THE familiar red doors of the old fire station in Melksham’s Market Place are getting ready to open again as “that meeting space” by GoodNews Church.
The room, formerly known as the ArtHouse Café – which closed last year, is now being repurposed as a place where community and friendship groups can gather together.
“that meeting space” is facilitated by GoodNews Church who are already using the space for some of their own activities.
“Groups have already shown interest in using the space to hold drop-in coffee mornings, and individuals are keen on attending sessions for computer, smartphone and tablet training,” says GoodNews.
“It is a potential venue to welcome young people to come after school for help with studies, especially if they don’t have access to IT at home.
“Everyone was disappointed with the closure of the ArtHouse during the pandemic. The amazing charity café, run by the Rotary Club, raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local groups. Much of the equipment from the ArtHouse has been donated to the Hub Cafe at the train station.
“The town council, who own the building, are currently reviewing all their amenities, and GoodNews Church has taken on the space on a short-term lease while the council deliberates.”
John Firth, from GoodNews Church adds, “We have been so touched by the community spirit demonstrated by so many during the pandemic that we felt that opening “that meeting space” would be a great way to give back and help the community recover.”
The website www.thatmeetingspace.org.uk is still under construction, though it already has an area signposting some of the places to get help within the community.
If you are part of a community group that would like to find out more about using “that meeting space” please call 07389 866714 or email: thatmeetingspace@gmail.com
Picture: John Firth, from GoodNews Church outside “that meeting place”.
Picture: The “that meeting place” logo.
Picture: A GoodNews meeting at “that meeting place”.