The excitement is growing here at the Community Centre as we do our final preparations for the Open Weekend, which starts on Friday. We’re really excited to be showcasing some existing activities but also introducing lots of new ones, which will be part of our expansive new calendar. Personally I’m looking forward to the chill out sessions (Sunday 11.30-3.30) and the funky guacamole making in the Cookery School (Saturday 12-4pm)!

Plans are in place this week to hand out flyers and do a mailing in the local area so everyone knows what’s happening and can come along and join us. We’ve got coverage in the Islington Gazette and Tribune, so look out for that. We’re also doing lots of content for our social media channels, giving out details of what’s on and generally encouraging people to come along. We’re hoping to give out leaflets at local schools and in the local area, if the rain holds off long enough. No-one wants to be handed a soggy leaflet!

So when Friday comes it all kicks off with Ready Steady Cook community cookery class for adults, which is a fun, sociable session where people create dishes and socialise, chatting and enjoying their food afterwards. At the same time this is going on there will be gardening for all ages in our urban oasis, the Edible Yard, at the back of the Community Centre. And our Men’s Shed will also be teaching people the rules of snooker. At 12 noon delicious fish and chips will be served in our dining room freshly made by our wonderful Catering Team. You can see what’s happening over the three days here, with exact timings. We’re really looking forward to people coming in, taking part and having a look around our fabulous Centre.

We’d love everyone to sign up for membership at the weekend. It’s only £5 for lifetime membership, and you actually receive a voucher for that amount to spend in our Café or lunch club. Membership means you can get priority booking and access to all our services and activities.

As well as lots going on during the day, final preparations are being made for the evening entertainment too, with a Silent Disco and pizza and cocktails on the Friday evening, a Comedy night on the Saturday with Simon Nunnery and Tony Law and drinks and nibbles on our sun terrace (hopefully with sun?) on the Sunday night to round off the weekend.

There’s work to do after the big launch too, with longer opening hours and an expanded programme of activities and services for our community. Watch this space, and please email us with ideas and comments about what you'd like to see happening in our community hub.

We look forward to meeting lots of you on Friday/Saturday/Sunday! Let the fun begin!