Residents of all ages came together to celebrate the opening of the two latest Connected Communities centres.
Local volunteers and organisations supported the events at Middlewich Methodist Church and Middlewich Victoria Hall (on 22 February).
Cheshire East Council’s communities team is providing ongoing support and guidance to the centres to ensure their continued success. Working with communities enables more residents to be offered improved access to services, as well as a place to meet, get support or learn something new.
Cheshire East Council has invested £150,000 in developing Connected Communities centres and each one is supported by a neighbourhood partnership representing local people as well as a range of agencies, including the police, health services and the voluntary sector. The council plans to establish 30 centres across the borough by the end of this year and 27 have been opened to date.
Mayor of Middlewich Councillor Bill Walmsley and his consort Bernice Walmsley, were joined by Councillor Liz Wardlaw and Councillor Janet Clowes from Cheshire East Council to officially open both centres.
Cllr Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and integration, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages come along to the celebration event at the Middlewich Victoria Hall, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in September. My thanks and congratulations go out to all who have worked so hard to bring this project to fruition – it’s a wonderful achievement.”
A wide range of agencies and organisations were present to demonstrate the enormous breadth of information and support that has been brought together under the umbrella of Connected Communities. There was something for everyone, whatever their age.
Children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, led by Sophie Quinn Jones from the Performing Arts Academy, participated in a dynamic demonstration which showcased various styles of dancing.
Middlewich Methodist Church is now not only a place of worship for more than 60 parishioners but also an important hub for community activity, from weekly coffee mornings and monthly Saturday coffee mornings (many of which support national or local charities). It runs a popular parents’ and toddlers’ group, together with a number of fun activities across the year. All of these events are open to all.
Cllr Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health said: “I am extremely pleased to see Middlewich Methodist Church become the latest of our Connected Communities centres.
“The church is part of Churches Together in Middlewich and supports the local foodbank as well as the Winsford Salvation Army in its work to support our community. I would like to thank all our partners for making the open day a wonderful event and I want to thank all the centres for all the brilliant work they do.”
Pupils of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School’s orchestra demonstrated their talents with a performance during the event.
Both of these venues are ideally placed to be great community resources for residents in Middlewich and will help combat social isolation. Anyone who lives locally is encouraged to pop in and discover more about the clubs, activities and facilities.
To find out more about Connected Communities in Cheshire East visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communities or email: communities@cheshireeast.gov.uk
People can also phone the council’s communities team on 01270 685880.
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