The Eastgate Centre

In 1876 the Methodist chapel was built in Eastgate Street, and continued to be used for worship unit 1997 when the small congregation finally closed the doors.  After much fund raising the hall was bought and refurbished, opening for use in January 2000 as a meeting place for the Elmham Scouting and Guiding groups, and for other community use within the area to complement the facilities offered by the Institute and Sports pavilion. The Eastgate Centre was born!

The Centre has proved an ideal venue for the uniformed groups, who meet regularly each week, and others have used it from time to time.  But despite various efforts the heating has always

seemed inadequate.  A small roof repair in 2009 revealed why – the high chapel roof was totally without insulation, just the tiles, felt and thin planking.  Now we knew where all the heat was going!  Efforts began to improve the situation, and last year a grant was obtained from the Big Lottery Fund to install a lower ceiling with deep insulation and new lighting.  The effect has been dramatic, not only increasing the warmth and efficiency of the heating, but also improving the general brightness of the hall, so that visitors are left with the impression of a light, attractive venue.

Each week Beavers, Cubs and Guides meet in the Eastgate Centre, providing fun and challenging activities for around 70 local children.  A peep through the keyhole might see them rushing around enjoying an energetic game, tackling a tricky craft or construction project, cooking meals or cakes for their Chefs badge, acting out a scene, or preparing for a camp or holiday.  On brighter evenings good use is made of the adjoining Village Green for games and scavenger hunts, or the car park for learning fire lighting skills ready for summer camps and cook outs.  

In the weeks before Christmas Beavers and Guides designed, decorated and stitched over 40 fabric pennants which have been sent off as gifts for athletes coming to the Olympics and Paralympics next summer.  Carrying on the Olympic theme, Guides worked in patrols to use a variety of strange materials to construct a new Olympic sports venue – with results ranging from an attractive Horse Riding arena to one for the new sport of Haggis Hunting!  6 Elmham Guides are very excited to be joining with others from Dereham to attend the opening ceremony and 2 days of events at the Paralympics this August, staying for a week close to London and taking in the sights too.

The Centre has a good sized hall with a modern domestic style kitchen, plus a small car park and disabled access.  It is an ideal venue for group meetings or private parties, with plenty of tables and chairs and access to the field for outside games – worth considering for children’s parties if you need more space than you have at home, and no worries about spilling things on the carpet!   Daytime or evening bookings are available for both regular and occasional events, contact Heather on 01362 668245 to find out more.

Marion Morgan