HARWICH’S Ark Centre is opening its doors this weekend so the public can see the changes it has made in the past year since after it almost closed due to a lack of funding.
The Ark Family Resource Centre, on Main Road, was originally launched after Great Flood of 1953 and celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.
The nursery and family resource centre came under threat last September due to a lack of funding, with the venue needing between £20,000 and £25,000 each month to keep running.
Community fundraising, alongside two grants, meant the centre’s umbrella services could continue to 2024 and this September the nursery expanded to include a baby room.
Fundraising for the centre has also continued with over £1k being raised in November through a second fire walk with the Royal Oak Pub.
The Ark Centre will be opening its doors on Sunday December 8, from 10am to 12noon, with photos from years gone, as well as staff on hand to talk through the changes to services that people will be able to see.
“Our nursery is full and our umbrella services are expanding to ensure we can support the community of Harwich and Dovercourt to the best of our ability.
"It will give a chance for us to thank all the people that helped us get where we are today and also let people look at how we have developed the setting as a whole."
She added: “We are so proud of where we are now and want to share this with the community.
“We welcome everyone to come say hello, have a look round and share a mince pie with us."
Refreshments will be available and there will be some Christmas crafting for children.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here