It’s time for lunch and I’m off to Moorland Community Centre in Splott
As I arrive, I meet a class of school children from Moorland Primary School who have been visiting the Centre. They’ve been doing the Splott rounds recently bringing their own lively vibe wherever they travel.
They had recently called at St Saviour’s Church, chatting away and sharpening up their communication skills – although these children are not shy!
They’ve obviously livened up the Centre this morning, brought a smile to faces. “It’s been really lovely,” was the common consensus.
The Moorland Community Centre has been in its present existence for about 13 years and although COVID hit them hard, they’re still here, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for its members, and a two-course cooked meal every Tuesday to Thursday.
In fact, during the lockdown years they provided an essential service, delivering meals to those unable to leave their homes.
Costing just a few pounds a day to its members, the centre is a lifeline to so many. It’s a quieter day today, they tell me. Thursday’s roast dinner seems to pull in the crowds, and they tell me to make sure I come back soon.
But today, it’s gammon and egg with chipped potatoes and peas, and lots of bread and butter. As I place my knife and fork on the emptied plate and before I can say, “No, thank you” a second helping has been served up. It would be rude not to!
Eating so heavily at lunch time makes me feel rather sleepy. But there’s no appetite for that here. They’re straight onto Bingo, a popular pastime for this particular group of people. But there are other activities planned too, and coach trips and other days out.
“It’s lovely to have a meal cooked for you, especially when you live on your own,” said one of the regulars.
As we sit and eat and chat, the volunteers quickly scurry from table to table. There is busyness in the kitchen, as the meals are served with care and attentiveness, and those who work here are full of enthusiasm and humour.
There is a real community feel, a family feel even. They are looking out for one another, enjoying the friendship.
The site of the centre is planned for redevelopment which means it will be temporarily moved to a different site whilst a new community space, topped by 13 Council flats, will be built.
As a member of the newly constituted Board (along with two other members of St Saviour’s) it’s a privilege to be part of the journey, and to join with the likes of Clarissa and Elza and others who have poured so much into this initiative.
But whatever building it inhabits, the heart of this centre is the people.
I’ll be back soon, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to taste that roast dinner.
Check out Moorland Community Centre’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/moorlandcommunitycentre or email them at moorlandcommunity@yahoo.co.uk
South Cardiff Ministry Area 
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