Nestled on the top of West Hill in Hastings, our community centre is a go-to destination for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to foster connections and provide valuable resources. We offer a range of programs and activities that cater to the various needs and interests of our community members.
The indoor space is sunny, light, and open. It is suitable for educational workshops, fitness classes, arts and crafts sessions, parties and community gatherings of all kinds. From toddlers to seniors, everyone is welcome to participate in our programming. Our centre is a hub for community events, from seasonal festivals to charity drives, bringing our residents together in the spirit of unity and support.
We are committed to promoting health and wellness, equity and diversity, and lifelong learning within our community. Run by a team of volunteers, we continually aim to create an environment where all individuals feel valued. Come and get involved. Join a class or activity, these are listed on the calendar in green. Come along to one of our open events. Why not book the Centre for your own event? Ever thought about volunteering? A warm welcome is extended to all. Read more about our mission below.
Did you know?
The West Hill & District Community Association was formed in 1949 to run a community centre.
The Association ran the community centre in a variety of venues in Hastings until 1974 when East Sussex County Council (ESCC) leased the Association land on Croft Road in Hastings on which to build a Community Centre.
The Association raised £15,000 (roughly £195,918 in today’s money) to build the current building. The money came from regional and local government, local foundations and trusts, and donations from individuals.
For more than 50 years, generations of people who live in Hastings & St. Leonards have attended events and programs at the community centre.
This year, we are celebrating with 50th Anniversary Events throughout 2024.
West Hill Community Centre’s Mission
As stated in the Constitution, the mission of the West Hill & District Community Association – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is:
To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the ‘area of benefit ‘without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the statutory authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants
To establish, or secure the establishment of, a Community Centre and to maintain and manage the same (whether alone or in cooperation with any statutory authority or other person or body) in furtherance of the Objects
To promote such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be determined. The Charity shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion.
The area of benefit is Tressell, Castle and Old Hastings wards in Hastings, East Sussex, as defined by the local council ward boundary.
WHDCA became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in June 2018.
To read the Constitution open this link.
As a charity that serves the public, we have a number of policies that help to guide how we run the community centre.
They are:
Cancellation
Privacy
Safeguarding
Volunteer
Equal Opportunities
Hiring
Health & Safety
Management Team
A volunteer committee runs the West Hill Community Centre. We do it because we want to make our town and neighbourhood an even better place to live. We are very open to ideas for using the centre in positive ways to its capacity.
There are four Trustees who are responsible for the legal and financial running of the Community Centre.
There are two additional Committee members who help manage the Community Centre.
All of the team live in Hastings & St. Leonards.
The team meets once a month.
They are:
- Meri Jenkins, Chair of Trustees.
- June Pratley, Trustees and Treasurer
- Ant Davis, Trustee
- Linda Jeal, Trustee
- Jim Ralley, Committee Member
- Meraud Davis, Committee Member
West Hill Community Centre 