Since opening in November 2021, 'that meeting space' has benefited a wide range of Melksham area residents through its community drop-in, bereavement courses, provision of English lessons for Ukrainian refugees, tech savvy courses, and support of community events.
Administrator John Firth said, “Behind the big red doors in the Market Place something exciting is going on. In June, Melksham Town Council unanimously offered to extend the lease of ‘that meeting space’ for a further two years. Over the past two years That Meeting Space has enabled GoodNews Church to put into practice its mission statement, ‘Love, Serve, Care’, especially through the popular Tuesday Drop In.
“People regularly comment about the warm, accepting atmosphere and many find new hope and friendship through coming along; everybody is welcome.
“In the last month about a dozen community groups used 'that meeting space' for regular meetings, training sessions and classes. These included two art groups; English lessons for Ukrainian guests; Makaton lessons; a book club; the Women’s Institute; and 4Youth. Now two new groups, Baby and Bump and the Red Door Singing Group, have plans to begin meeting in the next few weeks.
The venue is now also holding a bereavement course to help people through a difficult time in their lives. John said, “The Bereavement Journey course runs regularly and has helped many people to move forward with their lives again after suffering the loss of a loved one. Friendship and non-judgemental support are the keys.
“We see our role as an incubator for community initiatives, supporting fledgling groups as they form, thrive, and grow. Several have been so successful that they have had to find bigger places to meet, and we’re always thrilled to have had a small part in their success.”