Empowering change together

The Thames View Community Association, originally known as the Thames Ward Umbrella Association, was initially managed by the Barking Council when it was established in 1988. By 1999, the council proposed turning the hall over to a charitable organisation, and after extensive discussions, the serving committee members took on the responsibility of managing it. This decision was pivotal had we not stepped forward, the hall would have been closed and replaced with a residential building valued at £3 million at the time. Back then, our committee boasted over 16 dedicated members, and our calendar was bustling with activities and clubs.

In our early years, the hall was a lively community hub, hosting a wide range of groups and activities that enriched residents’ lives. We had clubs for gardening, bingo, socializing, youth programs, bird enthusiasts, karate, and even a Barking branch of the Royal British Legion. An indoor bowls club, dance school, darts, and whist club, along with a variety of religious and community meetings, used the hall regularly. Local council members also utilised the hall for civic meetings, and every Saturday was booked for private events, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and children’s parties. We even hosted a community Christmas party for the groups who used our space and arranged day trips to the seaside, bringing joy and connection to our residents. Annual fun days were organised in the field next to the hall, helping us raise thousands of pounds that we proudly donated to local charities.

Our bar, run by volunteers during party nights, was a focal point of these gatherings, fostering camaraderie among all who attended. In 2001, we formally took over full operations of the hall. While many of these beloved clubs have since moved on, the hall remains open to welcoming new groups and organisations.

Today, we operate as a registered charity and focus our resources on sustaining and enhancing the hall for future generations rather than donating to external charities. With a 35-year lease granted in 2001, we have about nine years remaining, and our funds remain healthy, allowing us to maintain and improve our facilities. We are committed to ensuring the hall stays vibrant and inviting for community use, and we actively seek local residents to join our committee, as all our members work on a voluntary basis for the good of our neighborhood.

Our legacy, shaped by decades of commitment and service, stands as a testament to the power of community and shared responsibility. This history, lovingly recorded by Ray Owen, our last long-standing committee member, reminds us of the journey we’ve undertaken and the dedication that has kept this community center alive for generations.