A COMMUNITY hall has been named in remembrance of an Army officer who was killed in a road accident,
The Alan Crompton Community Hall, on Rock Barracks, will be used by the military and civilian communities in Woodbridge.
It was named in honour of Captain Alan Crompton, 27, who was killed in September 2011 while he was serving with 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault).
Capt Crompton’s family joined Mike Newman, Commander of Colchester Garrison, to officially open the hall.
Colonel (Retd) John Crompton, Capt Crompton’s father, said: “I came here a year ago and this building was in a sorry condition. It is wonderful that the Regiment has had the vision to see what it could become and achieve that.
“It will be a wonderful asset for the community and Alan would have been thrilled that it bears his name.”
The building had been used as a school gym when the United States Air Force used the base, but had fallen into disrepair.
As part of their trade training, sappers from 51 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers, which Capt Crompton served in, carried out the electrical, plumbing and decorating work required to return the hall to use.
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Hones, Commanding Officer of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), said: “Given Alan’s energy, positive character and his diverse love for sport and culture it is most fitting that he be remembered through this project.
“The Alan Crompton Community Hall promises to provide a venue for cultural, sporting and social gatherings for the Regiment, their families and the wider community.”
The project came about through the Woodbridge Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was signed by Suffolk Coastal District Council, Woodbridge Town Council, Sutton Heath Parish Council and The Royal British Legion in December 2011 as a statement of mutual support between the civilian community and Woodbridge’s troops.
The refurbishment of the hall was funded by the MoD and Sutton Heath Parish Council is applying for funding to equip it.
Michael De May, chair of Sutton Heath Parish Council, said: “The military and civilian communities enjoy a very close and supportive relationship in Woodbridge. Work to develop the Alan Crompton Community Hall is an excellent demonstration of the link between us and it will provide a focus for the whole community.”
Described in his eulogy as a “a real team player who injected energy into all around him with his humanity and infectious smile”, Capt Crompton was killed when his car hit a tree on an unclassified stretch of road about a quarter of a mile from Hollesley, near Woodbridge.
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