WCA NEWSLETTER No 166 November 2018 w

WESTFIELD COMMUNITY HUB
at THE NEW INN
between 10 am & Noon FRIDAYs
nhappy news from Westfield Community Hub this quarter.
U As many people know, and at the risk of being boring or repetitive,
Westfield Community Hub was set up after a Local Action Plan back in 2005
and a Spotlight on Westfield event in 2007 indicated that more than 400 local
people wanted somewhere warm and welcoming to meet for a coffee and a
chat and an information access point.
Although a group of volunteers was set up, it wasn’t possible to meet the
requirement until Andy and Lynn (formerly of the Old Courthouse) agreed that
their pub could be used for a couple of hours on a Friday morning. That was
about ten years ago, and the Hub, as it was decided to call it, has been going
strong ever since – although it’s had to change venue a couple of times (to The
Plough and then to The New Inn).
The volunteers distinctive (loud!) canary yellow polo shirts have become a
regular feature at many local fundraising and charity events and attendees can
attest to theatre shows, river trips, dog racing, coach journeys and competitions
(and some rather nice meals). Several computer and camera usage courses
seem a long time ago but were a useful activity and visits from various
organisations have definitely been appreciated.
Although we’ve had to say goodbye to many attendees over the years it’s nice
to note that, although new faces are regularly added, many of the 30 or more
residents who still attend most weeks have supported the Hub throughout its
existence.
The committee has changed over the years but four of the original members
have continued to enjoy experiencing the development and changes in form
and function that have had to be accommodated. At the AGM in October last
year though, new volunteers were requested, partly so that organisation tasks
could be re-distributed and partly to encourage new ideas. At the AGM this
October it was advised that despite impassioned pleas, no one has come
forward to take over from Sharron, who had announced she would be stepping
down. Luckily, there are still volunteers continuing to help The Hub to limp on
until Christmas with a limited remit and altered constitution, which gives a bit of
time to sort closure activities (or a chance for someone else to pick it up -
pleeeeeeez).
The only good news is that, provided it remains viable for him, Patrick has
agreed to continue to open The New Inn for tea, coffee and cake on Friday
mornings after Christmas, and is happy to leave the bookshelf and jigsaws in
the corner, but obviously on his own terms.
So, as noted last quarter, if you’re looking for a local group to put your
stamp on, please do come forward now.
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