CHILDREN will soon have much more to keep them occupied in a double boost for the village.
In the same week that Hillingdon Council confirmed plans for the long-awaited youth project are moving forward, a new activity studio has opened.
A former social club attached to St Paul’s RC Church, in Merle Avenue, had been gathering dust for 22 years, but thanks to an investment of £30,000, it has now been given a new lease of life in the guise of The Studio.
Gillian Kent, 58, from South Ruislip, has set it up with her husband Derek and her daughter, Hannah Lawlor, 32, who lives in Harefield.
Hannah, a former cheerleader and teacher of cheer squad The Babettes, is running Cheer Mania classes for four to eight-year-olds, and Rockin’ Robins Music Mayhem, a music and activity class for babies and toddlers.
The Studio’s timetable also includes tap dance classes, yoga and Zumba for adults, and baby ballet, but Mrs Kent hopes to add more.
“This is a completely new venture for us and the church,” she said.
“We were walking through the village and saw the sign saying ‘To Let’ and it went from there.
“This is quite a big thing.”
The building was in a mess before work began but the 21sq ft of space has now been transformed, with new flooring, 7ft tall mirrors, a family room, a kitchen, and a large reception and office area.
“The cobwebs and dirt were disgusting,” said Mrs Kent.
“Now we just want people to know we’re here. And if people are looking for a venue to hold their own class, they should get in touch.”
A council spokeswoman said plans for the Harefield Young People’s Project are falling into place.
“It’s going to be set up as a voluntary organisation, so a shadow board will meet in April to establish a constitution,” she said. “Then it can open a bank account and start applications for funding.
“They’d like to buy equipment so they can organise activities for young people. The council will be supporting the group as it gets off the ground.”
? Classes at The Studio cost between £4 and £8.
A full timetable can be found at www.thestudioharefield.co.uk/events, or to find out more, call 01895 822 774.
