An Exciting First Month for New Community Centre
Published: 03 September 2025
The new Maude Community Centre, in Station Road, New Romney, is now open for business, after an exciting opening event and launch week!
New Romney Town Council was honoured to welcome HM Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, on the 18th July, to cut the ribbon and officially open the Centre by unveiling a commemorative plaque. The party of dignitaries and guests, which also included the High Sherriff of Kent and other Cinque Ports Mayors, and representatives of the various parties who had assisted with all aspects of the building works, were then given a guided tour around the two buildings that make up this new facility. This was followed by a reception up in the new Maude Community Hall, with a wonderful view over the sports pitches.
The following morning the Centre was opened up to the Community, with free ‘coffee and cake tours’ being given around the facility, by Councillors and Town Council staff. Some of the delicious cakes were generously donated by members of the Marsh Marigold WI. These tours continued in the mornings throughout the following week, and it is estimated that over 300 residents visited to enjoy the new amenity.
A rousing concert by the Ashford Town Band on the Saturday evening, a jungle themed children’s party for invited local schoolchildren and an enjoyable quiz night, all of which were laid on by New Romney Town Council for free, during the week, also gave local residents a chance to experience a variety of uses for the new Community Centre. In addition, the NHS Health Screening bus visited to offer free health checks.
In the Annex building, Baby Seashells Nursery have settled into their new surroundings as weekday tenants, and the children and staff are all enjoying the large airy rooms and outdoor play area.
New Romney Football Club have already been using the downstairs changing rooms, sports facilities and club room, along with the Cricket Club.
The outside of the building has a Defibrillator and Bleed Kit installed for public use and 2 public Electric Vehicle charging points are currently being connected.
The first private booking has now taken place, with the Maude Community Hall being used as a vibrant wedding reception venue. Locals are already embracing the idea of this new, modern community building, as bookings for private parties, meetings, a conference and fitness classes have already been received.
To find out more and to book this exciting new facility please visit the Hall Hire pages on the New Romney Town Council website www.newromney-tc.gov.uk or email fc.clerk@newromney-tc.gov.uk
Photos courtesy of Susan Pilcher and NRTC staff.
Formal opening evening and civic reception
Launch week events:
