A new community space in Ivybridge which launched in October 2012 and ran by Jo Jopling & Helen Jones together with an extensive network of volunteers. The HUB offers a warm, homely and relaxed unit within the shopping complex of Glanvilles Mill, nestled in the beautiful village of Ivybridge, Devon. Ivybridge has been titled one the fastest growing towns in Europe over the last two decades with re
sidents choosing to settle within Ivybridge because of its ideal position on a commuter belt to Plymouth, Exeter & beyond. With these fast occurring changes Ivybridge never really had the opportunity to grow within itself but we have surely put the heart back into the town. We have received some great praise and feedback from existing tenants within the Mill & Fore Street who say that they are receiving a noticeable increased footfall since our presence. The HUB offers children's activities, music, arts and crafts and a welcoming place for people to get together to share ideas, skills, stories, laughs and life. The HUB hosts a Toy Library in association with Plymouth Play Association & Seamoor Childrens Centre offering the community a invaluable resource of toys to borrow and a scrap store for all the family to be creative with. The HUB works as a back up station for the Food Bank in Ivybridge where food parcels can be dropped off and collected. The HUB is to be offered and utilised by Charities, local initiatives and groups whom may hire the HUB for a nominal donation in order to promote themselves, recruit, hold workshops and meetings. The HUB has hosted various storytime and book signing events from local authors and celebrities. It is at the heart of the community and its use is limitless and a welcome resource within the village of Ivybridge. The HUB is a useful outlet which assists all within the community bridge connections to further their success within. The Ivybridge Community Market is also coordinated from the HUB which runs every first three Saturdays of the month, with the last Saturday being used by charities and local initiatives within the HUB. Stallholders are charged a minimal fee for their pitch all of which is collected and to be reinjected back into Ivybridge for community events. Amongst the stalls traders have on offer a wide range of local home-made food, locally made and Fairtrade gifts & crafts, children’s activities, share/swap/freecycle and Upcycled items. Residents and traders are supportive of both initiatives and are overjoyed that they now have a town with a vibe together with a destination on a Saturday. Many of us are now starting to see that we are indeed attracting and encouraging regulars to the market, this is proof in itself that the market is a success.
