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History
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The cottage was an idea
spawned over a Sunday cup of coffee in 1977. The discussion centered
upon a perceived need to get people to mingle and to provide
ambience for creative pursuits. Particularly in an area where
sport was the time honored activity for those who could
participate.
The group organized a one-night display in a
spare room at the school. On that evening people of the community
were invited to come and try gem stone polishing, spinning wool,
wood turning, oil painting, to inspect a collection of old bottles,
be introduced to the wonders of Bridge and to learn how to propagate
African Violets.
About 70 people turned up and the major
recollection of the evening was that everyone talked, and talked and
talked. From this beginning a small group of about ten people made a
commitment and decided to invest in their community. Hence the
'Cottage' was born.
By the early 80's the Cottage was an
accepted part of local life and regular meetings of more than thirty
organizations were being held there. This diversity of activities
illustrated the degree to which the concept had permeated our
community. The organisation of events, courses, tutorials, specific
purpose meetings and the like, entices people to come together for a
common purpose. This has secondary effects in the finding of new
friends, the dissemination of news and views, the discussion arena
which leads to new ideas and activities, the opportunity to share
problems, the acquisition of new skills which build feelings of
self-worth and belonging.
The benefits of developing your
community through a facility such as a community house are many.
They have a ripple effect, and developments from previous ideas can
be seen in ever widening circles. A Community House is a friendship
house, a feel good about yourself house, a please come again
house.
"Somewhere to go; something to do; someone to
talk to.
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