Big Local Information Centre

The Big Local Steering Group decided that they would like to open an Information Centre to promote Big Local in the village and give the community an opportunity to learn more about it, what it can offer and to get their ideas.  They also hoped that more local volunteers would come forward to support the Big Local.

The Big Local Information Centre on Green Arbour Road, Thurcroft, officially opened on Saturday 12 October 2013.  Its opening hours are 9am until 4pm on Fridays and 10am until 2pm on Saturdays.  These days were chosen as they are the busiest days in Thurcroft.  I am based there on Fridays along with another volunteer and the Centre is cover by volunteers on Saturdays. It is hoped that when more volunteers join, the Centre will be open on more days.

big local shop now open

The first couple of months were very quiet, with only a few people popping in and out, I think this was partly to do with the time of year (weather being cold and rainy) and people not really knowing it was there.  At the beginning of December we joined the Parish Council to turn on the Thurcroft Christmas lights.  The Big Local organised face painting, stilt walking, fairground rides, a magic show and much more.  It was a fantastic event which made people more aware of the Big Local and the Centre.  Since that event more people have come into the shop to find out more and offer their ideas.  We have also gained some new volunteers, although we are always looking for more!

Thanks to new volunteers the Centre is now also open on Tuesdays from 4pm until 7pm.  This is just for a trial period to see if many people pop into the Centre. Meetings relating to the big local i.e. Gala, Play scheme etc. are now held in the Centre and the following groups/activities are also being held in there too.

RMBC Job Club

This Job Club has just recently started and is run by RMBC.  It is held on a Wednesday from 3.00pm until 4.30pm and is a great service to offer the local community.

Keyring Group

Keyring is a charity who supports vulnerable adults to live independently in the community.  A group of people who are part of the Keyring group live in Thurcroft and are going to start holding their meetings in the Centre on Monday mornings.

It is hope that the Centre will become more and more popular and the Big Local will continue to grow.

(Rachel Cole)