“In Love Lane we be!”

For Village Halls week 2020 we are celebrating the contribution that some of our members have to their community by sharing the history of their hall/community space! Thank you Petersfield for sharing this beautiful poem!

Petersfield Community Centre

There’s painting and scrabble and bridge groups galore
There’s chess and there’s science and oh so much more.
Would you like to keep fit, lose weight and be slim?
We’re sure all our classes will help you get trim.
Do you want to learn ballet, your kids learn to dance?
Stretch out in Pilates or learn yoga stance?
Does your dog need some training? Martial Arts your thing?
Does your baby need massage, do your kids like to sing?

Then come to the Centre – in Love Lane we be;
If you’re using our building then parking is free!

What if you’re poorly –  your body feels ‘broke’?
If it’s real hard to breath or you’ve suffered a stroke?
There’s help and support here if that is the case
Don’t stay home alone but just come to this place!
Would you like to find out who your ancestors are?
Or discover the name of some small distant star?
Perhaps a good photo you’d so like to snap?
Need money advice or play bridge with a chap?

Then come to the Centre – in Love Lane we be;
The vending machine offers coffee or tea!

If age has crept up and your cooking’s a chore
Then slave over cooker and wash up no more!
Age Concern run a lunch club, your hunger to end
Good food and good chat – come make a new friend.
We can teach you upholstery to cover a chair,
Play bridge, or else come to a bargain stamp fair.
If collecting or sewing or bees are your thing
There’s something here for you, just give us a ring

and come to the Centre – in Love Lane we be;
Come buy a used book for a donation fee!

If you need more tuition for children, that’s fine –
Kumon can do that and can teach them in time.
Need a birthday card? Well, papercraft’s here
It’s monthly and arty and ever so near.
There’s lectures on arts  – and heritage too
Theatre groups hire us, and line dance – ya hoo!!
Or maybe on Sunday you want to try church?
There’s two that meet here – so end your long search.

Come to the Centre – in Love Lane we be;
If you’re using our building then parking is free!

We pay our own way and the building is ours,
It’s clean and quite pleasant, and outside there’s flowers.
The kitchen is sparkling, there’s even a fridge,
And oh, did I mention, sometimes there’s bridge!

So come to the Centre – in Love Lane we are
But after your meeting – please move your car! 

By Emma Bunday

Petersfield Community Centre is a busy and thriving Community Centre. It offers 4 rooms and a kitchen for hire to local clubs, societies and other clients. For more information and to book visit their website.