WITH National Community Centre Week approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out what’s going on at your local community centre.
From 19th-25th July, Community Centre Week celebrates the invaluable work community centres do and Leigh Park Community Centre is no exception with an array of groups and classes for you to get involved with right on your doorstep.
Centre manager, Debbie Cole said, “Being part of the community centre has shown me how important an open door policy within the community has become for residents; it’s great to see so many people taking part with inspiring group sessions for all ages and abilities within the centre.
“Engaging residents isn’t always easy but we are always striving to develop new services and activities that will encourage participation and engagement, and by working with the residents and regular users I hope this will be achieved long term to ensure our community centre is a vibrant place within the heart of Westbury.
“I think it is important to motivate, support and develop community led activities and services to improve local environments for residents; it’s great to see so many people learn a new activity, build confidence, socialise and improve their life skills”
Groups and classes running at the centre include:
• Debbie Bailey fitness classes suit all ages and abilities, giving you the opportunity to get fit, socialize and meet new people in your community.
Debbie is best known for her popular Zumba Fitness and Zumba Gold classes which are aimed at beginners and over 50s. Debbie also teaches Clubbercise, Dancin Thru The Decades and Fitness Pilates.
• Juliet Morgan has been a Slimming World consultant in Westbury for over 15 year. In 2012 she moved her group to the Leigh Park Community Centre and since then her group has gone from strength to strength.
Each week her members support and encourage each other to achieve fantastic results and the venue plays an important part. It is accessible to all, warm, light, bright and well equipped. Juliet is very proud of her group, its supportive ethos and all that they achieve. Special offer for Community Centre Week – half price membership, just £5 to join and £4.95 weekly fee.
• Escrima Martial Arts is a small group of students who learn the Pilipino Martial Art of Escrima. The lesson lasts for two hours in length and costs just £5. They train with two rules, don’t get hit and hit them before they do hit you.
• Step Up Pre-School offers a friendly and relaxed learning environment where children can develop to their full potential. There are two rooms, the Bumble Bee Room and the Dragonfly Room.
They also have a large secure garden and the children have daily access to outside play. They work closely with all the local schools and welcome children from all backgrounds including Better Together Funded children.
• Taekwondo classes with Mike Cruise combine sporting and self defence aspects of Taekwondo. The exercise you get from the martial arts training improves balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental element which not only improves the mind’s focus but also helps provide confidence and self-control. Mike is offering a three week free trial for Community Centre Week.
• Jackie Jasper is a British Wheel of Yoga trained teacher. Her classes are suitable for all ages and experience with yoga postures adapted to suit the individual. Each class has a different focus, however all include warming the body up for a particular posture (asana) or set of postures as well as pranayama (breathing practice) and relaxation.
Jackie said, “I really look forward to teaching at Leigh Park Community Centre and to be part of this special place. It has a real buzz with all the various activities going on and yet my space remains quiet and calm, perfect for teaching yoga.
“The centre is exceedingly well run and managed by Debbie, who always greets you with a smile.”
To support Leigh Park’s Community Week there will be a special class on 19th July, 9.30-11am. Sign up to all four classes and your first class will be half price.
• Why not try Tai Chi Qigong? It’s an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. The class is suitable for all abilities and ages and the first session is free.
• The i2i Business Network is a non for profit business and professional organisation that welcomes only one person from each trade or profession to join the fellowship. During the last three years the network has generated business over £800,000 between each member by using the business development plans in place to deliver business growth.
• Join Weight Watchers and get expert advice in weight loss from people who are passionate about food, healthy weight loss and who also fully understand the challenges of losing weight and keeping it off.
Weight Watchers advisor Diana Smith said, “The Community Centre is a great venue for many reasons. It easily accessible to my members with great parking; it is always clean and tidy with a cosy but modern atmosphere and the staff are always very friendly and easy to get hold of, regardless of whether the centre is open or closed.”
During Community Centre Week there will be no joining fee, plus bring a friend and receive a £5 voucher to spend on Weight Watchers in-meeting products (when they spend a minimum of £10 or more in a single transaction) plus entry into a monthly prize draw and entry into a grand prize draw where one lucky person in the UK (plus guest) will win 4 Nights/5 Days Luxury Retreat at a Hotel Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara CA with special appearances by Oprah!
• Have you thought about joining Westbury Shed? The group offers an escape from the enforced solitude, frustration and boredom of illness, the sudden change brought on by retirement, bereavement or any other or life’s twists and turns.
Chairman Dan Gmaj said, “It gives a platform for those that want to give back and provides the environment and social interaction to help re-inject some motivation and add a little magic into your week while you work on your own projects, help others with theirs, or even get involved with some exciting community projects too! It’s all about the people & the sky is the limit!”
• Westbury Quilters are a thriving group of sewers who meet monthly in the main hall.
Chair of the group Susanne Pickup said, “We love being able to have lots of tables out to show off our quilts and work on our current projects. We exchange ideas and introduce new techniques for the less experienced, sometimes with visiting experts to demonstrate or run a whole-day workshop.”
