DISTRICT councillors have heaped praise on a local community centre. Woodlands Community Hall in Headley Down was the centre of some well-earned attention last Tuesday when EHDC staged its north east area community committee at the venue and was entertained by a dance routine from youngsters and then given a presentation about its business plan. Members were informed that the community hall had been steered through a period of uncertainty with staffing as well as funding difficulties and is now in a much better position. It was also announced that a lease for the building would have to be negotiated next year, along with a three-year financial plan. Councillors were also told that the hall was exploring ways to improve its child activities and local transport to help combat the village's feeling of isolation. The community hall manager, Janet Easton, explained that over the last six months there had been a number of improvements to the centre. "These include general improvements to the premises, from the installation of a digital CCTV system, to the introduction of a dishwasher. Other improvements are the introduction of a Sage Accounting and Payroll system," explained Mrs Easton. She continued: "The weekly Drum Housing surgery is of great benefit to local residents and our basic computer courses continue to prove very popular. The 'quit smoking' clinics and parenting classes were less successful. "The real success stories of Woodlands Hall though, are the ongoing activities provided for children and young people. Bearing in mind that around 50 per cent of local residents are under the age of 19 and public transport links are poor, the services we provide are essential. "Our pre-school has gone from strength to strength, more than doubling the registrations since last September. The parent and toddler group has also grown and the children's club and youth club continue to thrive, with around 50 registeres members each. "We are particularly looking forward to Portsmouth Football Club coming down in the summer offering four days of free training workshops for five to 14 year olds." Mrs Easton expressed her gratitude to district and county councils for the core funding they provide, although she said that these monies fell well below the amount the centre needs. "This combined amount only covers about one third of our overall, annual operational costs. Taking also into consideration some fee income and 'early years' government funding, we are still left with a shortfall of £40,000 to £50,000. In order to continue all our invaluable services and activities, this money has to be secured through grant applications for project funding. Therefore, I would like to thank you for the recent awards which have contributed to the pre-school, children's club and holiday club. We really do appreciate it," Mrs Easton concluded. Committee members congratulated Mrs Easton and all the staff on how the centre was run and were quite keen to emulate it. "The atmosphere here is individual and may be we, as councillors, should look at our area where community centres are mostly closed up and use this one as an example," explained Eve Hope. Geoffrey Whittle, district representative for the area added: "We, as a district council, should acknowledge the work done by the management team. Janet got this thing going with her team." Zoya Faddy also had words of encouragement for the hall. She felt that centre had a happy atmosphere and always enjoyed her visits, but was worried about its huge funding shortfall. "It is good that the centre is in a more upbeat situation but I am concerned about the £50,000 deficit of running costs. I just hope that there is someone you can turn to," said Mrs Faddy. Mrs Easton informed members that the centre would be looking at its new three-year plan with the district council next April and in the meantime, funding applications had been sent various bodies.
