News

The Hawkinge Community Centre (HCC) could soon become the venue of choice for the village if the current upsurge in interest continues.

Since the Centre's AGM on 28 June when a new board of directors took over the running of the ailing centre, bookings have increased and even the Hawkinge Parish Council, who had always appeared reluctant as a body to move from their base at the Village Hall to the flagship £1.75m building, are using the centre for their December meeting.

HCC is now catering for everyone and at long last looks like becoming the hub of the village, finally fulfilling the vision of those who planned and built it.

The building caters for popular sports and recreational facilities including bowls, basketball, archery, badminton, trampolining, yoga and three types of martial arts. Dance also plays a part with attractions from line-dancing and modern dance to ballet.

There is a baby clinic and mother and toddler groups.

For those interested in learning, computer courses are available three days a week, or if you just want a chat and meet up with friends, drop into the foyer for a coffee.

The centre is open to everyone weekdays from 9.00am to late evening. At weekends it is understood the opening hours will depend on the bookings for Saturday and Sunday.

As well as these facilities the centre is used by two churches and a post office.

HCC treasurer, Colin Tearle said: "The new board is working hard to bring the formerly underused building into a flagship community centre, not just for Hawkinge but the whole area.

"The increased use will boost the financial standing enabling us to improve the facilities for the benefit of everyone in the area.

"The board is there to manage the building and it is up to the groups what activities they provide. We are keen to see a mix of groups and will actively promote a policy where all ages are catered for."