In Southborough there is a community centre known as Cafe Bliss. It was established by the Better Living in Southborough Society and has been a roaring success. Situated on the main road there is a heavy footfall which undoubtedly helps trade. Location, location, location. Local statutory and voluntary organisations hold surgeries at the premises and there is a thriving youth group. The success of Cafe Bliss owes much to the hard work and commitment of Elaine Lawrence.
In Showfields, Tunbridge Wells there is the Number One Community Centre. For various reasons the cafe has not been a success in recent years, the community does not engage with the centre and it has proved difficult to establish a vibrant community group.
The TN2 community centre in Sherwood is well located close to the shops and is quite busy. Unfortunately the layout of the building is appalling and this acts as a severe limitation on the activities which can be undertaken.
A problem common to Number One and TN2 is the degree of 'ownership' by the local communities. The communities do not have control of the centres, although it is not for want of trying by the local authorities to develop community engagement and participation.
One vibrant community in Tunbridge Wells has a thriving community group, the Rusthall Village Association. Rusthall has a recently formed parish council, a lunch club for older people and the long-standing Rusthall Youth and Community Project. The lunch club is held at one of the church halls and the youth project uses the local library outbuilding and a mobile hut it purchased and erected.
The two church halls and the Rusthall Club (a workingmens' club) are venues for community activities. The church halls are used by a variety of organisations.
The local housing association has built sheltered accommodation in Rusthall which should be open this September. Part of the building is a 'community facility', including a cafe. It will be interesting to see which local voluntary organisations make use of the facilities and the extent of public usage. One can but hope it will be successful. Given the nature of of the Rusthall community it could do well. My main concern is the effect it might have on the viability of other venues.
I think one the main reasons the TN2 Centre in Sherwood doesn't thrive is because the people who volunteer there aren't welcoming to anyone they don't know personally. On the rare occasions I've been there for business meetings I've been made to feel that I'm intruding. Therefore, I don't feel inclined to join in the activities there One wonders whether this is because my husband and I own our own house. Be that as may, we're still part of the community and have been for over 40 years. OR, is it because we don't vote conservative!!!
ReplyDeleteCliques are a problem at many community centres. Isn't over 60% of Sherwood owner occupied? I recall the major contribution you both made to the community in the 1990's. People have short memories, or selective amnesia.
ReplyDeleteJohn Hopkinson