For those of you who aren’t aware there a heap of groups and classes held at the Park Community Centre every week. Some are free, some have a small cost. Here is a small example of what is on offer…. To see the whole variety then have a look at their web site www.theparkarea.co.uk .

Yoga classes are going to be held at the Park Community Centre from September 14th 2012. I know this is quite a bit of advance warning, but these classes get booked up really quickly. If you would be interested in joining in, and would like more information then please contact the instructor Kayla on 07919 001505 and leave your details for her, or alternatively leave your contact information at the Community Centre, when you pop in to use their FREE internet on their FREE pcs, or buy a few books, or even pick up a seagull proof refuse sack.

The Waterside Singers now meet up every Monday from 2.30 until 3.00pm. New Singers are always welcome. If you would like to join in then just come along and join in this friendly group, songs are learnt mostly by repetition, and are taught at a steady pace, and before you know it you are making music. The first session is always free, so you can get to see if they suit you and after there is a small charge of £2.00 to cover costs.

The Park District Youth Club meets every Tuesday between 6.30 and 8.30 and is for school years 6 to 9. Subs are a mere 50 pence and a tuck shop is available. They offer pool, snooker, table-tennis, table football, computer gaming or just chatting and listening to music. This term we are holding fund raising events and organising trips to the park and beach. We are always looking for Volunteer Helpers and no experience is required as there is a fully trained Youth Worker in charge. All you need is enthusiasm and a will to help.

On Tuesday from 1pm to 2pm there is “Exercise to Music for Over 50’s “ Do you want to improve your health, strength, balance and overall wellbeing? Yes! Well come along on a Tuesday and try out our class. First session is always FREE!

No special equipment is needed. Just wear something that is comfortable and will allow free movement. Suitable footwear is a must – comfort, support and non-slip. The class is run by a qualified instructor, Elaine South, who has been teaching since 2003 – specialising in more mature adults since the beginning of 2009. Elaine can be contacted on 01929 462916/07967 203581 or by emailing her on elaine@dufonis.demon.co.uk .

A new Whist Drive has started at the Park Community Centre, Chelmsford Street. It runs on Thursdays from 2.30 until 4.00pm. The cost is £2.00 a session which includes refreshments.

On Thursdays from 7.30 until 9.30pm The Gateway Club meet up, they offer a variety of activities for people with learning difficulties or are in some sort of sheltered accommodation. The group is run by Shirley Snell who can be contacted on 01305 784101 or 07780602954 . Previous activities have included visits to the theatre, ten pin bowling, dance mats, as well as generally meeting up and chatting together.

On Fridays there are free dance mat exercise classes, The sessions start from 1pm and run until 3pm, This is a class that you just do at your own pace. Again, there are no difficult routines to learn, in fact all you end up doing is remembering which is your left and right leg and improving your co-ordination.if you feel that would be too difficult for you there is even the option of doing the moves on a soft carpeted surface. If you have a young child or baby, the centre offers a crèche /soft play facility. Since the Mother and Toddler group closed down after Xmas this has been an excellent way for Mums, Dads and child carers to keep fit, whilst chatting with others and seeing their children mix and play. There is no need to book your dance mat.

Finally - The Diamond Jubilee Street Party has been so successful it is now fully booked up, volunteers are always needed however, so if you want to come along and give a hand, or even do something that will add a little extra information to your next job or college application form then please do consider volunteering your services.

This is only a small part of what does happen at this vibrant centre, Next time I’ll bring the rest.