HOPE springs eternal at a community centre in Malton.
It has been just over a year since Rev Andy Boxall opened the doors to Hope Central on Castlegate with a mission to ’serve the people of Ryedale.’
His overall aim is to complement other voluntary orgainisations in the district through a wide variety of resources, training and support and by offering a place where all ages can come and relax.
“We wanted a place that people enjoy coming to that is warm, welcoming and friendly and we wanted to appeal to a wide range of ages - 20s, 30s, 40s and so on,” he said.
The Elim Ryedale Church minister and a team of volunteers have restored and renovated both floors of the former shop to now include three meeting rooms which are available for hire, two offices and a recently-opened cafe area with internet access.
Rev Boxall, a married father of two, said: “It has been a slow build really, especially with the cafe. We have had great reports from people when they come in. It is now just a case of getting people to come in and have a look and see what it is like. Most people are surprised at the quality of what we have to offer and that’s really encouraging - we wanted the wow factor”
Hope Central, initially funded by the church and private donations, now offers a wide variety of free community events - all of which are run by local volunteers. It has after school clubs, a free foot care session with a chiropodist, English Lessons for foreign nationals, meetings for parents and tots and the over 55s as well as quiz nights and board games club, among other events.
An independent debt advice centre is also due to open later this month led my six trained volunteers. “We are trying to find what the needs are of the community,” said Rev Andy Boxall. “Rather with me coming out with loads of ideas, we want to discover what skills our volunteers have and match that with the community needs. Anybody and everybody is welcome - if there is a resource that you can make use of, please please do so.”
Originally from Bichester, near Oxford, Rev Andy Boxall has worked at Lectchworth Garden City, Kensington Temple in London and Watford and is now enjoying his “exciting, but challenging” role at Hope Central.
“It is exciting to see what we dreamed about on paper become a reality,” he said. “When we started we had no money but money came in and everything you see is now paid for. It is exciting to see everything come to fruition - despite the obstacles and difficulties we have faced. “Now we need to get the word out there and make it buzz with people. On the days we have got lots of people it is absolutely fantastic. To see them enjoying themselves is just great.”
Article in the Malton and Pickering Mercury
Wednesday 4th February 2009
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