Leigh Park Community Centre , which will be celebrating its seventh year of opening this month, also marked #villagehalls week.
The community centre was completed in November 2012 and opened to the public in January 2013. The community centre and its land was transferred from Wiltshire Council to the registered charity “Leigh Park Community Centre (Westbury)” under the Westbury area board land transfer scheme.
The centre is home to fitness classes, Slimming World groups, markets, corporate events/meetings and can also be home to your wedding reception.
2013 – Saw the first Slimming World class start in January at the centre.
2014 – Introduced Story Time with Westbury Library
2015 – The first wedding reception was held at the centre.
2016 – i2i business breakfast meetings started.
2017 – brought in a Sunday market session.
2018 – A special Bollywood dinner event.
Jan 2019 – A variety of corporate events catered for
Sept 2019 – The opening of the White Horse Preschool.
Centre manager, Debbie Cole said, “We receive no direct funding from government sources and rely on hall hire and events to keep the doors open, supported by grants and funding opportunities as they arise.
“Last year we saw a turnaround in our volunteer trustee positions and since then, we have gone from strength to strength in providing a better service to the community. Our biggest achievement in September 2019 was the opening “White Horse Preschool” under our charity and today is providing to be a vibrant asset to families in the community.
“In 2020 we have a great line up of events such as monthly bingo session at 7pm on the last Saturday of each month, Westbury Food & Drink Festival on 7th March 10-3pm and the opening of a café which we hope to have up and running in the next few months.
“We are also looking at ways we can develop the land adjacent to our current building and are putting a business plan together taking into consideration community needs and aspirations, and would be pleased to hear from anyone who can help with this project or has an idea.
“As a charity organisation all of our profit goes back into community projects so if you’re looking to be a part of your wider community and interested in becoming a trustee, or volunteer at events, please pop into the office or email us at leighparkcommunity centre@hotmail.co.uk.
To see what the centre has to offer, or how you can help, visit their open day on Saturday 25th January from 10-2pm. Local MP Andrew Murrison will be there to answer any questions. There will also be a free bouncy castle.