Joan Nock and Graham Hird

The New St Matthew's Centre        BOOKINGS

Are all Pioneer readers aware that St Matthew's has opened a spanking new Community Centre? The former Church Hall, just across the green from the Church, has been refurbished with over half a million pounds of regeneration grants and is now open for business. I asked Joan Nock and Graham Hird, two of the leading lights in the project, to tell us what it's all about...

How long has this project taken?

Joan: It's been more than six years since the we started. It's taken ages to work through all the complex requirements of the grant system. Several times the door seemed to shut in our face. But God opened a new one every time.

Why did you invest so much time and effort? What kept you going?

Graham: The vision! At the outset we only wanted to turn our underutilised building into use, but we soon realised that it could become a place for the whole community, a Centre we could be proud to invite people into, and a way in which St Matthew's could serve others.

The warm and welcoming Function Room

What kind of facilities are on offer?

Joan: We have a large room which can take up to 100, a professionally equipped kitchen, a medium room which seats 40, and several smaller rooms. Downstairs there's a Youth Centre with room for 100, a stylish coffee area and a domestic style kitchen. There are full baby changing facilities and two lifts giving disabled access to every part of the Centre.

Who is using the Centre at present?

Graham: Walsall Operatic Society, French Classes, a Family History Group, Guides, our Asian Congregation, Ladies'  Group, Craft Group, Offices for the Church Links Project and our own Church Office, Blue Coat School for performing arts workshops, a Toddler Group, our new children's dance group called Dignity, Youth Club, Youth Drop-ins, Youth socials, and one-off events such as conferences, courses, parties, training events and social functions...

The light and airy entrance

Can you sum up in a sentence why St Matthew's Centre is a great venue?

Joan: It's a supremely attractive, practical and comfortable building.

Graham: Location - it's right on the edge of town, handy for the market and the new Asda when it opens, and you can park your car!