers are. Within every village in every area without the volunteers, quite frankly, things wouldn't last. It has been a privilege to help you. You have been so dedicated and I'm sure everyone would agree this would not have happened without you.”

Debbie added: “Please continue to support us, if you know anyone who would like to join us, we are always looking for people.”

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The library's opening hours are: Tuesdays from 2pm - 4pm, Wednesdays from 10am - 12pm and Thursdays from 10am - 12pm.

For more details about the library and to find out about volunteering, contact Debbie on debbie.evenhand@gmail.com.