SPOTLIGHTS will soon be shining in a revamped East Oxford hall where actor and comedian Ronnie Barker had his first taste of showbiz.

Members of SS Mary and John Church launched a campaign to revive their rundown Cowley Road hall in October 2013.

It was home to amateur dramatic group Theatre Players, where Mr Barker, famous for roles in Porridge, Open All Hours and The Two Ronnies, took his first steps on the stage.

Now the television star’s legacy will live on after renovation work at the East Oxford site started on Monday.

Project coordinator John Hammock said: “I have been struck at Ronnie Barker’s story, of how he started at the church hall, how that resonated with the community and I think that’s painted a really good picture of why there has been this reaction to save this church hall.

“This is an exhilarating feeling.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but at the same time, it’s been really exciting because the community has really come together around this project.

“People really want to help us.”

Mr Hammock, who lives in East Oxford, got together with fellow church members to renovate the Grade II listed building after it had been out of action for about eight years.

The group raised more than £115,000 through fundraising and grant applications, which will be used to install new flooring and underfloor heating, and new facilities including a kitchen.

Workmen from construction company Cherwell Oxford Ltd are on site removing rotten flooring, with work on the Victorian building expected to finish before a grand opening in October.

Funding was awarded by groups including not-forprofit environmental body Wren, Garfield Foundation and the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment.

Mr Hammock, 70, said he hoped the church hall would act as a community hub for families in East Oxford, offering projects including programmes for elderly and homeless residents, as well as space for group meetings, parties and wedding receptions.

The grandfather-of-three said church members were also hoping the hall would once more act as a home for amateur drama groups and other performer in the city.

He added: “When we started the process, we spoke to organisations and groups and it was very clear to us that there was a tremendous demand for hall space in East Oxford, especially in our end.”

Church member Janet McCrae, who lives in Aston Street, added: “We are restoring the hall so that it can return to being a community asset – place for spiritual renewal, for social outreach, as well as a safe place for fun, learning and growth.”

Last November, comedian Hugh Dennis, who presented a BBC documentary on Mr Barker in 2013, added his support to the project.

He said: “Church halls can be a fantastic resource for the public.

“I am delighted that this one is to be refurbished.

“It will make a huge difference to the local community.”