Page 18 - link magazine

SHAW'S

COMMUNITYCENTRE

Thamesdown Council's Community Planning Committee is responsible for the provision of community buildings
throughout the Borough, a task which it has carried out successfully over many years. Throughout Thamesdown there
are 20 purpose-built or converted community centres which are leased to groups of local people who take on responsi-
bility for managing them. Additionally, there are nine social halls which are smaller buildings or rooms administered
directly by the Council's Community Development Division at the Civic Offices. These buildings represent a tremendous
commitment to fostering a sense of community in the many different neighbourhoods which make up Thamesdown.
The Chair of the Community Planning Committee, Des Community Centres Officer, deals with the technical aspects
Moffatt, recognises that more than just a building is required: of constructing and furnishing a building and with the business
"Bricks and mortar can only provide a shelter. Centres which of management by the community.
are the focus for community life become a success only Their role is to bring people together to share their ideas,
because of the hard work, energy, enthusiasm and commit- arrange meetings with architects, fix up visits to other centres
ment put in by local people. The magic ingredient is the desire and generally help the discussions bring forth a building
of residents to work together to improve the quality of their which can serve all residents of Shaw.
environment." The would like to meet people for an initial discussion about
the community centre project. If you would like to find out
more, please contact Roger or Denis on Swindon 26161.

In the Meantime

Freshbrook's new Community Centre rising up behind
the temporal',' building - 1984

Partnership

Des Moffat believes it is important that the people of Shaw
Shaw's temporary community building
have a major say in what their community centre should be
like. "At present Thamesdown has some money set aside to being delivered in April.
design a centre", comments Des, "but due to restrictions on The Borough Council has always tried to make some
our finances, we have not been able to budget for its temporary community facility available at an early point in a
construction. However, the process of designing a community ::::new housing development. There is always a need for a place..*.:
centre takes a long time and we need to be ready with plans so where a playgroup and under-three's and their parents canx.
that it can be built without delay, when funds are available. I meet. The buildings also allow new groups to form, meetings
hope that people in Shaw will come forward to be involved in to take place and votes to be cast close to home at election
this process." time.
It is not often possible to provide the permanent buildings at
Help
the beginning of a development because of demands on
Two officers from the Community Development Division resources elsewhere. A temporary community centre will be
are concerned with the Shaw Project; Roge Ogle, Community ready in April, located next to the Doctors' surgery on:
Development Officer for West Swindon, is available to work Ranileaze Drive. Anybody who would like to use the building
with the groups likely to use the centre; Denis Onley, Assistant is invited to contact Roger Ogle on Swindon 26161, ext. 3191.

Community Development

BOROUGH OF
THAMESDOWN d%