TWELVE years of community events and support have been celebrated as a volunteer group prepares to “scale down” its work as funding runs out.
“Heart of Pitsea” was founded in 2012 when 150 towns each received £1million from the National Lottery.
The project was originally due to last ten years and a “hullaballoo” event was held at Basildon Upper Academy on Saturday, to celebrate the group’s achievements.
The group’s final project will see it open a “Men’s Shed” to give men a space to connect, make friends, and enjoy shared hobbies.
Tracey Griffith, 60, who was one of the original residents who started the project, says its ending feels “bittersweet”.
She said: “We’ve achieved so much, and we’ve met some wonderful people.”
“It’s the end of a long project. Many of us have been here since the beginning, so it’s bittersweet.
“But it’s also exciting as we’re moving on to our next project, which is the Men’s Shed.
“That’s our legacy moving on. We’re just about to build a Men’s Shed next to Chalvedon Community Centre.”
Over the last decade, the Heart of Pitsea has built Legacy Park, upgraded Elm Green Park and installed two outdoor gyms.
Guided by resident surveys, it has also provided crime awareness courses, educational workshops, youth clubs and quiz nights.
With the final £50,000 from the original £1 million funding, the Heart of Pitsea will open a community space for men to make friends and enjoy shared hobbies.
Tracey added: “We’ve been trying to do this for five years, but we’re finally getting there.
“We’ve signed the lease for the land with the council and bought the shed.
“We hope it will be open in July or August. But first, we’ve got to get it build and kitted out.”
While the remaining funding will cover the cost of construction, ongoing maintenance at the Men’s Shed will be funded by donations and grants.
Meanwhile, the Heart of Pitsea’s youth clubs, walking group, and Pitsea Pots Maintenance Group will continue.
Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe attended the “hullaballoo” and praised the group.
He said: “The Heart of Pitsea and its volunteers have created hundreds of events, which have fostered a real community spirit.
“As volunteers move onto their new project, Pitsea’s Men’s Shed, I will support them every step of the way.”
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