The Oval Community Centre
The Oval Community Centre, Vardon Road, SG1 5RD
The Oval Community Centre was something of an “experiment” when built in the early 1970s.
It was the first in Britain to house both an ecumenical church (All Saints) and a community centre, with both successfully serving the neighbourhood ever since.
- Officially opened on September 21, 1974, by Stevenage Development Corporation chairman Dame Evelyn Denington.
- All Saints Church is shared by Anglicans, Methodists and Roman Catholics.
| Office hours | Monday – Thursday 9am – 3pm Friday 9am – 1pm |
| Contact details | Rose Griffin (manager) Phone: 01438 359404 Fax: 01438 230202 Email: rosegriffin@ovalcommunity.com |
| Location | Vardon Road, at The Oval shops. |
| Car park | Two large car parks nearby. |
| Description | Brick building, with refurbished office and reception area, and front extension. Large main hall; three meeting rooms (upstairs); coffee bar area with internet provision; porta-building attached. Busy Bees Playgroup has an outdoor play area. Altro flooring. All Saints Church. St Nicholas and Martins Wood Childrens Centre. |
| Transport | Bus numbers 3 (Arriva), and SB7 (to Jessop Rd) from Town Centre. |
| Volunteer/committee opportunities | With the AGM held in September, the Centre would love to hear additional volunteer trustees. |
Activities/Services/Groups hosted at the Centre include:
- Stevenage Theatre Arts Group
- Widows Group
- Martial Arts
- Jumble Sale
- Baby Clinic
- North Hertfordshire College tailoring classes
- Over 50s Friendship Group
- Chiropody
- The Oval Community Centre would welcome additional daytime classes, such as gentle exercise for residents aged from 50 years.
What’s On: Activity Calendar for The Oval Community Centre
| Facilities | Kitchen, with fridge, cooker and microwave included in hire. No cutlery/crockery. Fully licensed. Heating Baby-changing facilities. |
| Disabled access | Two disabled toilets. Disabled car park (at the Oval shops). Wheelchair access via front door. Hearing loop (main hall and two meeting rooms). |
| Capacity | Main hall – 200 people standing/300 seated (meetings). Meeting room (Nos 3/4) – 30 people. Meeting room (No 5) - up to 10 people. Meeting room (No 6) - up to 10 people. Porta-cabin - up to 30 people. |
| Availability | Mon-Thurs 9am – 9pm Fri & Sat 9am – midnight Sun 1.30 – 10pm |
- The Oval Community Centre is a venue for a variety of celebrations – weddings, christenings and anniversaries.
- Charity No: 270150
- While birthday parties are also held at the Centre, celebrations for those aged 11-21 are excluded.
- The porta-cabin is good for young children’s parties, with space for entertainment.
- Refreshments are available during office hours.
- Sharing the facility is All Saints Church, whose contact details are:
- Rev. M Leverton (Anglican): ph 01438 318706; Father D Watters (Catholic): ph 01438 351243; Rev J Wheaton (Methodist): phone 01438 721674.
- St Nicholas and Martins Wood Children’s Centre is open Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm.
- Telephone: 01438 317625.
Location Map of this and other Centres in Stevenage (downloadable PDF file)