The Abbey Centre has been providing much-needed services and activities since 1948, fulfilling the requirement for a community-based organisation in the local area.
Originally founded in July 1948 as the Abbey Community Association, the aim was to rekindle the sense of community that had emerged during the end of the 2nd World War but was then felt to be in decline. Today we aim to serve our local residents at the same time as bringing together our ever evolving and diverse community.
Throughout its history, the Abbey Centre has developed and offered activities and services of staggering variety. The 1950 Annual Report lists activities including a ‘Television Club for Older People’, ‘The Marsham Club for the Physically Handicapped’ and a ‘Young Wives Club’ through to the ‘Therapeutic Group for Those with Gambling Associated Problems’.
In 1991 we moved to our current, purpose-built building. For the next few years, the Abbey struggled with the higher costs of running the new building and the Board and staff concentrated on raising the funds required mainly through room hire. This activity has transformed into The Abbey Centre, a highly successful conference facility that provides considerable extra funding to support our community activities.