A COMMUNITY centre is bursting at the seams as residents in Toft Hill make the most of their refurbished hall.
Members of Toft Hill Community Association say they are being kept busy at the community centre as demand for the multi-functional space has taken off since the relaxation of pandemic restrictions. As well as seeing the return of regular evening classes for pilates, zumba, pipes and drums and partner dancing classes, the association has been inundated with bookings for private parties.
Alison Overfield, community association treasurer, said: “All the usual user group classes have returned which we are grateful for because after two years of being closed interest can wane.
She added: “The biggest thing we are proud of is the party bookings.
“Since December it’s been like running a little business. It’s been word of mouth. Parents have been along to children’s parties and they have been impressed with the hall – we have done a lot to it and there is massive improvements.”
Refurbishment work over the past three years has included a complete renovation to the kitchen area and toilets, as well as the redecoration of the foyer and new furniture.
The large main hall has been redecorated and benefits from a new sprung floor. The patio and garden area have also been tidied up, providing extra private outside space.
Ms Overfield added: “Our bookings are not just about parties. We’ve got a lot coming up with workshops in wet felting and flower arranging.
“The Bowes Museum will be doing an art session to celebrate the work of Martin Kinnear.”
The community association is also hosting a Big Jubilee Lunch and bunting will be strewn around the building.
“We’re hoping to organise a children’s garden party as well, but they are going to decide what they would like to do,” said Ms Overfield.
“We looking at other things as well but it all depends on funding. However, we do know we are getting a grant from county councillor Robert Potts.”
The community centre has also been selected as a venue for a performance of Christina Castling’s play, A Way Home, in June. Ms Overfield said: “It’s a nice mix of things. We’ve even had a wedding party here with a family who were unable to attend it in Australia.”
She explained the meeting room was set up like a banqueting hall, food was prepared in the kitchen, and thanks to modern technology and a large screen, guests joined in with the event Down Under.
Ms Overfield added: “They had the seats all decorated and they prepared the same menu just like in Australia. It is lovely that the local community is using the centre to the full.”
The building is also now the focal point of a new parish council emergency plan which was developed following Storm Arwen which left many residents without power for a number of days.
She said: “If another storm cuts power, or if there is an emergency, the centre will be open to enable residents to fill a kettle or get warm.
“The parish council have also put a funding pot to one side just in case, to help and support people.
“Since Covid people are looking for something to do closer to home and they have rediscovered the community centre.”
