That's what the banner outside the 'welfare hut' reads where residents have gathered for more than 70 years.

The Courier reported last week how the building was saved at the 11th hour when a band of campaigners managed to buy it with the help of a mystery benefactor.

And at the weekly mini-mart on Tuesday there were celebrations all round after months of fears it would be sold to developers.

Customer and hut-user Majorie Adams, 61, was one of those enjoying the day.

She said: "I used to bring my children here to be weighed and for injections when it was the welfare hut.

"Now I come here as a customer and to see my friends. While it was under threat people got upset and were crying and didn't want it to go - so everyone is over the moon now. I'd like to see it refurbished and more people coming in and using it."

Stall-holder of 11 years Pam Ball said: "I have got to know so many people here over the years. There's a great atmosphere and a lot of elderly people say it is the only time they get out to see people every week - it would have been a disaster if it'd closed. The community needs to come forwards now and say how they's like to use it."

Campaigners approached the Heart of England Foun-dation for help and the organisation, which matches projects with funds, found a willing businessman to donate the cash.

Mark Kermode of Newman Estate Agents in the town said: "We thought about raising the money ourselves, but it was just too much.

"We are so excited it belongs to the people of Southam now, but the work is not over - this is just the start.

"We need to raise money to invest back into the building so it will have all the facilities people need for holding parties and events. We need everyone to help us do that."

Someone who has invested a lot of time and effort into the hut over the years is Julie Minnie.

Before HSBC stepped forward as the building's sole remaining trustee last year, Mrs Minnie singlehandedly ensured its upkeep and existence since the late 1960s.

She said: "I love the place and was devastated when HSBC said it would sell it. It is so wonderful it's been saved."

Her son David Minney, 27, added: "Mum has spent half her life acting as caretaker, treasurer and cleaner - all voluntary and if it wasn't for her it probably wouldn't be here. It's so important to keep this historic place for the people of Southam and I hope they will want to use it."

The shingle-covered building was an old 'forces billet' shipped over from Belgium and put together by the Royal British Legion - then known as the Old Comrades - in the 1920s for use by soldiers.

It was set up as an Infant Welfare Centre in 1939 by philanthropist Ethel Brewster and put into the trust of a committee for the benefit of Southam children after her death.

Anyone who would like to use or fundraise for the hall can contact Pauline Mead on 632287.

Money can be paid directly into fundraising account 01140100, sort code 309493, at Loyds TSB. Cheques should be made payable to The Craven Lane Hall.