Wantage Civic Hall given new lease of life

Wantage Civic Hall has been given a new lease of life thanks to the introduction of new facilities and events.

The alterations have been made following a number of suggestions from members of the public who attended an open day held at the Civic Hall in February.  The event, which local people and businesses were invited to, was organised as a way of getting people’s views on the facility and ideas about how it could be improved for the local community.

Changes already in place are:

  • the flooring and chairs in the café area have been replaced
  • a fresh coffee machine has been installed
  • free Wi-Fi has been installed for use by visitors to the building
  • the look of the outside of the building has been improved
  • new options are in place for catering for functions and events.

New “Monkey Mayhem” sessions, a Monday morning parent and toddler group run in partnership with Soll Leisure, have also been launched at the Civic Hall.  Monkey Mayhem starts with taster sessions this August before becoming a permanent fixture on the Civic Hall calendar from Monday 5 September.

August also sees a sports clubs open evening, when on 23 August representatives from clubs in and around Wantage are invited to come along and discuss what the venue could offer them and how it should be used during next year’s Olympic Games.  The event takes place between6pmand8pm.

With many more improvements to come over the next few months the Civic Hall is set to become the must-use venue in Wantage.

If you have a suggestion for how the Civic Hall could be improved further please contact the Vale’s Partnership Development Officer Jo Patersonon 01235 540379 or email jo.paterson@southandvale.gov.uk.

CllrElaine Ware, Cabinet Member for Civic Halls at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We have listened to the people of Wantage and are making many changes to the Civic Hall as a direct result of the suggestions that have been put forward.  This is a really exciting time and we hope that existing users will appreciate the work that we are doing and that former users and those who haven’t been there before will be tempted to give the Civic Hall a go.”

Abbey Gardens scoops green flag award again

Abbey Gardens in Abingdon has been judged one of the best parks in the
country after it was awarded Green Flag status for the third year in a
row.

The gardens, which are owned and maintained by the Vale of White Horse
District Council, first scooped the Green Flag Award in 2009 following a
five-year restoration project to transform the site to the way it looked
in its Victorian heyday.

The Green Flag is a national award that recognises parks that are well
maintained and managed with excellent facilities.

Cllr Reg Waite, cabinet member with responsibility for parks, said: “I
am delighted Abbey Gardens has once again received this national
accolade. Council staff and contractors work very hard to keep these
attractive grounds in great condition so they can be enjoyed by both
residents of the district and visitors. This award is something to be
exceedingly proud of.”

The Green Flag Award Scheme is managed by a consortium comprising Keep
Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace. Known collectively as the Green Flag
Plus Partnership, the consortium manages the scheme in England on behalf
of Communities and Local Government.

For more information see www.greenflagaward.org.uk

Wallingford Hockey Club 2011/12 Season

Wallingford Hockey Club are a competitive and friendly hockey club with 6 mens, 3 ladies and mixed teams as well as a successful youth section (the Wildcats) and an active social scene.  We train and play at the Wallingford Sports Park on a recently relaid pitch with parking, changing rooms and clubhouse (with real ale) all on the same site.

Following the great success of last season, with 4 out of 8 senior teams promoted and our junior teams (the Wildcats) winning numerous county and regional tournaments, we are preparing for the 2011/12 season with energy and optimism.  This year we have already added a 6th mens team as well as recruiting a former GB international as our ladies and mens 1st/2nd team coach.

Pre-season fitness training has started at the club on Thursday evenings 7-8pm whilst pitch training will commence in mid August and our annual club day will be on September 4th.  We are looking for new members of all standards to join the fun and help build on the achievement of last season.  All training sessions throughout the club are delivered by qualified coaches. Wallingford Hockey Club tours regularly and is renowned for its friendliness and active social scene.  If you are interested and would like further information please take a look at www.wallingfordhc.org.uk or contact us on wallingfordhc@gmail.com