Volunteers celebrate two years of the Swindon Hub
The Swindon Community Hub is celebrating two years since it first opened this week - a space that's welcomed over 20,000 people in the short time it's been open
Volunteers at Swindon's town centre community hub are celebrating the facility being open for two years this week.
In that time, they've welcomed over 20,000 visitors to the centre, which has hosted more than 45 community groups.
They're marking the event with a new book, called 'Words from the Hub', which has solely been written by those who have attended their creative writing group, held at the site every Wednesday morning.
It's not just creative writing that goes on at the community hub, though - from meetings and events, to workshops, training sessions, or just offering a space for people to relax - the team have worked hard to transform the once-empty shopping unit into an an inclusive space for all.
Back in November 2021, the Swindon Hub opened its doors for the very first time - after nearly a year of planning and organising by a group of volunteers, all committed to seeing a town-centre space where people could relax, learn, share ideas and create change.
One of the volunteers who has been involved since the very start is Jol Rose. He said it was both a 'challenge and massive achievement' to have done so much in two years.
He added: “The Hub volunteers are its lifeblood. They make the place tick, but each of us gets so much from being involved - new friends, new skills - it’s a great experience all round."
Pearl Barcoe has also volunteered at the Hub since it opened, with her role meaning she helps to coordinate events, as well as being challenged with running all the Hub’s social media.
She said: “It’s been wonderful to see the Hub grow and develop - we’re happy that events like Vegan Fair, Paint Fest and Swindon Open Studios have chosen to make the Hub their base for town-centre activities."
It's all about regenerating the town centre, with the community centre actively working to target the problem of empty shops with new community-focussed activities.
And now, just two years on, it seems like they're already looking to take on a brand-new challenge.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Chair of the Hub trustees Hazel Newson said: “We are currently looking for a second space to take on - to help expand our activities and make sure we have security for the future.
“Hopefully we’ll find another space in the town centre that needs the Hub magic.”
The book, being published by the team of creative writers, will be the first book published by the Hub.
Sharon Thomas, founder of the creative writing group, said: “Creative writing is therapeutic, cathartic, healing and sometimes just fun. Each one of us has creative abilities - somehow we often forget that."
It's published with support from ARTSWORDS, a Swindon-based programme to promote literature, run by Lower Shaw Farm in partnership with Arts Council England and Swindon Borough Council.
On Wednesday (November 8), there will be a day of activities to celebrate the book launch, starting at 10.30am. Between 4 a 7pm, there will be a 'meet-and-greet', with live music and Indian cuisine on offer too.
Swindon Hub can be found at 36 The Parade. Anyone wanting more information or not able to attend in person can contact the Hub at info@swindonhub.org.uk
People can find more information about Swindon Hub on Facebook or via their website.