This year the Elmscroft Community Centre celebrates its 66th Anniversary, however, because of its low profile and somewhat remote location, there may be many, who would ask what and where is it? The Centre is nestled away behind Brookside Villas on Armscroft. Originally, the wooden structures that make up the Centre, acted as temporary accommodation for school children during the re-building period, following the Second World War. Following the development of the Armscroft and Elmleaze estates, the buildings were converted into a Social Centre for the residents of those areas and by combining these names the Centre was aptly named Elmscroft Community Centre and was officially opened on the 26th March 1949.
The buildings are very basic, however, the functions of each building has a well-planned lay- out. For example: Although, the Main Hall can only seat an audience of 110 people, there is a stage and a supplementary backstage area which doubles up as a meeting room for various Committees and a Photography Group. The Long Room is a wooden hut that is used by the Keep Fit, Yoga and Kaleidoscope, a Junior Drama Group.
Finally the refreshment area includes a small bar and lounge, situated in the “newest” section of the Centre, built in the mid 70’s and is the only brick- built structure on the site. With such limited space it is commendable that the space available is fully and effectively utilised by a very pro-active Association Committee. The photo shows the setting for their recent VE Celebrations day.
Today the club functions through the Elmscroft Community Association; with Chairman Keith Brain and wife Irene, who is the Art Group Co-ordinator prominently, featuring in the running of the club. To this day the club’s aim is unchanged in that it seeks to provide a Social activity for the people of the Area. To maintain this objective, a variety of clubs are engaged to use the Centre, as a base and for holding their regular classes. Whilst visiting the club, I was amazed at the programme of clubs, Interests and activities available throughout the week, both during the day and in the evenings also. The programme includes: Drama Groups for Adults and Children, Yoga and Keep Fit Classes for all levels of age and fitness. Ballroom dancing, Burlesque, Photography and Whist Clubs, and not forgetting the Model Railway Club.
Several of the Clubs have been at the Centre for many years including: The Adult drama Group, present the annual a pantomime, which I am assured are invariably successful productions that are eagerly anticipated by the membership. Keith directs and produces the pantomimes with a cast or “thespians” that are co-opted from club member ship and may or may not have previous acting experience! Essentially enjoyment is the underlying element in all activities at the club.
Another favourite show is the Kitty Ribbens Burlesque Review, held, three times each year; it always receives rave reviews after each performance. Kitty trains the ladies in vaudeville dancing, at the Centre; encouraging women to dance and perform without any inhibitions, whilst enjoying the whole surreal experience.
The Ladies Keep Fit class is run by Paddy Selway, who apparently is the oldest Fitness Instructor in Gloucestershire! Paddy is a lively lady of 82, who takes classes each Thursday afternoon, which are aimed at keeping people mobile and active by stretching and moving to a variety of pop music. Classes are open to everyone. As regards the future Paddy insists that she will continue for as long as she is able to and who would doubt her?
The Model Railway Club has been an integral part of the Community Centre for over 50 years.
They too are preparing a first class exhibition of their Railway models which will be available for all to view at the open day in August. For any Railway enthusiast or this will be a welcome opportunity to not only sees the working railway models but also to draw on the experience and expertise of the Members of the Model Railway Club. I certainly sounds like a fascinating prospect!
I was also fortunate to visit when the Art Group was in full swing; there was vibrant atmosphere with around 40 “artists” participating in the last session before the summer break. With a member ship of over 60 artists, it caters for all standards, either serious artists or just social “painters”. However, everyone thoroughly enjoys this activity and take pleasure in exhibiting their works, given the opportunity.
They will not have to wait too long to exhibit their work , for as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations the Club is preparing for an Open Day which will be held in August, during which all Clubs and Groups using the Centre will be invited to exhibit or demonstrate their particular subject. The whole Community is invited to attend, on the 8th August between 10am and 4 pm. There will be a full programme of events, activities and refreshments will be available. It is anticipated that it will be a day to remember in the history of the Elmscroft Community Centre.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
A Spectacular Season for Longlevens AFC
With another football season completed, I am pleased to report that Longlevens AFC, one of our community clubs has recorded its most successful season in the Club’s history. All of the Adult teams have won at least one trophy each, with the reserve team completing a unique League and Cup double.
