Dodnaze Community Centre Open Day - to meet local residents, and seek new ideas

Monday, 17 September 2012

Time for change

September 2012, the start of a new term, a new phase. Time for change!
Dodnaze community association has been at the heart of the community above Hebden Bridge since 2001. The association started life in a small portakabin and after alot of hard work they established the permanent fixture of the centre as it is now in 2004.

Over the years it has been used for: toddler groups, art classes, Tai Chi, ante natal classes, dance and singing groups, Christmas, Halloween and bonfire parties, French lessons, computer and after school clubs – it has even seen the publication of a book by local residents! This is no surprise.

The community centre is an excellent, well-stocked resource, boasting a kitchen, toilets, gardens and a good sized space suitable for many activities. Its close proximity to the beautifully refurbished swingpark make it a great venue for children of all ages - have you had a go on the basket swing, yet?

Recently, however, the centre has not been as well used as it could be and the community association are eager to find out how this can be remedied.

'Over the years, we have been well supported by Hebden Royd and Calderdale Council, as well as many local and national organisationas and charities, too many to mention here in fact. We want to continue these partnerships and develop new ones,' says the Association Chair, Joanna Heyes.

'We know there are plenty of people living in Dodnaze and the surrounding areas, with skills, energy, and ideas. There are also a lot of newcomers who, I am sure, can cast a fresh eye on how we can redesign the way the community centre operates – and what goes on there. We want local people of all ages to come and tell us! It is their centre, they must say what they want and how they think it can happen!'

To this end, the Community Association is holding an open day at the centre on Tuesday 25th September. It will be open from 10am until 7pm and local residents are warmly invited to drop in and have a chat, a cuppa and a slice of cake with one of the committee members. 'It doesn't even matter if you haven't any particular ideas,' says Jo. 'It will be great to meet you!'

If you can't make it on the day, then please give the Association a ring on: 01422 843216, or 07913 162452. If no one answers, then please leave your name and number and someone will contact you.

You can also email your ideas to: communitycentre@dodnaze.org
Or write to the Association at: Dodnaze Community Centre, 54 Hirst Grove, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8DN.

Have your say on what goes on at your community centre. In these times of austerity, if you don't use it, you'll lose it.

Thanks to Caroline Scott for this news