The Strand Community Centre

02/09/2026

🎨 Day 9 – There's more to this project than fresh paint!

As the redecoration nears completion inside, work has also begun on something most visitors never see.

Preparing the building has highlighted long-standing drainage and guttering issues that have contributed to damp affecting some of the internal walls. Today, attention turned to clearing the side passageway and improving drainage to help protect the Strand Centre for years to come.

It may not be quite as eye-catching as fresh paint, but these behind-the-scenes improvements are every bit as important.

A huge thank you to WPE Property Improvements for their skill, professionalism and incredible hard work throughout the project - including working over the Bank Holiday weekend to keep everything moving forward. You can find out more about them at www.wpepropertyimprovementsltd.co.uk.

We're also incredibly grateful to Bernard Sunley Foundation, Benefact Trust and The Clothworkers' Foundation, whose generous support has made the internal redecoration possible.

We're getting very close now...

Watch this space... 🎨

Benefact Trust

02/09/2026

It would be wonderful if you could nominate the Strand Community Trust. Thank you for thinking of us! 💙

01/09/2026

🎨 Day 8 – The finishing touches!

The transformation is almost complete!

Today's views from the balcony and the apse show just how much has changed in only eight days. The fresh colours have completely transformed the space, and it's hard to believe how different the auditorium looked just over a week ago.

The decorators are now concentrating on the finishing touches, adding extra coats where needed, carefully checking every detail and making sure everything is completed to the highest standard before the final clean.

A huge thank you once again to the team at WPE Property Improvements for the care, skill and pride they've brought to this project.

And, of course, our sincere thanks to Bernard Sunley Foundation, Benefact Trust and The Clothworkers' Foundation, whose generous support has made this transformation possible.

We can't wait to share the finished result with you!

Watch this space... 🎨
Benefact Trust

31/08/2026

🎨 Day 7 – Almost there!

We've had to move downstairs for today's update, as the stairwell is now getting its fresh coat of paint too!

The front walls are now beautifully finished and looking back across the auditorium from the apse, we can see just how far the transformation has come in only one week.

There's just one last patch of the old yellowed paint still clinging on high above the scaffold tower... but its days are numbered!

We're loving watching the Strand Centre become brighter, fresher and more welcoming every single day. We hope you'll come and see it for yourselves once the work is complete! The photos are great, but they still don't quite capture the feeling of standing in the space.

A huge thank you once again to WPE Property Improvements for their continued hard work and craftsmanship.

And, of course, our sincere thanks to Bernard Sunley Foundation, Benefact Trust and The Clothworkers' Foundation, whose generous support is making this major redecoration possible.

Thank you for following our refurbishment journey with us.

Watch this space... 🎨

Benefact Trust

31/08/2026

🌍🍽️ Our Cultural Connections project is already bringing people together through food, stories and good conversations. From Linking Lives UK volunteer training to World Cuisine lunches, here's a look at what we've achieved so far.

A huge thank you to SNG - Sovereign Network Group through the ConnectED Communities Fund, and to ActionFunder for helping make it possible.

Read our latest project update below! ⬇️

Thanks to the SNG ConnectED Communities Fund, our Cultural Connections: Food, Stories and Good Conversations project is now well underway! Our monthly World Cuisine lunches have already taken us to …

30/08/2026

🎨 Day 6 – The transformation is really taking shape!

Today's photo says it all!

The fresh mint green has now spread across the front walls, the stone arch is beautifully finished in white, and only the wall above the organ still shows the tired, yellowed colour that is about to disappear.

The contrast between the old and the new is remarkable, and every day the auditorium feels brighter, fresher and more welcoming.

One thing we've discovered while sharing these daily updates is that photos don't quite capture the full effect. The height of the vaulted ceiling, the colours and the sense of space are even more impressive in person. Once the work is complete, we hope you'll come and see the transformation for yourself!

A huge thank you once again to the team at WPE Property Improvements for their hard work and craftsmanship.

And, of course, our sincere thanks to Bernard Sunley Foundation, Benefact Trust and The Clothworkers' Foundation, whose generous support is making this major redecoration possible.

Thank you to everyone who's been following our refurbishment journey with us. We can't wait to share the next stage!

Watch this space... 🎨

Benefact Trust

29/08/2026

🎨 Day 5 – We're loving the new colour!

By late morning, the apse was already glowing with its fresh mint green walls, while the vaulted ceiling above had been transformed with crisp white paint. The difference is remarkable, and we're already beginning to picture what the finished auditorium will look like.

It's lovely to see that so many of you are enjoying the updates too. We completely agree with your comments: the new colour really is looking beautiful!

Thank you for following our refurbishment journey with us. We're excited to see how much more progress has been made when we return tomorrow!

A huge thank you once again to the team at WPE Property Improvements for all their hard work and craftsmanship.

And, of course, our sincere thanks to Bernard Sunley Foundation, Benefact Trust and The Clothworkers' Foundation, whose generous support is making this major redecoration possible.

Watch this space... 🎨

Benefact Trust

29/08/2026

Thinking about joining Slimming World? Now's a brilliant time to get started ❤️.

Pick up the latest issue of Woman's Own magazine and you'll find a voucher for FREE Slimming World membership, saving £5/€9 when you join.

Joining Slimming World is about so much more than losing weight. You'll discover delicious food you'll genuinely enjoy, practical strategies to build healthy habits and a friendly group full of people who'll cheer you on every step of the way.

If you'd like to find out more about my group or how to use the offer, just send me a message, I'd love to help you get started 😊.

☀️ Weekly Group Schedule ☀️

☀️ Wednesday (Morning & Evening)
⏰ 7:30am or 9:00am
⏰ 5:30pm or 7:00pm
📌 The Scout Hut (near Leisure Centre)

☀️ Thursday (Morning)
⏰ 8:00am or 9:30am
📌 The Scout Hut (near Leisure Centre)

☀️ Thursday (Evening)
⏰ 6:00pm or 7:30pm
📌 The Strand Community Centre (town)

📱 Call/Text Claire: 07882 758048 for offers