Autumns News from The Park District

It’s been a long while coming as many of the clubs and the general happenings that go towards making the Centre a thriving little community have been on a summer break, others are just recharging their batteries.

Just in case you have never heard of the place, or are new to the area, here is a snippet about the centre.

Located in Chelmsford Street, the opposite end to the Railway Station, the Park Community Centre inhabits the Old Church Hall that belongs to the St Johns Church.  It’s been a long while now since the Waterside Forum moved lock stock and barrel into the building, but it is surprising how many times I get stopped in the street by people walking around trying to find it. There is disabled access, and toilets for the disabled, but only on the ground floor/ The Forum are investigating ways of making the first floor more accessible to everyone, but for the moment it’s a lot of money, and even more nervous contractors/builders and installers. SO watch this space for developments there. Unfortunately , as is the case with everywhere in this area, parking is  only available on the streets, and  the area is subject to residential parking  restrictions as well, but you can have an hours parking without fear of being ticketed. Or alternatively there are car parks by and around the railway station which can be used by anyone who pays.

The Community Centre offers coffee, second hand books, free computer and internet access, a shoulder to lean on, information and advice every morning of the week, generally the centre is open from 10 until 12 noon, they would love to open longer but simply do not have enough volunteers for this to be a reality, unless of course YOU KNOW BETTER! There is a heap of information present at the centre and likewise if you would like to put your leaflets there as well just drop them in.

The centre has a main hall on the ground floor which can be hired out for birthday  parties , the centre have a bouncy castle, a well equipped kitchen, everything you need for a party, and the hall can also be hired out for anyone wanting to start a class/workshop in the area. Again you will need to contact the centre to find out when the hall is free, but  email the centre to find out theparkarea@btconnect.com or use the form on their website .

Throughout the days and evenings there are a wide range of activities, although the centre is not open in the afternoons or evenings as a Community Centre, it does host activities and workshops throughout the week, and although most of these had a break for the summer, they are about to start up once more with a vengeance, so dust off that friendly smile, and pop along , there is sure to be something that would keep you interested. If you want even more information then have a look on the centres website  www.theparkarea.co.uk  there you can see all manner of  things that the community and the centre have been involved in.

Waterside Singers…… This is the Community Choir. You don’t have to be able to do anything, except turn up. I even heard a rumour you don’t need to be able to sing in tune, keep a rhythm going, or read music. Anna is the Choir Mistress who is very experienced at teaching people things they never knew possible, (I myself have experienced her teaching technique first hand when she fills in for The “Singing for The Brain” classes for the Alzheimer society at the Salvation Army Hall on Westham Rd every other Tuesday afternoon.) The Choir is currently resting their vocal chords, but are due to start warming up again on Monday  September 14 2015 sessions start at 2pm and run for 90 minutes. They would love to have more singers come along and join in. I have seen them leave after a good session and they always have a smile on their faces and are laughing and chatting with each other. They sing all manner of songs, last time I popped my head around the door they were singing” Uncle Tom Cobbley and All” I have heard sea shantys, songs from the 60s, 70s, etc. as well as more folk style music. So if that hasn’t wetted your appetite to go along and give them a try, they would love to see you there.

Table Tennis – It only seems like yesterday when Dave Burchill was getting all excited over his “ball delivery system”, and it has obviously worked as now, (for the First Time Ever!)  They are going to enter teams to join the Weymouth Table Tennis League!, this starts in September and if you think  you would like to join in /take part then please contact John Ryan or Monique on 07767 445205. If you think you’re not up to that standard but simply want to try your hand at this sport then there is nothing stopping you, the club has a real mixture of abilities from absolute beginners upwards, all equipment is supplied and you will be most welcome, sessions run on Wednesdays from 7 until 8.30pm and Thursdays from 12 Noon until 2pm.

Whist – there are always a good selection of people who like nothing better than to sit around a table, passing the time of day while being just ever so slightly competitive. On Thursdays there is a Community Whist Drive from 2.15 until 5pm. There is an entry fee of £2.00 but this does includes tee coffee and cash prizes.

P.D.Y. (Park District Youth) - On July 28th the Youth Club had its Annual Outing – this time we went to Chessington World of Adventure.

Leaving Weymouth at 7.00 a.m. was an adventure in itself for some of our teenage members! After hold-ups on the M3 we finally arrived at Chessington   shortly after 10.30 then the fun began! All members were able to do their own thing -  provided they checked in periodically with members of staff who were keeping a beady eye out for them all round the park. Everyone had a brilliant time with lots of fun, and this year, NO RAIN. We arrived back about 8.30pm, with some very tired youngsters. Who knows where the Annual Outing will take us 2016?

