Core Strength and Croissants
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
A successful Pilates and Pastries event
Community spirit, mindful movement, and local generosity came together on Saturday 18th July as Newbridge Community Hub hosted its highly successful "Pilates and Pastries" event. The morning proved to be another important milestone for the neighbourhood, successfully balancing local wellness with an urgent campaign to rescue a beloved local community centre, Weston Methodist church.
A Morning of Movement and Local Support
The 2-hour session transformed the church on Newbridge Hill into a sanctuary of exercise and social connection. Local Pilates instructor Jess Watts generously offered her time for free to lead the class, guiding attendees through a routine that was at once challenging, fun, and accessible for all abilities. Jess’s inclusive approach ensured that everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners could participate comfortably.
Following the physical workout, the atmosphere shifted to warm social celebration, fuelled entirely by businesses on neighbouring Chelsea Road. Ann Perry, who owns the independent local produce shop Gaia, sponsored the morning's refreshments. Gaia donated fresh coffee free of charge and provided organic croissants at cost price, ensuring low overheads for the event.
Funding the Future of the Hub
The Newbridge Community Hub committee proudly shared that the event raised over £500. Beyond the impressive financial triumph, the morning served a vital dual purpose: raising widespread public awareness about the precarious plight of this vital community building. The property is currently facing an uncertain future, prompting a passionate collective effort by hundreds of local residents to keep the space active for the many in the Newbridge community who rely on it.
The funds raised last Saturday will be immediately deployed towards two essential strategic objectives:
Covering the legal and administrative setup costs of establishing the Newbridge Community Hub as an official registered charity.
Preparing a formal, comprehensive business case to present to the Methodist Church authorities to either lease or purchase the building outright.
By securing the building, organisers hope to safeguard the premises from commercial development and permanently anchor it as a dedicated civic space. The overwhelming turnout and generosity from figures like Jess Watts and Ann Perry underscore a powerful truth: the Newbridge community is ready to fight for its home.
The next event on 4th September is an evening of live music and an auction of promises. Leading local dance band Junction 18 will be entertaining us; save the date!
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