CYCH celebrates with Hub Fest!

Article for Surrey Comet, The Elmbridge Magazine - October 2023.

A celebration and fundraising event hosted by the Claygate Youth & Community Hub was attended by over 120 people on Saturday, 7th October.

The night started early with an official opening of their newly refurbished games room, in memory of a much-loved young member, Teddy Read, who passed away aged 14 from complications through epilepsy in November 2022. Money raised from his memorial helped fund the refurbishment. Councillor Richard Williams, Mayor of Elmbridge, was accompanied by honoured guests, Hub donors and supporters, in cutting the ribbon to declare the new room open to all our Hub members.

Following the formalities, ‘Hub Fest’ guests were welcomed with a red-carpet reception, a glass of fizz and a two-course meal, acoustic musician Yasmine Giles in the 'chill out tent', plus outdoor bars on an unseasonably warm October evening. Beers, chatter and fairy lights gave the outside area a cool street-party vibe, coupled with a local DJ for late night dancing in the main hall.

Rob Read, father of Teddy, said, ‘Teddy would have been bursting with pride at how the games room has been transformed. His legacy has been truly cemented at the place where he said, “I’ve found my people”’.

Susannah Moffat, Chair of Trustees, commented, ‘I’m so proud of all the efforts of our volunteers, our youth manager Katie Holmes, and in particular Andy Clifton who had the vision not only for the games room, but also coordinated a fantastic way to showcase The Hub to the community’.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and kind donations, the silent auction and raffle were incredibly popular and helped raise much needed money to help continue our youth work support for 11-19 year olds. The Hub provides a safe and welcoming space for young people to socialise, learn new skills, and get support and advice when needed.

Catch up with more photos of the evening here and see our newly refurbished games room here.

The Hub is currently recruiting new people to help with activities and youth sessions. Contact hello@claygatehub.org.uk to find out about positions vacant or see claygatehub.org.uk for more information about the youth offering.