Community associations and social clubs, I thought, were something that belonged to yesteryear – in the sitcoms and dramas of the 1970s. So I was amazed to discover a truly representative and thriving community association and social club in Whitton near Twickenham in West London.
Founded in 1966 and still going strong it has activities for just about every member of the community – kids, youths, adults, seniors, hobbyists, slimmers, fitness fans, dancers, ethnic groups and those with special needs (e.g. Parkinson’s Disease Society, “Enable Me” Mencap singing and acting classes and the Whitton PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) Youth Club).
Apparently, members (and it costs £15 a year to join) are drawn from a number of neighbouring towns including Teddington, Richmond, Hounslow, Feltham, Hampton, Sunbury, Addlestone, Bedfont and Kingston. And it soon became clear why they came.
Coffee mornings for seniors
Nestled between a brand new health centre and a fast-expanding secondary school (with which it shares car parking space), the Whitton Community Association is deceptively small from the outside. It’s a bit like a tardis.
I enter the building and am immediately greeted by Bron from the office who takes me to meet Iris, a long standing volunteer. She is clearing up cups and cakes from the Wednesday Coffee Morning (1030am – 12pm - £1 for tea/coffee and 50p for some of the delicious home baked cakes – there were at least five and I spied an impressive looking Victoria sponge amongst them).
You don’t have to be a member to come in for coffee (or the classes) and whilst there is a predominance of seniors at this particular weekly event (some of whom also belong to the Over 50s Fun Club), it’s a good chance to come along and meet people and take a look around.
Trimble Lounge Bar and socials
We are in the substantial lounge bar (named after co-founder Dick Trimble) – which has a traditional carpet and lots of union flag decorations left over from the various summer celebrations. Drinks are subsidised here and kids (up to age 12) are allowed in until 9pm in the evening.
There are notices on some of the walls – there’s a fancy dress “Heroes and Villains” event on 17th November which includes a DJ. There are also various coach holidays and outings advertised.
There's also the ability to bring out a large screen for major events that are covered by terrestrial TV – which had a lot of use during the Olympics and is very popular during the rugby season when there are also special offers on beer. And live music is available every other Saturday.
Fox Room – Youth Café and Kids Parties
This room is like a studio and is where the council-run Youth Café takes place each Thursday afternoon. There’s a serving area which makes it popular for those who are organising children’s parties £60 for three hours hire fees). There are also moveable bookcases for the Heathfield Library that are wheeled away when not in use. Some of the fitness classes – like Zumba – take place in here as well as Table Tennis evenings.
Main hall – and two adjoining rooms
The main hall is immense – a large rectangular space with upper windows providing lots of light. There’s a stage area on one side. I’m told it is a popular venue for large wedding parties. I remember bringing my kids along to mixed adult and child karate classes when they were young and which apparently still runs on a Sunday. They’ve since added kick-boxing classes.
For those who prefer more elegant past times there are also the line dancing and modern sequence dancing (have a go at Strictly Come Dancing yourself!).
There’s a sliding partition that leads to a smaller room with another smaller fully equipped bar (Catley Room). And this leads through to a further studio-like room (I think this one was called the Hewitt Room) which has a ballet barre along one side and a mirror wall and windows on the other side. There’s also a piano for those who are musically inclined. This is where there are ballet classes for children of various ages take place as well as one of the Pilates classes and the Yoga class.
Hewitt Room – smaller clubs and hobbyists
This smaller room which contains a number of tables is used by the modelling club, dress making group, upholstery classes, the very active local photographic club, the Bridge Club, some of the slimming clubs and the amateur radio club. There really is something for everyone here. For those who are keen to top-up their schooling, there are Maths and English classes too.
Create your own class?
Some of the activities (sections) are organised by the Whitton Community Association but many are organised by the groups themselves. As the hire fees for the rooms are so reasonable (from £1.50 per person per visit for clubs, or from £12 per hour for a small function room or £31 per hour for the large function hall and bar) they are hoping that some new groups and classes will be set up. The only thing that I could see missing from the busy programme was a Mother and Toddler group…and there are already baby changing facilities in place.
Fundraisers
The centre used to receive funding from Richmond council but now relies entirely on membership, class fees and hire revenues although it is hoping to get a grant to refurbish the large kitchen which is currently only used for heating and serving food rather than cooking.
The general décor is surprisingly fresh and clean and the upkeep of the place is maintained by two caretakers and an evening doorman. And I mustn’t forget to mention the small army of volunteers who give their free time so generously to help with the various sections, clubs and events.
It’s such a fantastic centre that we should ensure that it gets all the support it needs to continue to serve us in the local community. They are holding a table top sale on Saturday 8th December where you can hire a table to sell off stuff you no longer want – a bit like an inside Car Boot sale.
Further details: www.whitcomassoc.org.uk – But please note that Graham and Clive are currently in the process of updating the web site so contact [email protected] or call 020 8894 4452 if you can’t find what you need.
