‘Time’ was last called at the Bakers’ just over a year ago now. Since then, whilst it seems that little has happened from the outside, much has really been going on behind the scenes. e brewers Arkells, decided not to re-open it and returned their lease to Swindon Borough Council. e council in turn, and in line with their “localism” agenda, have passed management on to e Mechanic’s Trust, who have Baker’s Arms on the rise Under new management - and under development as a new community cafe set about transforming the inside. Upon receiving the keys the enormity of the task be- came apparent, with the building suffering from years of neglect and one or two nasty surprises. e rat was easily dispatched, but the leaking roof needed a little more attention. However, that was then, this is now. And work is well under way to transform the once pub into a commu- nity hub. Tracy Cox, who’s working on the project said: “With two excellent pubs already a stones’ throw away, it makes sense to change the Bakers’ back to its original use. e plan is to have a relaxed atmosphere for the main room, a place for catching up, with teas, coffees, pastries and good, home-cooked food. en out back, we hope that the snug little function room will offer classes, craſts, local music, films and a chance to try something new.” For those not able to make it to the Bakers’ cushioned pews, there are even suggestions for an outreach program to offer its good home-cooked food, direct to people’s doors. So stay tuned. And keep your eyes peeled for an imminent change of colour. Has knitting really got under your skein? Can you spin a good yarn? Impervious to knitting based puns? en you would love Knit and Knatter. We’re looking for a couple of perls, to join a new social group for those looking to drop gossip, whilst also dropping stitches. Swap patterns. Enjoy some good company. Work on collaborative projects. And look to raise funds for some good local causes. Completely free, open to all ages, served with tea and some excellent homemade biscuits. Central Community Centre, Wednesday 9th April, 11am-noon. Knit and Knatter launched e New Mechanics’ Institution Preservation Trust 1 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JE Tel: 01793 520592 Email: [email protected] Registered Charity Number : 1048961 March 2014 Published by The Mechanics’ Trust - 1 Milton Road Some funds have been set aside for redevelopment, including updating the kitchen, making more rooms available for use, and refreshing the toilets. Perhaps most noticeably, the community centre now also has a member of staff based onsite to take bookings, and to quickly address any problems that might pop up. Also, since switching to Trust management, a planned increase in charges—which would have seen the cost of hiring the hall nearly double—has been suspended. As such, prices remain competitively low from just £10 per hour for the main hall (suitable for up to 90 people), or from just £8 an hour for the meeting room (suitable for 15 people). Daniel Rose, chair of the Mechanic’s Trust said: “Already we’ve had a couple of users mention the differences they’ve seen and how nice it is to have somebody onsite to instantly sort out any niggles that crop up. is is just the start though; we have big plans for the building, and we hope to get up to full capacity as quickly as possible.” ere is a fully equipped kitchen, PA system and refreshments can be provided in the form of anything from unlimited tea and coffee for a £1 a head, up to a fully cooked buffet for £5 a head. If you’ve been eagle-eyed of late, you may have noticed a change of signs adorning the Central Community Centre - from orange to purple! On February 5th, aſter more than eight years in the council’s hands, Swindon Borough Council handed the keys to the centre over to the Mechanics’ Trust. e move forms part of the Council’s long-term plan to put more community services into the hands of residents. Already the centre has been a hive of activity, being fixed-up, spring-cleaned, and reorganised to better fit its users. Centre Comes Back into Community Hands Core Office Hours Mon: 4pm-7pm Tues: 9am-2pm Weds: 2pm-6pm urs: 8am-4pm Fri: 10am-12pm e centre currently has space for bookings, so if you are part of a group or organisa- tion looking for a regular home—or indeed, if you’re planning a one-off event, then please get in touch. Further information and full prices can be found online at www.mechanics-trust.org.uk/centralcommunitycentre Whilst bookings can be made, or questions answered by calling (01793) 420649 or by emailing [email protected] The Village Voice