Tavistock Methodist Circuit has recently employed Ali Mansfield, a qualified teacher, as Horrabridge's community worker, and she is working with the circuit, in co-operation with St John’s Church, to create a Community and Christian Centre for the village in the Methodist Church which has been closed for several years.
The proposal is to open the building as a children's soft play area for 0-12-year-olds, with a children's sensory play area and a comfortable seating area for parents to gather and spend time together, as well as a community lounge/cafe, where friends can meet up and enjoy a hot drink. The centre will work closely with Horrabridge Youth Club and Tavistock Catalyst team, which already works in schools in the area. Once the community centre is open, it is hoped that it will be possible to open a Friday night youth cafe. Horrabridge Cavaliers and the scout and beaver groups have offered to help maintain the outside areas, by cutting back brambles and bushes around the church building and painting the railings.
Ali has been overwhelmed by the number of active groups in the village and has spent time visiting each group to find out what facilities the community would like the new centre to provide. Suggestions to date have included a variety of art and craft sessions and a library for toys, clothes and books. If anyone has any further suggestions for the new community centre, please contact Ali as she is keen to hear from all members of the community so that the centre can support the village in the best possible way. In February she will also be running some house groups within the village:
· Table Talk – an informal group to chat about life's topics and build further friendships.
· Puzzling questions - a space where friends can explore some of life's deeper questions
· Parenting courses for parents with children up to the age of 12, and for parents living with teenagers.
If anyone in the village is interested in joining any of these groups or has further suggestions for the community centre please contact Ali at ali@tmc.me.uk or on 07855794074