About us

Our history

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.

The Old Wash House & Baths

Since 1948 the Association has operated from sites in Monck St and Marsham St. Our current home in Great Smith St housed the original and authentic pool, built in 1850 to the design of Price Pritchard Baly complete with water chute, ferns and plants.

Chair's report 2008/9

I am happy to report that the Abbey Community Association has had another successful year. There are many measures of success and, for us, the highest measure of success rests with local people who come to Abbey centre to take part in the many activities and projects managed by us or hosted at the Centre.

During 2008-9, over 20,000 local people came to the Abbey Centre. Most of the visits were to attend the many regular and one-off activities run by at the Abbey Centre; many also came to have lunch in our newly redecorated café or just to meet friends in the Abbey Centre’s welcoming environment.. Every visit is valued by Abbey staff, volunteers and Board members.

Last year was the final year for the successful healthy living centre based at the Abbey Centre - A Moveable Feast – as Big Lottery funding came to an end after five years. The Abbey’s trustees looked long and hard at the work of AMF and agreed to make it a part of the Abbey Community Association during 2009-10. As this happens AMF will not only be running services for local Bangladeshi and Arab residents but will also look to extend its work to other groups living in the vicinity. I would urge all members of the Abbey to find out more about AMF services and see how you can participate.

During 2008-9: -

• The Abbey Community Association celebrated its 60th anniversary and marked this with a day of celebrations and a play written specially for the occasion.
• Regular activities included a range of fitness and exercise classes for older people, music and movement for under 5’s, opportunities for job seekers, a wide range of social activities, language classes and opportunities for people with disabilities.
• In addition there were a number of one off events at the Centre and trips out and visits, as well as the annual Christmas lunch and the carol concert.
• As ever, there has been a great contribution from volunteers, making all of this work possible. Local employers have also done their bit, providing staff, goods and services in-kind.
• Last year also saw a change in Chief Executive with John Ryan leaving to be replaced by our current CEO, Mark Linehan.

The governance of the Abbey Centre continues to be strong, with Trustees playing an active role in the work of the Association outside regular board meetings.

Sadly, some of the Board members will be leaving Abbey. Mike Rayner was a trustee with the Abbey Centre for almost three years, and his contributions were invaluable to . As a surveyor, he not only helped us look after the building properly but also contributed to our work on human resources and attended A Moveable Feast meetings on behalf of the board.

Sadly too Bruce Sheppy will also be leaving the Abbey Centre. Bruce has been with us for four years and led the Association into financial stability through more difficult times. Bruce has also provided the board with valuable insight into governance matters as well as helping us think creatively about the difficult problems we have faced and overcome in the past few years.

I too will be stepping down as Chair of the Abbey Community Association. Coming to the Abbey Centre and being a part of it has been one of the most fulfilling times of my life and it has been a pleasure and a privilege to have met such wonderful people who use the Centre as well as working with staff. My special thanks goes to the Board of Trustees of the Abbey Centre, all whom have been inspiring companions.

However, these developments should also be seen in a positive light, as they open up opportunities for new trustees to join the board, and that process starts tonight. It is the sign of a confident and healthy board to confidently invite new members to join it, bringing new skills, insights and experience. I know that I leave the board in very safe hands.

I am pleased to announce that Scott Pugh will be the next Chair. Scott is a qualified lawyer and already a trustee of the Abbey Centre. I wish Scott, the staff, volunteers and most importantly, the people who come to Abbey all the very best wishes for now and the future.

Rifat Wahhab
Chair

The Chief Executive’s report

Here you can download the Chief Executive’s report from 2008/2009.