Community

Centrepieces works closely with local partners and organisations. Here are some of the exciting things that are taking place:

  • A consultation with local residents living in the north of the borough is now starting, following the recent successful £1m bid to the Arts Council’s ‘Creative People and Places’ scheme. This has involved the Erith Exchange, Peabody Trust, Beaux Arts and several other organisations for a project entitled ‘Made in the Estuary’. Centrepieces trustees Guy Tarrant, Rosie Eaglen and Fiona Miller are on the creative board and will be monitoring progress and pushing for Centrepieces’ voice to be heard in relation to any future funding.
  • A great video created by a class of year 8 students at Bexley Grammar School. The students were participating in a whole year project in partnership with the charity First Give, which aims to inspire and equip young people to take action to tackle social issues. At the final stage each year 8 class had to deliver a short presentation about the charity they had chosen to represent. The students who had picked Centrepieces gave such a well presented and informative talk about our charity that they impressed the judges so much and won a cheque for £1,000 from First Give, which was donated to us. This programme is such a good idea! Young people are given the opportunity to support their community and become involved in planning and organising social and fundraising events. Maybe in the future we will see some of these students volunteering at the Lodge! – Once again a huge Thank You to the Y8 students and staff at Bexley Grammar School.

  • Centrepieces is based in the grounds of Hall Place, a historic house with extensive gardens and a full programme of events.. Visit www.hallplace.org.uk for information about Hall Place and all its events.
  • The Exchange is a social enterprise set up to find a new and sustainable future for Erith’s Old Library. Building on the Library’s past purpose as ‘centre for learning and advancement’, and drawing on the views of local residents collected through consultation, it works with the local community to use culture, arts and heritage to creatively and collaboratively reimagine the town. Go to www.theexchangeerith.com for full details of activities and events.