The Trophy haul seems to be endless; The First team became League Champions for the 3RD season in succession, winning the Helenic League West at the first attempt, after previous successes in the County League. James French, his coaches and squad deserve all their accolades for setting the standard for the other Teams at the club to follow. As a reward for their achievement the team are expecting to play in the Helenic Premier League next season; a new challenge which everyone is eagerly anticipating. Expensive ground improvements at Sawmills, their home ground, have ben necessary to gain acceptance to this league and it has taken considerable effort from the Committee, Coaches and Players to complete the work on time. Chairman Chris Bishop has been instrumental in acquiring the funding, which has allowed the ground to be upgraded so effectively. Very much a Commendable “Team” effort from all involved.
The partnership of Mark Moore and Rich Workman, Co-Managers of the Reserve team, achieved a remarkable double. Their team not only won the Stroud League Division 1, comprehensively, but also won the Junior County Cup Final, beating Upton St Leonards in a hard fought final. This success allows the team to gain promotion to Northern Senior League which will provide the team with a new opportunity for this highly confident and motivated squad.
Both the Third and Fourth teams brought silverware to the Club, by winning their respective League Cups. Ironically both Cup Final victories were achieved by the players of each team holding their nerve in penalty shoot outs following drawn matches. Clive Cooper and Steve Davis the team managers are delighted at their success as their teams were also, one of the top 3 teams in their particular divisions of the Stroud League.
A significant factor in all the teams’ successes this season is the sprinkling of ex Youth team players now making their mark. These players include: Tom May, Aston Cooper, Tom Gadsden, Jack Byard and Brad Vanstone, who have adapted very quickly to senior football, with the result that each player has already been included in First team squads during the season.
As with every successful club there are volunteers who contribute, much time and effort to ensure that the Club runs effectively. From a list of many: Andy Davis (Secretary), Bill Davis, (President) and Sharon Martin (Committee) are just three who deserve special mention for their considerable efforts.
The Youth Section too, has had some notable achievements, particularly the U13’s team. Under the guidance of Jake Ellmore and Jimmy Scurr, they won their division for their age group, in the Mid Gloucester Youth League, before being crowned Champions of Champions by beating all other U13 Divisional winners! The team were denied a magnificent treble after losing a penalty shoot -out in the final of the League Cup. Jake and Jimmy, in their first season as Coaches, have organised their team effectively and created a strong team ethic. A considerable achievement for two developing, young coaches. Also, Goalkeeper, Elliot Morrissey and midfielders Jahad Dare and Kacey Harrison, have been selected for the Cheltenham Development squad. Although, I’m sure that the whole of the squad will reflect on a season to remember.
Daren Baldwin’s U15’s, although playing in the U16 age group of the Gloucester Youth League finished in the runners up spot to a strong Tuffley Rovers U16’s team. However, their League Cup final against Abbeymead Rovers proved to be a game too far as they were soundly beaten. Despite this set back, Daren remains confident that the best is yet to come from his team.
The Tigers U12 team, reached the Mid Gloucester Champions League play offs, following a creditable second place in their division. Coaches Grahame Hill and Paul Meek , can be justifiably proud of this achievement, following their first season in Youth football at Longlevens AFC.
As regards the new season , once again a Team from Darren Smart’s Longlevens Infants Academy will be joining the Youth section, this will take the number of teams in the Youth section to 8. Also, for the first time there will be an addition to the Ladies section, in the form of an U12’s girls’ team an event that creates a new avenue in the development of the club.
