A COMMUNITY centre has been saved from closure after volunteers stepped forward to run the committee. As previously reported in The Gazette, Hatch Warren Community Centre was under threat of closing down after it was announced that the entire committee running it was stepping down. Their decision to quit could have resulted in dozens of groups, including Rainbows, blood donor sessions and dance classes, being without a venue. The annual larger festival, which was planned for June 15, had to be cancelled and other events were also at risk of cancellation. Eight jobs were also at risk of redundancy. The members announced they were to step down at the annual general meeting on June 18 because of “work and personal circumstances.” Thankfully, around 70 people turned up to the AGM, many offering their help, and a new committee has now been formed. Tim Boschi, head of community services at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “In total, 19 trustees have been elected and are committed to carrying on the good work of the previous trustees. “The borough council will support the new trustees initially while they establish their roles and responsibilities.” Stu Coleman, from Chatsworth Green, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, has taken on the position of chairman. The 37-year-old father-of-four, who is European managing director for an ad-tech company, said his family had attended events and clubs at the community centre, in Longcross Lane, which is why he offered his help to run it. He added: “The previous committee did an amazing job, but there weren’t enough of them and they didn’t have the time to give.” He said the new committee members had not actually met as a group yet, but told The Gazette: “What we want to try to achieve is to build the things we do with, and for, the community – things that appeal to all ages for the young and older generations.” He added: “We all love to be part of a community, and in the modern age, it’s more difficult than it’s ever been to be social with your neighbours. “I think things like the comm-unity centre bring people together. People like that and want to be involved. The fact 70 people turned up to the AGM is a strong indication of that.” Mr Coleman said people were not aware that the previous committee was struggling, and added: “We would have stepped forward before if we had known.”
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