What is the project?

Thanks to the Kingham family, 16 and 16a The Square, Aldbourne was purchased in 2011.
It will be a youth and community centre managed by young people and adult trustees and will be available for all to use. As many ideas as possible were included in this project from the Aldbourne and Marlborough Community Plans in addition to village consultations and open days.

What will the building be used for?

Community Hire
At various times, the venue will be empty. This lends itself to the community hiring it for their own use. Other agencies will be encouraged to hire the venue too. Schools will also be able to use the building during the day for visits to the area.  Charitable groups will be able to book the venue in return for a donation towards running costs.

Recycling Area
The clothes recycling scheme will continue, this will help to provide an income to support expenditure on The Junction.

After School Cafe
Young people will cook their own snacks to sell, and manage a tuck shop. All volunteers handling food will attend food hygiene training!

Holiday Let
Young people will manage the two bedroom holiday let with support from trustees and adult volunteers.

Lectures/talks
The aim is to link with educational establishments, experts in their field and museums.  We will invite people to come and share their knowledge with the community.

Youth Area
The community room will become a meeting place for young people at set times of the week with an active youth program taking place, including the opportunity to complete D of E awards.

Cinema
A chance to see films in your local community! Either recently released blockbusters or films made by local people.
The cinema area could also be used for private functions.

Village Market/ Community Garden
The aim is to provide a community garden area that can be used to host a monthly village market with as many local producers as possible. At other times, the area can be used for all to socialise in, an outdoor pool table and table tennis table will be available to use.

Charity Shop
Thanks to funding from Village SOS, the shop will be created and second hand donated goods will be sold here. Volunteers of all ages and a paid member of staff will manage the day to day running of this enterprise.  Young people involved with the Youth Council will learn how to manage this business

Chill Out Area
While Aldbourne has a wealth of clubs and activities, there is nowhere that young people age 13+ can go to socialise on their own in a safe environment. This are will be completely designed and managed by 'teenagers!' 

Drop in 'Day Centre'
There is nowhere that caters for those who might be housebound or those cared for by carers in our community to meet, chill out and watch the world go by.  The community garden and community room area makes an ideal venue for this kind of activity.  Volunteers have already come forward to run such a centre in Aldbourne and we hope many more will follow.

All these areas will provide revenue to ensure The Junction remains sustainable and to enable more activities to be provided for free which gives everyone equal access. It is intended that all profits will be used to maintain the building/charity but also support future community projects, some of which have already been identified e.g. The Sports Field Area at Farm Lane.

All the activities will be run by young people where possible, assisted and supported by adults, experienced in the various activities. This will enable valuable life skills and work experience to be completed locally. Young people will begin to understand the process of managing their own business for themselves and the community in which they live.

Community Junction will become a centre of excellence where lifelong learning takes place in an environment that is fit for purpose, diverse, fun and welcoming to everyone.