There were scenes of jubilation in Camborne on Friday, when Cornwall Deaf Centre reopened after a major refurbishment.
Members of the deaf community, their families, friends and supporters joined together to celebrate a day they thought might never come.
The centre was forced to close 18 months ago after major problems were discovered with the roof and the electrics.
With no money available, centre bosses had to launch an appeal, DIY Deaf -O-S, for support.
And their cry for help was heard with local businesses rushing to support what proved to be an even bigger project than was first imagined.
Asbestos was discovered, adding to the cost and time of the work, and bad weather delayed repairs to the roof.
A project that should have taken six months, lasted more than a year.
Jackie Golding, secretary of Cornwall Deaf Centre, said: "We had about £140,000 of materials donated to us plus the labour costs.
"We've had such wonderful support from the community."
Friday's official opening began with a visit from all the businesses that supported the renovation project. They were shown around the new facilities and thanked for their invaluable contributions.
In the afternoon a ceremonial ribbon was cut by Brenda Clarke and a plaque put up in her honour. She began fund raising for the centre 25 years ago. And then it was the turn of the centre users and their families to celebrate their new home.
The centre, which attracts people from across the county, allows deaf families to come together. It hosts and organises activities for deaf people and offers British Sign Language classes. Mrs Gainey added: "We've got the centre back as a second home for deaf people, but now we've got to keep it funded and keep it going."
Members of the deaf community, their families, friends and supporters joined together to celebrate a day they thought might never come.
The centre was forced to close 18 months ago after major problems were discovered with the roof and the electrics.
With no money available, centre bosses had to launch an appeal, DIY Deaf -O-S, for support.
And their cry for help was heard with local businesses rushing to support what proved to be an even bigger project than was first imagined.
Asbestos was discovered, adding to the cost and time of the work, and bad weather delayed repairs to the roof.
A project that should have taken six months, lasted more than a year.
Jackie Golding, secretary of Cornwall Deaf Centre, said: "We had about £140,000 of materials donated to us plus the labour costs.
"We've had such wonderful support from the community."
Friday's official opening began with a visit from all the businesses that supported the renovation project. They were shown around the new facilities and thanked for their invaluable contributions.
In the afternoon a ceremonial ribbon was cut by Brenda Clarke and a plaque put up in her honour. She began fund raising for the centre 25 years ago. And then it was the turn of the centre users and their families to celebrate their new home.
The centre, which attracts people from across the county, allows deaf families to come together. It hosts and organises activities for deaf people and offers British Sign Language classes. Mrs Gainey added: "We've got the centre back as a second home for deaf people, but now we've got to keep it funded and keep it going."
