THE Canberra Youth Centre saw young people flock back to the club on Spa Road after it was reopened this month by Young Melksham.
Local youth work charity Young Melksham had been running a weekly youth club at the Adventure Centre in King George V park since the Canberra was shut down last year by Wiltshire Council.
“It’s fantastic to see so many young people coming down and enjoying the facilities we have been able to create for them,” said local councillor and chair of trustees at Young Melksham, Jon Hubbard and one of the people behind the campaign to re-open the centre.
“It’s amazing that we have been able to get Canberra open again for the next two years. I’d like to especially thank my fellow trustees for the hard work that has gone into making this happen, and especially to Ceri Evans, the community youth officer, who has been so helpful in helping set things up.
“We will be opening a second evening on Thursdays in the new year and also a satellite club at Bowerhill on a Wednesday evening. We will also be running a shuttle service using the minibus part-funded by the Melksham Local Youth Network to help young people from the surrounding villages to be able to come to the club.
“I’m hoping we will be able to find some more volunteers who can help make the club happen, especially with driving the minibus and acting as a chaperone on the bus.”
The centre officially reopened on Tuesday 3rd November, and now has a regular club from 6.30pm every Tuesday. The sessions have already proved a hit with young people; 32 visited the club last week when they made chicken curry, and had use of a pool table, table tennis, Wii games and computers.
Lilly, 13, said, “I’m happy that Canberra has re-opened, it’s better than the Boaty and there’s a lot more things to do.” Sam, 11, said, “It’s fun to be able to hang out with your friends and do a lot of activities.” Brad, 14 said, “The place is better here, we can do our revision and work using Young Melksham’s free WiFi.” Kelci, 12, said, “It’s good to have somewhere safe to go and chill with friends, play on the Wii dance, play games of pool and cooking.”
To find out about helping with the youth club or with the minibus contact Angie at Young Melksham on 01225 667327 or angie@youngmelksham.org.uk or find more details online at www.youngmelksham.org.uk
