27th January 2012

SIDMOUTH: Celebrating the 'heart of Stowford'

By Laura Goldsbury Noy

Stowford Community Centre played host to an afternoon of celebrations when councillors, directors and funders came together to commemorate the centre’s success.

Following it’s opening in September of last year, Stowford Community and Children’s Centre has gone from strength to strength, already making a positive impact on Stowford and the surrounding Sid Valley. 

The centre is home to a large number of regular groups from an array of dance classes as well as  sport and health sessions and business meetings. 

As well as this it is open for private and one off events, community events and weddings. 

The project is a result of a partnership between the county and district councils, local charities and businesses, and residents who formed an active community group to raise funds to equip the centre.

A special celebration day was held this week to thank all those who have helped make the community centre a success. 

Among those who attended the celebratory event was Chairman of Devon County Council, Councillor Jeremy Yabsley, Chairman of East Devon District Council, Councillor Peter Halse and Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, Councillor Stuart Hughes. 

The directors of the project were also in attendance alongside fundraisers, volunteers, planners, builders and business representatives. 

The residents of Stowford were also invited to the event. 

The day included a “meet and greet” session in the café, which is run by volunteers who put on an array of refreshments and cakes in the newly equipped kitchen. 

The guests were then given their first official tour of the centre giving those who played a part in the project a chance to see what the centre has become. 

Following the tour, the guests were then given a short speech in the grand hall by Councillor Peter Halse, Councillor Stuart Hughes and Councillor Jeremy Yabsley who were introduced by Jeff Turner, chairman of the community interest project. 

Mr Turner took it in turn to thank the many people that helped with the project, in particular to the board of directors - Jan Jones, Maggie Baldwin, Peter Sullivan, Stuart Hughes, Alex Lewis and paid manager, Jeff Merrett - who helped get the centre project off the ground. 

Councillor Halse went on to say that the centre was a wonderful example of co-operation between the local authorities and in particular the three councils who all worked together alongside the community to produce something spectacular. 

Councillor Stuart Hughes added: “We have waited 20 years for this dream to become reality. Thanks to everyone involved, for now we have something truly marvellous. 

“The centre has become the heart of the Stowford community and it is a true success story.”

Another major aspect of the day was observing the close links and co-location of both the community centre and the children’s centre, also on site, which was a major consideration when creating and planning the building.

Service Manager for East Devon’s Action for Children, Fran Drayton said: “The centre is an incredible building and a one stop shop for families with a place for child development and families, as well as a community hub and a place for health information and help with the involvement of the primary care trust and health team. 

“The finished project has only been good for the local community and co-locating has brought an invaluable service to anyone who needs it, from a quick coffee or joining a sports group, to family and health advice.”

The afternoon ended with the unveiling of the centre by the visiting councillors with a flag in the entrance porch and celebratory refreshments to round off the day’s festivities. 

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