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New Tarka community centre is named and opened by local resident, Dawn Reed.

Tarka Housing resident, Dawn, won a competition to name and open the new Tarka-funded United Community Centre in Northam.  Dawn was presented with a digital video camera.

Dawn Reed said, “I am excited that United Community Centre will bring the community together and put on a range of activities to suit everyone.”  Tarka provided the community centre in Northam, near Bideford, so that all 400 residents from across the area can benefit from a venue that could host a range of activities.

The launch event was a really fun day thanks to entertainment from Merlin, face painting, lots of prizes and a lovely lunch.

These activities will include events put on in partnership with lots of local agencies and organisations.

Paul Raeburn of Tarka Housing said, “This is a great example of the local community tenants working with Tarka and Westcountry Maintenance Services (WMS) to develop a community centre which will provide activities and services to benefit not just the local area but Northam.”

A management committee is being established to work with Tarka to manage and improve the community centre.  A resident committee will manage the bookings.

Tarka Housing offers huge thanks to Westcountry Maintenance Services (WMS) who carried out the work; and to Premier Kitchens, AKW Medicare, Plumb Centre, and CTD Tiles who all donated labour or materials. The community centre has been adapted from a former flat.

United Community Centre has a large central space, large kitchen facilities, disabled toilet / wet room.  The community centre will be available for private bookings by local groups, please contact Paul Raeburn at Tarka Housing on 01237 428080 whilst the management committee is being set up.

New Chair of Tarka Tenants Panel

 

Hi! My name is Julia Bowden I am 43 years old. I live in Broadwoodwidger, which is near Roadford Lake. I was a teacher and childminder and have had various other jobs.
 
I first got involved with Tarka as I felt rural areas were sometimes forgotten and I wanted to change that. I have four children aged between 15 and 21.
 
I became a resident Auditor two years ago and have since joined other resident panels and am now Chair of the Tenant Panel. I am also a debt counsellor.
 
I hope other tenants feel that they can also make a difference by getting involved and having their say, I would be glad to talk to anyone about the ways in which they can do that.