Longlevens AFC continues to be recognised as one of the most progressive Football Clubs in Gloucestershire. The new Youth facility at Innsworth which becomes available for next season is a clear indicator of this and who could argue, after such an unprecedented season of achievement for this rapidly evolving Community Football Club.
The Trophy haul seems to be endless; The First team became League Champions for the 3RD season in succession, winning the Helenic League West at the first attempt, after previous successes in the County League. James French, his coaches and squad deserve all their accolades for setting the standard for the other Teams at the club to follow. As a reward for their achievement the team are expecting to play in the Helenic Premier League next season; a new challenge which everyone is eagerly anticipating. Expensive ground improvements at Sawmills, their home ground, have ben necessary to gain acceptance to this league and it has taken considerable effort from the Committee, Coaches and Players to complete the work on time. Chairman Chris Bishop has been instrumental in acquiring the funding, which has allowed the ground to be upgraded so effectively. Very much a Commendable “Team” effort from all involved.
The partnership of Mark Moore and Rich Workman, Co-Managers of the Reserve team, achieved a remarkable double. Their team not only won the Stroud League Division 1, comprehensively, but also won the Junior County Cup Final, beating Upton St Leonards in a hard fought final. This success allows the team to gain promotion to Northern Senior League which will provide the team with a new opportunity for this highly confident and motivated squad.
Both the Third and Fourth teams brought silverware to the Club, by winning their respective League Cups. Ironically both Cup Final victories were achieved by the players of each team holding their nerve in penalty shoot outs following drawn matches. Clive Cooper and Steve Davis the team managers are delighted at their success as their teams were also, one of the top 3 teams in their particular divisions of the Stroud League.
A significant factor in all the teams’ successes this season is the sprinkling of ex Youth team players now making their mark. These players include: Tom May, Aston Cooper, Tom Gadsden, Jack Byard and Brad Vanstone, who have adapted very quickly to senior football, with the result that each player has already been included in First team squads during the season.
As with every successful club there are volunteers who contribute, much time and effort to ensure that the Club runs effectively. From a list of many: Andy Davis (Secretary), Bill Davis, (President) and Sharon Martin (Committee) are just three who deserve special mention for their considerable efforts.
The Youth Section too, has had some notable achievements, particularly the U13’s team. Under the guidance of Jake Ellmore and Jimmy Scurr, they won their division for their age group, in the Mid Gloucester Youth League, before being crowned Champions of Champions by beating all other U13 Divisional winners! The team were denied a magnificent treble after losing a penalty shoot -out in the final of the League Cup. Jake and Jimmy, in their first season as Coaches, have organised their team effectively and created a strong team ethic. A considerable achievement for two developing, young coaches. Also, Goalkeeper, Elliot Morrissey and midfielders Jahad Dare and Kacey Harrison, have been selected for the Cheltenham Development squad. Although, I’m sure that the whole of the squad will reflect on a season to remember.
Daren Baldwin’s U15’s, although playing in the U16 age group of the Gloucester Youth League finished in the runners up spot to a strong Tuffley Rovers U16’s team. However, their League Cup final against Abbeymead Rovers proved to be a game too far as they were soundly beaten. Despite this set back, Daren remains confident that the best is yet to come from his team.
The Tigers U12 team, reached the Mid Gloucester Champions League play offs, following a creditable second place in their division. Coaches Grahame Hill and Paul Meek , can be justifiably proud of this achievement, following their first season in Youth football at Longlevens AFC.
As regards the new season , once again a Team from Darren Smart’s Longlevens Infants Academy will be joining the Youth section, this will take the number of teams in the Youth section to 8. Also, for the first time there will be an addition to the Ladies section, in the form of an U12’s girls’ team an event that creates a new avenue in the development of the club.
Longlevens AFC continues to be recognised as one of the most progressive Football Clubs in Gloucestershire. The new Youth facility at Innsworth which becomes available for next season is a clear indicator of this and who could argue, after such an unprecedented season of achievement for this rapidly evolving Community Football Club.
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