Marden Community Hub - formerly Calne Central, is a vital resource for our town's more vulnerable residents - they supplied hot meals for those struggling to afford to eat, and a place to belong. Veterans held a regular Naafi Break there, where they could get together for a chat. In short - it was a lifeline to those struggling with loneliness, isolation and mental health.
At the beginning of December, Dawn and Carol recieved notice from the landlord of the Church Street building that they should vacate the premises. Since then, they have been working hard to try and secure an alternative base for the hub.
Trustees have now revealed that they are in the process of negotiating a 3-year lease on new premises, the location of which remains a closely guarded secret for now. Dawn Perkins and Carol Lavery told us: "We promised our lovely people of Calne we will be back and fingers crossed we will be, now sooner rather than later.
"Until this new lease is signed, sealed and delivered we are not divulging the exact address."
The new lease states that 3 months rental is needed as a deposit plus 1 month rent for the first month. Although they have enough money saved to cover these costs, it will leave the charity with nothing left to carry out any modifications and alterations necessary in order to provide the services so many rely on.
Carol added: "We are appealing to the good people of Calne and businesses if they could donate any money to help us. We have sent off applications for grants, so we hope they might come to fruition too."
When the hub is back up and running Dawn and Carol say they will be catering for all their usual users, but also introducing, handmade cards, wrapping paper and gift bags. Carol commented: "Since CM3 closed all we hear is there are no places in Calne that sell these at a reasonable price any more." Alongside this, the hub will still be selling donations but on a smaller scale than they were able do in Church Street.
If you or your business would like to donate to the hub or hold a fundraising event for them please get in touch with Chairperson Dawn Perkins who can be found on Facebook.
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