Group’s mission to bring community together

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Members of the community and volunteers outside St Peter's Church

A steering group keen to get more people using the space available at St Peter’s Church in Newbold have started hosting a coffee morning, a luncheon club and a Zumba class – and are planning to introduce more activities.

St Peter’s Multicultural Community Project aims to get members of the community involved with different groups, have fun, socialise and learn.

The group formed last July because they recognised the need for a community space.

In September they celebrated the Church’s restoration and vowed to get residents involved.

With the help of various grants the Church’s community space now has a fitted kitchen, carpets and heating and is the ideal place to meet.

The group have started holding Zumba classes on a Tuesday and are open all day on a Wednesday for coffee and lunch.

The activities are only in their second week and are already proving popular.

However, this is just the start for the group, they are now trying to find out what classes, activities and events the community want to take part in.

They are keen to spread the message that they are there and are encouraging people to join in.

Church Warden, Mary Price, said things are starting look how she imagined them to.

She said: “We wanted to be seen in the community. The Church was only used on a Sunday morning and a Wednesday evening – it was exclusive in a way.”

Ms Price, a retired midwife, is putting in several hours to help build the project up.

“We want to reduce social isolation, bring the community together and be a support group to each other.

“Lets all work together,” said Ms Price.

She added: “We are on a roll; we are just waiting to see what else surprises us.”

Sharon Taylor, who has been involved since the start, said: “We want to get people in and get their ideas. There are so many things we could do but we need to know what people want and need.

“We are keen for people to get on board.

“It is usable for everyone. Times are hard and people need something like this, somewhere to go.

“Hopefully it will really take off and it will be brilliant.”

The group are looking at putting on self defence classes, cooking demonstrations, birth support groups, housing advice, keep fit classes, a Asian women’s group, employment support and much more.

To find out more visit: http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/saint-peter-church-newbold