TRUSTEES at Marden Community Hub are continuing to face an uncertain future with positivity, following the shock news that the landlord of the building they currently occupy, has given them notice to leave.

Marden Community Hub has become a vital resource to our town's more vulnerable residents, supplying hot meals 6 days a week for only £2 for a 2-course meal. It also supports our veterans with a regular Naafi Break on Tuesday mornings where veterans can get together for a chat over free tea and toast. And the hub provides a venue for the Calne Samba Band and other musicians who hold their practice sessions there.

At the beginning of December, Dawn and Carol were left reeling from the news that the landord wanted the group to leave their base in Church Street by the 2nd of January.

Since then, it has been all hands on deck to try and negotiate with the landlord for an extension in order to give them time to try and secure an alternative home for the hub. Cllr Robert MacNaughton has been proactive in arranging legal help and contacting various landlords to discuss potential new sites.

PCSO Mark Cook has also offered his support, he told us: “I was very saddened to hear of the impending loss of premises for the Marden Community Hub.

“Over recent months, Calne Police have worked closely with the new organisers of this facility. We have seen how dedicated their volunteers are in keeping vulnerable people in our community safeguarded and supported.

“Calne officers will regularly signpost individuals to the Marden Hub for support and at their times of greatest need.

“The regular meals, Sunday lunches, a warm safe and friendly space, and company for lonely residents along with the community fridges are just a few things they provide for people who are at times very hard to reach or willing to accept help.

“I would urge the owners of the building to find a way to delay the termination of the lease over the Christmas and New Year period, as facilities such as these will often see their greatest demand over the festive period. This will allow the organisers of the Hub a reasonable time to adjust and relocate to other premises.

“A short delay in closing the building will also allow some of our most vulnerable people to continue to receive the support they have come to rely on so much.

“The services and support the Marden Community Hub provides Calne is a vital lifeline to those who need it the most in our town. If you are aware of any vacant and suitable premises for the Marden Hub to relocate to, please do make contact with them.” 

This week, there was a slightly more positive update as Dawn told us: "The current news is our landlord has listened to us, and has extended our departure time to 20th January. Councillors Robert MacNaughton and Sam Pearce-Kearney, have been brilliant, popping in and getting updates also giving us lots of advice and help. 

"Our main plans at the moment are to have a bumper buffet on Christmas Eve, if anyone wants to come, it’s from 11am to 2 pm, unfortunately we have to charge a minimum donation of £5 a head, which will include a glass of Bucks Fizz. There is still room for a few more. The hub will be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, reopening 27th December, with probably turkey curry on the menu!"

You can find out more about what Marden Community Hub has to offer by visiting their Facebook page here.

 

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