Claus for celebration at Oakland's Saltash

Oaklands Community Centre’s “Meet Santa in Saltash” event went down a festive treat this weekend!

Organised by the Oaklands Committee, the free event brought together local residents of all ages to make Christmas crafts using recycled materials, enjoy festive food, and meet the big man himself – Mr Santa Claus.

Our procurement contractor, EEM, spread some Christmas cheer by kindly donating gifts from Santa for the children and a jolly hamper for the raffle.

Alison, a new member of the Oaklands Committee, helped organise the event. “Being involved here has made such a difference to my life," Alison shared. “I’ve already achieved what normally takes years, and the sense of community and connection is incredible. There's no hierarchy here - everyone listens, and we all want to give.”

It’s all going on at Oaklands Community Centre!

Oaklands has become a hub of activity and support for the Saltash area. The Centre hosts:

• Monthly food banks funded by local charity Community Enterprises PL12, with visits from local Cornwall Councillors
• Regular activities like bingo, craft clubs, knit and natter clubs, mindfulness sessions, a digital inclusion café, and social events with Age Concern Saltash
• Community garden planted by Friends of Tincombe with donations of sensory flowers from Kernock Plants. Volunteers have also built a pergola, raised beds, a bug hotel and a privacy fence, supported by funding from local councillors Hilary Frank, Sheila Lennox-Boyd, and Martin Worth through their Cornwall Council Community Chest funds. The garden will expand into a vegetable and wildlife area next spring

“Oaklands has become such an important space for people where this is their social life and community. It’s like a little family here,” says James Jenkins, Chair of the Committee. “Our bingo is also the talk of the town – there’s cash prizes, and Billy keeps everyone laughing with his banter.”

Anyone in Saltash is welcome to join the events and activities at Oaklands Community Centre. Search ‘Oaklands Community Centre’ on Facebook to see what groups and activities are planned for 2025, or email Oaklands@insaltash.co.uk.