City's 'hidden gem' is hosting royal knees-up

WOODLAND FORT INVITES LOCALS TO CELEBRATE

- PETER CHAPMAN

IN the heart of a Palmerston fort, a hidden Honicknowle community centre honoured the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 70 years ago.

This weekend, volunteers and members of the same centre are inviting locals to their celebration for the coronation of King Charles III.

Situated on Crownhill Road, not to be mistaken with Crownhill Fort, Woodland Fort has been an active community resource since the 1950s.

There cannot be too many places to have hosted events for both coronations, and even more surprising to residents might be the fact that the place is open at all.

While the imposing structure itself is hard to miss, many in the area pass by daily without knowing what is on offer inside, but tomorrow the people of Plymouth are encouraged to come through the gatehouse and join in the courtyard carnival games.

From midday tomorrow, Woodland Fort will welcome everyone to participate in everything you might expect from a good old British knees-up, including face painting, raffle, tombola, arts and crafts.

The bar will be open and, like all stalls and games on the day, it is cash only, but you don't need to spend anything. Bring your own picnic, if you wish. The volunteers working hard to deliver this event only hope for your attendance.

Tamsin Brook has been involved with the centre for 40 years. Currently, she is the chair of the social committee. She said: "I first came down here with my parents when I was about four years old. I'm 46 now.