(the main report, 59 pages long but with lots of clear diagrams and tables, will be posted up or linked to as soon as the technical problems have been sorted out. Try here and see what happens..)
![](/img/extlink.gif)
![](/img/extlink.gif)
![](/img/extlink.gif)
![](/img/extlink.gif)
![](/img/extlink.gif)
Those of you living in East Oxford or belonging to one of the many groups using the Community Centre may be aware that in recent months there has been quite a lot of controversy surrounding its future. In particular there has been disagreement between those who would like to see an extension to the kitchen and those who feel this would reduce the existing space for exercise classes or spoil the appearance of an old building.
On the basis of this survey, carried out on behalf of East Oxford Healthy Living Initiative, it would seem that a majority of the groups and individuals questioned were in favour of the kitchen extension plans. To quote from Page 4:
76% of all 344 individuals consulted are in favour of the scheme (258 people) or 3 in 4 of the sample. 17% (58 people) were against. A much smaller group of 7% (24 people) was “not sure”.
Background
Following a consultation period from 1998 to 2000, East Oxford Healthy Living Initiative (HLI) was allocated funding to build a new kitchen at the Centre. The work is to be managed by Oxford City Council, and anyone can ask to see the detailed drawings which are kept in the East Oxford Community Association office, Princes Street. HLI are a partnership project involved in a wide variety of initiatives aimed at improving health in East Oxford, including complementary therapies, action on drugs, ‘walking where you live’ health walks, and healthy eating. Their healthy eating initiatives include organising workshops and courses on nutrition and food hygiene, cooking and lunch clubs, often in partnership with other local groups such as Asylum Welcome, the Chinese Community Centre, Acorn, Shapla Curry group, Asian Women’s Lunch Club.
The new community kitchen at EOCC would, according to HLI, be complementary to those already in operation at Blackbird Leys and the Asian Cultural Centre. To quote from their June issue of ‘healthmatters’, ‘The kitchen would provide somewhere for community groups to meet and eat together or host healthy eating demonstrations. It would also provide somewhere for local organisations to provide affordable and healthy food in a pleasant environment.’ [punctuation etc edited by eileen].
For further information on the activities of HLI, or to get involved with their work, telephone Oxford 715577 or email:
![](/img/maillink.gif)
Comments
Hide the following 3 comments
Great research
03.08.2004 15:57
richarddirecttv
Thanks
25.08.2004 09:06
Just one minor correction to your article! Whilst we do support 'walking where you live' health walks, they are actually organised by Liz Hodgson, Health Walks Co-ordinator at Oxford City Council. We have been on some and can highly recommend them!
All the best, Zoe, Administrator EOHLI
eohli
e-mail:
info@eastoxford-healthyliving.org.uk
Homepage:
http://www.eastoxford-healthyliving.org.uk
Changing for the Better
17.11.2004 16:54
I am curious to know more about who are the key contacts involved with initiating change and development within the centre since its activities and opportunities are not widely advertised. I feel that the Centre has enormous untapped potential for being a hive of activity in a very community-spirited area of Oxford.
I would be most grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.
Zara
e-mail:
zarapolden@hotmail.com