Antonia would like to say a big “Thank You” to all those loyal members who come along each week and make this such a rewarding job and to the supportive parents who fetch and take each Tuesday evening. Not forgetting our volunteers especially Dave Burchill and Lily Markwell – “thank you so much.”

The new term starts on: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2015

School Years 6 and 7 from 5.30 to 7.30

School Years 8 upwards from 7.30 to 9.30

If you like pool, air hockey, X Box, Karaoke and crafts and other activities then come along and see us it’s a great opportunity to make new friends

Community Quiz – Every  month or 6 weeks the Community Centre Hosts the Community Quiz, The last  quiz was held on Saturday July 18, 52 locals turned up and became 9 teams for a hugely entertaining evening. This event was organised by John and Carol and Sue were the Quiz Masters. It was once again a closely fought contest with “Vals Team” becoming the eventual winners with “Avenue Road”  the runners up and “Famous Five” being the Mystery Prize winners.

As is the case every time  , quizzes are held on a Saturday and start from 7pm, entry fee is £3.50 and this includes the cash prize and a delicious buffet. If you want to bring a bottle with you to help lubricate the grey cells, then feel free, just remember you need to bring a method of opening it, and something to drink it from.

The next quiz is on Saturday September 19 2015 at 7pm. Who can knock “Vals Team” off the leader board?   http://theparkarea.co.uk/Community_Quiz.html  

You don’t need to be a team, you can come along as you are, and on the night you will find a team ready and willing for your input. So don’t be shy, come and show them what you’re made of!

Gardens -   Never has the Park Area resembled its name more beautifully. I am proud to live in such a lovely area, and this year it seems that despite the weird weather we have been experiencing, our hanging baskets and wall troughs have been a delight to view and smell. There is a good selection of all the gardens/ baskets/troughs etc on the Park Area Blog  http://theparkarea.blogspot.co.uk/    I found one tiny little walk around 3 roads in the area, on the community centres web site. Have a look and see if you can attach the personality of the gardeners with their gardens. I have been told my efforts truly represent my personality!

Volunteers required.

It’s not only the Park Community Centre, looking for Volunteers, any age, any sex. It has become noticeable that many of our volunteers are of the silver haired variety and would like to take things a bit easier and perhaps enjoy the facilities more than being on the go all the time. However we really do need to have an influx of volunteers to allow them to enjoy the facilities they have helped to maintain over the years. If you’re out of work, why not come on down and volunteer a bit of your time, (It will always look good on your CV)  or if you have some time to spare or perhaps would like to dip your toe back in the water again, they would love to have you join in. The bonus is you will always be first to know what the latest workshops, events etc are going to be and when, also you get to put your views and suggestions forward as well, to help make the centre a thriving community concern for all to use.  For Park Community Centre Volunteers ring 01305 839579 or send them an email on theparkarea@btconnect.com

Age UK Dorchester are also seeking more volunteers in the Weymouth area. Our aim is to: Establish social contacts for older people in the community. Get people active outside their homes & Visit clients at home once a week. So if you

Like meeting and listening to people
Have a good sense of humour!

 Please contact Lisa Holmes on 01305 269444

“Lets Make It”

The Lets Make It workshops  have a Community Group that Meet at the Park Community Centre and this summer have presented the Women’s Refuge with a cheque for £605.00 which was raised by selling knitted chicks with small eggs inside them. This now brings the total donation value to various charities to OVER £4,000 in the past 8 years. None of which could be carried out without the kindness of Ladies & Gentlemen of Weymouth & Portland and their desire to help others. And the kindness of everyone who participated or bought the chick and ate the egg. I bought my husband one for his Easter egg (as well as one for myself) and awoke on Easter Sunday to discover my chick was decidedly deflated and had lost a large amount of weight. It was suggested it may be a case of “Foot n Mouth” or “Bird Flu”.

“Lets Make It “ are a very small committee and really would love more people to join us. We meet every other month to chat about craft ideas and how we can involve new people. If you can spare a few hours and would like to help – we would love to hear from you.

Let`s Make It Community Group Amy, Joy, Julie, Gill, Marion, Jo, Joan, John, Mary, Moira.

So to recap, there are workshops, sports, clubs and choirs to take part in, there is a huge need for more volunteers to help all this remain in place. It all works together to help us all have a pride in the area we live in. This in no way diminishes the value the current volunteers have to the centre, it’s just if we had a few more think how great the facilities could be. Everyone has individual talents and expertise, and if you could bring yours along it would be truly appreciated.

Until next time.

Debs