Memories sought for centre’s half century

Westfield Community Centre to mark 50 years

THE TEAM behind a community centre in Hinckley is looking to mark 50 years of serving local people with a host of celebrations.

Westfield Community Centre will see its 50th anniversary in 2017 and its management committee want anyone who has been involved during that time to get in touch.

They are especially keen on collecting as many photos, videos or memories, both written and oral, of the centre since its inception in 1967.

In September the committee will begin filming a history of the building over the last five decades while July next year will see the culmination of celebratory efforts with a string of events.

The centre on Rosemary Way began life in 1967 when local people canvassed to have the then closed Westfield Junior School reopened to pro- vide a place for Hinckley’s first playgroup during the day and youth group in the evening.

Since then the place has become a focus for community education, offering cradle to the grave provision, and bearer of charitable trust status.

David Peake, chairman of the centre’s management committee, said: “In July 2017 the centre is planning a number of events in a week-long celebration of the community centre’s long and rich history and is appealing for people who attended the centre or who have worked at the centre to get in touch, especially if they have any photos, videos or memories of the commu- nity centre and its groups.”

The busy site is able to hold functions and parties, boasting meeting rooms, a large hall and both play items and administrative equipment.

Numerous clubs and groups use it as a base with activities ranging from sports, dancing and fitness to music tuition, support for people losing weight or who have suffered a stroke and art classes.

It is home to a popular kids club and pre-school playgroup and local teams regularly use the associated sports pitches.

To get in touch visit westfieldcommunitycentre.org