Centre history

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A brief insight into the history of the group

Benton Estate Community Group was formed in May 1997 by a small number of residents who saw the need for a local centre to accommodate people of all ages. Initial group meetings were held in the homes of it's members, until finally after long negotiations with the council, a bungalow, 17 Edenbridge Crescent was leased in February 1998 for the purposes of a community centre.

This new community centre was re-decorated using the help of volunteers, together with numerous fundraising activities to cover costs. Once opened, the centre grew rapidly and in April 1999 a second adjoining bungalow, 19 Edenbridge Crescent, was obtained to accommodate the growing number of residents using the centre, and the different activities being offered.

This was highlighted during the 6-week summer school holidays of 1999, when the group ran it's first Summer School activity session and had some 1200 people (over 130 different individuals) use the centre during this time. During the 2000 Summer School these figures increased by over 50% to 1830 (over 200 different) people, with many coming to use the centre from nearby surrounding estates.

In September 1999 the adjoining wall between both bungalows was knocked down to make it into one building, with the group itself doing most of the work. Further refurbishment then became a priority, and grant applications were made to secure funding for both building repairs and running costs of the centre for the next 3 years. By June 2000 both objectives were achieved, with the building fund providing completely refurbished kitchen, reception and toilet facilities.

Since then a small Computer Suite has been established in one of the rooms, accommodating seven machines which were donated by Communities Learning Together,and regular computer classes are now being held ( see Activities ).

In January 2001 council permission was granted for the Centre to have two further bungalows, 23 and 25 Edenbridge Crescent, and the group is awaiting a new lease and planning permission to begin renovation work ( see New projects ).