Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, welcomed the formal opening of Hope Corner Community Centre this weekend, a project supported by Barnet Council, Barnet Churches Action, Churches Together for Chipping Barnet and the companies behind the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme, Countryside Properties and London & Quadrant Housing Association.
Hope Corner is the new home for the Valley Centre, which has been providing support to the community in the Dollis Valley area for 24 years. The building was provided by Barnet Council as part of the Dollis Valley regeneration scheme.
The centre will cater for all ages from nought to 90 in the surrounding area, not just the Dollis Valley. The name Hope Corner was chosen by the trustees of Barnet Churches Action, who run the centre, and representatives from the regeneration scheme. The new community centre has front of house café service, drop in, free advice and information, homework clubs, play clubs, space for local groups to meet, tea and tech for seniors, afternoons for seniors to come and meet and talk, and much more.
The opening ceremony was carried out by the Bishop of St Albans, the Bishop of Edmonton and the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster. Theresa and other guests, including council leader, Richard Cornelius, were then given a tour of the new centre. A time capsule was buried in the pavement outside the centre by the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr David Longstaff and centre manager Rosemary Watkins. The day concluded with a community barbeque attended by over 200 residents and friends.
Rosemary Watkins, manager of the centre, said: “We were delighted by the response to the launch, and the comments and support made by all parties. We’ve been running the Valley Centre for 24 years and this reflects the esteem the centre is held in.”
Theresa Villiers, a long term supporter of the Valley Centre, said: “It was great to join Barnet Churches Action for the formal opening of Hope Corner. This project is a very good example of local churches and the council working together to serve the community and provide support to people who really need it. I am delighted that the excellent work of the Valley Centre will continue in its brand new home.”
Theresa attended the 20th anniversary of the Valley Centre in 2011, along with leader of Barnet Council Richard Cornelius. The centre was set up by local Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches working through Barnet Churches Action and Churches Together for Chipping Barnet.