Hard rock cafe a shining light (From Gazette Series)

Hard rock cafe a shining light

8:20am Monday 18th June 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

WORK is underway to transform a former charity shop in Yate into a vibrant community centre.

Christ the Rock Christian Fellowship hopes to reopen the closed Candle Shop, in Station Road, as a multi-use community building called The Candle next month.

The centre, in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, will offer anybody, young and old, a drop-in internet cafe, counselling sessions, learning classes and much more still to be decided by the centre's committee.

The committee decided what should be in the centre from questionnaire responses and interviews with local people.

Christ the Rock minister and committee member Rev George Baxter said: "This is a facility set in place by the church but driven by the local community.

"It will be a shining light people can turn to for help and guidance as well as a bit of fun.

"Ultimately I believe this facility will change people's lives."

The facility will be split into three sections - a drop in cafe, activities room and a counselling room.

Voluntary groups will be able to use the centre's rooms for monthly meetings.

Members have hinted the facility could also end a four-year wait in the town for a youth cafe.

The committee has, like the town council, found the majority of youngsters want a cafe for themselves in the town.

A cafe in the facility would prove the answer to the council's long search for a suitable site and offer youngsters a place to meet in the evenings.

Rev Baxter said: "We have a list of what we want to see in the centre but we are still open to ideas.

"At the end of the day this is for the community so we would like to see them take ownership and get involved. That way it has a much better chance of being a success."

The building is rented by the fellowship on a 15-year lease and it is hoped the facility may soon be able to pay for itself.

Hanson, Cemex, Hollisters and Muarry Tool Hire have all contributed to help build the centre through money and materials.

Rev Baxter said: "Not only have we had a fantastic response from the community but also from local businesses who are keen to help us out.

"But we are still on the look out for more help and anyone who wants to get involved in the next big thing in the town."

If you think something should be offered at the facility or would like to help, call Rev Baxter on 07841754406.