News Release

St Paul's Open Day

Local people had a chance to see the improvements to their community Centre and get a flavour of what goes on there, at an Open Day attended by the Mayor of Margate.   160 people came to look around St Paul's newly refurbished Community Centre on Monday 31st March 2008.

Information stands from local organizations and volunteer groups explained what the centre has to offer and what's going on in the local community.   Residents could talk to Migrant Helpline, Kent Fire & Rescue, Thanet District Council, Grotto Hill and Gordon road Area Street Scje,es and St Paul's Art   Group as well as finding out about community projects and the new recycling scheme.   Cake decorating and fun with Simple Simon entertained the children.   The Mayor of |Margate entered into the fun of the day by winning a competition to pull the ugliest face!!

(The Mayor or Margate with Simple Simon winning the Ugly Face competition)

Peter Cottington from St Paul's Community Centre thanked everyone involved in the project and the hard work of staff and volunteers at   the centre.   Peter says "We hope that by running events like this, more local people will realise St Paul's is here and get involved with the local community.   There really is something here for everyone and we urge you to come and use us".  

The Open Day was to celebrate improvements funded by the Safer Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF).   The SSCF has funded more than £150,000 worth of improvements to the hall, reception foyer and storage facilities, along with work to the heating system.   A hatch has also been knocked through to the hall from the kitchenette and disabled access has been improved with the addition of a ramp, handrail and disabled toilet.

The fund aims to transform these two wards and the green space of Dane Park by improving the quality of life for those who live and work in these areas.

Margaret Main, Cliftonville West Residents' Representative on the Safer Stronger Communities Fund, officially opened the new-look centre by saying "The improvement work that the SSCF has funded has made a big difference and now means groups can book the space to have meetings, conferences, AGM's, functions and to run their activities or hold events".

*News Release provided by Jenny Witherdon, Community Development Officer, Safer Stronger Communities Fund

(Permission was obtained to display the attached photo of the Mayor and Simple Simon (Childrens Entertainer) enjoying fun and games)

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