Bridgwater Town Council is delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of ReCreation, Hamp, this milestone marks a year of community engagement, support, and growth since the centre’s opening.
Bridgwater Town Council took over the Recreation Community Hub on Rhode Lane, Hamp, from the YMCA Dulverton Group.
The building had lain empty after being closed during the Covid lockdowns.
The Council working with YMCA Dulverton Group acquired it by way of lease in January 2023 and after months of renovation and building work the community hub opened on 11 January 2024 to serve as a community space once again.
ReCreation has quickly become a cornerstone of the South Bridgwater community. It hosts the South Bridgwater Local Pantry, which provides affordable groceries to local residents, helping to alleviate food insecurity in the area.
The centre also offers a variety of weekly sessions, including a Youth Club that provides a safe and engaging environment for young people, Barnardo’s and Co-op Sedgemoor Social Kitchen, Village Agent sessions that offer support and advice to families, Hamp Tots for parents and toddlers to socialise and learn, Health Visitors Healthy Little Ones sessions promoting child health and development, and an over 55’s club that fosters social connections among older residents.
Additionally, over the past year ReCreation has hosted drop-in sessions for Homes in Sedgemoor, Abri Housing Association, Somerset Skills and Learning, Diversity Voice and Hinkley Point C.
These sessions offer valuable information and support on housing, education, language services, and employment opportunities, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources.
The centre even ran a Summer Holiday Lunch Club that provided meals and activities during the summer break.
Seasonal events such as the Easter Fayre, Harvest Festival and Christmas Fayre were also a hit, bringing the community together in celebration and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Cllr Leigh Redman, Hamp Ward Councillor said
“The work happening at ReCreation has had a significant impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in the Hamp area. The activities and support provided for young people are making a real difference, and this is a tremendous benefit to our community.”
Cllr Liz Leavy, Hamp Ward Councillor also commented,
“ReCreation has become a vital part of our community, offering a safe and welcoming space for residents of all ages. It has created a sense of belonging and provided many opportunities for social interaction. I am particularly pleased about the drop-in sessions for older residents involving anything from coffee to games to gentle exercising.”
Cllr Kathy Pearce, Chair of the Pantry Steering Group added
“Happy First Birthday to the Rec! Since Bridgwater Town Council has taken it on, what a lot has been achieved. The building is buzzing with activities and opportunities for all ages. I would urge anyone in the area who has not yet paid a visit, come and see what’s going on. A huge thank you to all those who have worked so hard to make the magic happen.”
Regular ReCreation user group Diversity Voice said,
“Our experience at Hamp has been extremely positive and rewarding. ReCreation offers a haven and safe space for everyone to come together. The location, facilities, and rooms available are great”
Sam Smith who restarted Rhode Lane Wanderers Junior football team said
“Without ReCreation and the support from there, we simply wouldn’t of been able to of restart Rhode Lane Wanderers. Our first signup was held there, and the building was full of young people who wanted to play sport. We look forward to working with Recreation forever and always!”
Bridgwater Town Council looks forward to continuing this journey and expanding the centre’s offerings in the coming years.
You can keep up to date with what is happening at ReCreation by visiting their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ReCreationHubHamp