In many rural villages, the community hall is of the utmost importance. It's often the only place where local clubs and societies can meet, where events and social occasions can take place, where local issues and matters of interest can be discussed... Including the matter of funding. Everyone knows things don't come for free. So when a community hall gets an extension, or a new member of staff, or a tuck shop for the village youth club, someone somewhere has done the leg work behind the scenes, to secure some funding. In less rural areas, finding out about available funding and the best way to go about getting it, isn't too difficult. But for those in less well served parts of the world, finding help and advice can be a more grueling process. | "There's something happening every day, sometimes three things are happening together!!" | | Eddie Benson |
And that's why Defra has launched an 'information hub' for rural community hall committee members on its Rural Affairs website. Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight, in welcoming the launch of the website, said: "Successful village halls provide an impressive range of services and activities to meet the needs of their local communities, such as health services and sports, as well as the traditional social pursuits. "Making the local village hall a success can be a big challenge, which requires not only imagination and commitment but also practical advice. Defra's new web resource will help, by improving access to essential information from all over the country." If you're still in need of some inspiration, read on for Eddie Benson's outline of what goes on at Oaken Grove Community Centre, which has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2003... Oaken Grove Community Centre This brand new centre in Haxby has been running for over 18 months and was officially opened by HRH The Duke of York on 3rd March 2005. Staffed by over 40 volunteers and 2 part-time paid administrators, the centre has a real buzz.
 | | How do you get a garden like that?! |
The building houses the Haxby and Wigginton Community Office, which serves the two side by side villages with a population of around 14,000 people. It is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day and provides residents with photocopying and fax facilities as well as providing helpful guidance to point residents to the many services that are provided locally. The centre is open every day from 9.00am to 3.30pm for activities for people of all ages. From 3.30pm to 9.00pm the centre is given over to youth work, where a dedicated team of youth workers provide facilities for young people between 11 and 18 years of age. There is something happening every day, sometimes 3 things are happening together!! These are just some of the events and classes held at the centre: - The 'Pop Inn' (coffee and lunch for people aged from 3 months to 95 years!)
- Citizens Advice Bureau outreach sessions
- The Haxby and Wigginton Gardening Club
- A post natal group organised by the local Health Nurse
- Songbox sessions for children 0-5 years
- Further Education classes
- Keep fit classes
On Tuesday and Wednesday the youth workers run a Nestle sponsored "Make Space" club. This late afternoon provision provides a base for young people coming home from school where they can chill out, use the cyber cafe and have something to eat. On a Thursday evening there is an "In 2 Acting" group for children and young people aged 8-15 years, who train towards one or two productions a year. Oaken Grove Centre is at the heart of a busy and lively community where there is lots to do for people of all ages. Eddie Benson, Chair, Haxby & Wigginton Youth and Community Association | 
