News

The new directors of the Hawkinge Community Centre appear to have the midas touch, with the last three months accounts recording a trading profit.

It was thought last year by some that the business was about to close, but it has now witnessed a remarkable turn around.

Community Centre treasurer Colin Tearle said: " Policy changes have led to more business, in fact it is up by 50 per cent in April. Services too have increased without having a major impact on the overheads.

"For the third month running there has been a trading profit which has allowed inherited debts to begin to be repaid.

"It is my view that if this increase in business and the control of overheads had not taken place, the Community Centre would now be in liquidation.

"There is a new Community Centre spirit, with members of the new board rolling up their sleeves and working in the centre to help keep it going."

As an indicator to the prestige the centre is gaining, on 4 June it will be open for voting in the the County Council elections, and the European elections.

Not only is it being used for villagers to cast their votes, but the £1.8m centre has also been selected to hold the election counts for the European, Kent County Council, Dover and Shepway District Council and numerous Town and Parish Council elections on the following Friday and Sunday.