Community Showcase Well Supported…

Crowds packed into the terrace

Buoyed on by the success of the previous Community Showcase two years ago, the Directors of the Melbourn Hub decided to hold a similar event on Saturday. The village was treated to a jam-packed fun day which opened with a Craft Fair, and concluded in the evening with a talented young local singer.

Guitarist, Mary De Brugha, entertained to packed crowds, during the afternoon.

From midday, local community groups, charities and those selling produce and local crafts had stalls dotted around the Hub’s Atrium and terrace. Visitors to the Showcase were also able to enjoy an outdoor BBQ and marquee bar selling a selection of draught beers, wines and Pimm’s. The Hub cafe was open serving barista coffees, freshly baked cakes, milkshakes and ice creams etc.

Jeannie Seers, pulling a pint

Groups such as the U3A, Dynamos, the WI, Timebank, Dementia Friends and Melbourn Fete/Turn on to Christmas, were able to raise their profile and show what activities and/or support they offer for the community. Melbourn Amateur Dramatics (MADS) promoted their forthcoming shows including a ghost walk supper in October and an entertaining quiz night being held to raise funds for MADs on 27th July at the Hub.

There was a chance to buy fresh produce from ‘St George’s Allotments’ and ‘Melbourn Little Ladies’ selling locally produced honey. The Nicola Emmerson Trust and Stapleford Silver offered beautiful handbags and unique silver jewellery respectively.

Guann – Yeu Chin showed his community photography project about the things local people like most about Melbourn. The East of England Ambulance brought along two of their vehicles for the public to see and to demonstrate CPR techniques etc.

Guann-Yeu and Cathy Chin

Homestart had a stall to promote and fundraise, but also benefited from ‘Womensing’ choir who performed in aid of Home-Start and generous visitors to the Showcase made donations for this good cause after ‘Womensing’s’ enchanting performance.

Local entertainment was a theme throughout the day and evening, starting with the lovely voice and acoustic guitar playing from Maddy De Brugha who performed throughout the afternoon interspersed with  ‘Taiji‘ and ‘Qi Gong’ demonstrations!  Maddy is a young talent who lives in Melbourn. In the evening the dance floor was busy with people enjoying songs from Tom Froggatt performing ‘Tom Sings Swing’. Tom is another young person from Melbourn with a great voice who crooned the night away with a selection of ‘Rat Pack’ numbers. Both of these young people are keen to perform for more local events and celebrations.

It was a good day and the rain held off thankfully. As several supporters commented Melbourn is fortunate to have such a number of good causes, talent and of course great people within our community!

For more information about the Hub’s services and activities visit; www.melbournhub.co.uk email; centremanager@melbournhub.co.uk or call 01763 263303

Editorial and photography copyright – Clive Porter 

Natalie Gibbs Marbles
Jo Tunnicliffe helping out on the Julie Emerson Trust display 
Little Ladies Melbourn Honey
Crooner, Tom Froggatt, on stage with fans
Timebank Team2