Claremont First Step Community Centre is NOT closing

Claremont First Step Community Centre were shocked and sorry to hear of the closure of North Shore Methodist Church, which has its last service at the end of September.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2018, 14:03 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2018, 15:07 BST
North Shore Methodist ChurchNorth Shore Methodist Church
North Shore Methodist Church

Although we have known for many years that the congregation was failing, it was a tremendous shock to us when we were informed of the decision to close the church. We have been going strong within the building for the last 18 years. In fact in 1999, the community centre was a project first mooted by the church to help vulnerable people within the Claremont community and beyond.

The refurbishment of the church hall was started with funding from the Single Regeneration Budget, and it was a very exciting project which opened in June 2000.

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Since opening, the centre has gone from strength to strength with various clubs aimed at and helping different parts of our community.

We have a lot of projects going on within the Claremont Ward through our steering group, Claremont Ten, which is funded by the People’s Health Trust.

This project has guided residents in the area to become involved in activities such as cleaning up alleyways and streets, putting up 50 hanging baskets, and hanging 50 mini Christmas trees around the ten streets and also having a huge Christmas tree in Egerton Square. All this would not have been possible without the community centre being a focal point to make it happen.

What we really want your readers to realise is that although we are very sad that the church is closing the Claremont First Step Community Centre is very much alive and thriving and IS NOT closing at the end of the month.

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We have a good number of years to run in our lease and it is very much business as usual. We are continuing to run our projects in full. Our four clubs a week are still open and we have lots of plans, including day trips and parties for Halloween and Christmas.

We are still able to welcome new members to all our clubs, we do not turn anyone away and through your paper we look forward to any of your readers joining us.

We have often said through your columns that there is no need for people who want to change their lives to sit at home... join us, you will be made to feel very welcome. It is a great way to make a change for the better in your life, especially if you are lonely. Come along, give us a ring on 01253 299306.

Cathy Adams

Claremont First Step

Community Centre