It was surprisingly easy to find a group who wanted to take part in this, with lots of opinions on what could make Covent Garden & Holborn safer. However one idea needed to be chosen and in true democratic fashion they went for a photography and video project, called ‘Safer Spaces’.

The idea involves an intergenerational piece of work, mixing younger and older people, who take photos and video the areas where they feel safe/ unsafe. They hope to hold an exhibition at Covent Garden Community Centre to showcase the photos and also to produce a DVD, which can be sent out to local schools, educating people on how to stay safe and also how they can be aware of their impact on older people. Having secured £200 to run the project, they have brought in a film student from Greenwich Uni to support the work.

In June the group were invited to the SNAC Awards Ceremony in Kings Cross. This was very exciting for the group, as the ceremony was hosted by two of the stars of Waterloo Road. And their day got better, as they won the under 12s category and £1000 to boot.
So a really good project, a trophy and £1000. Well done to Alex, Shirley, Jay, Renee, Jessica, Cameron!!

So, of course, we said YES!

These young men then set about finding someone who could teach them how to do this, coming across a Different Drum Productions. We approached Victoria Coker, their director and she was really keen to help out.

We now have two groups who are putting their ideas into reality. They have learnt about story boarding, editing, cameras and acting. In 2011 they will begin filming their work, so watch this space for regular updates.

If you fancy yourself as the next Steven Spielberg, then here is the info you need:

Where: Purple Room

When: Fridays between 5 and 7pm

How much: Free

What you need: An idea and an imagination

Dance the afternoon away! We have a full fun filled afternoon of Ballroom and Latin American plus some sequence, party and line dances! So don’t be shy, give it a try! You can be assured of a warm welcome.

Nearest tube stations to Dragon Hall are Holborn and Covent Garden. Bus 68, 243, 55, 8, 1

February was the 5th Anniversary for the Dragon Hall Tea Dance!

Brian Cornes, our fantastic Dance Leader, had this to say ‘It was very pleasing to see the 5 year event so well attended and I had some really good feedback about the event. Two dance teacher friends attended as well as the director of a dance company I have been involved with and they praised the event . The dancers were most impressed with the volunteers serving them throughout the afternoon. I also thought the volunteers were superb, it would be great to see them again at Dragon Hall. So a big thank you to our volunteers yourself and Jenny and James. It made the day very special for me and I can not see how it could have turned out better.’

A big thank you to the Metro Bank in Holborn for supplying our fantastic volunteers to help out at this event.

We also had a film crew to video the event – soon we will have footage of the event, check back soon!
Meanwhile here are some pictures…

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Zumba is essentially Latin dance aerobics, a fun and somewhat sassier alternative to the treadmill!

Zumba is for everyone, and Maria offers fun, easy to follow (all level) classes that are guaranteed to make you sweat – and make you smile.

Maria began teaching Zumba in 2008 in her hometown of Miami, Florida – the Zumba heartland! Since then she has taught Zumba workshops on South Beach, at London’s Pinneaple Studio’s in Covent Garden, Dance Attic Studio’s in Fulham, and multiple Virgin Active gyms throughout London.

Maria presently offers Zumba classes at Dragon Hall each Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30pm and another one from 7:35pm for an hour. There’s no need to book and it’s only £5.00 per class, so, grab your trainers, grab some friends, and come join the party!

Visit www.Zumba4London.com for details!

The Under 5s Drop In has moved to the Main Hall! Come along to see the improvements, new toys and activities!

The Drop In will then be open during term time

1. Thursdays and Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm

The sessions will be in our large Main Hall so there will be loads more space to run around and have fun!

The Drop In is funded by the London Borough of Camden

Dragon Hall Youth Club

West End Youth Club was established in November 2004 after local youths approached Dragon Hall and organised a forum to discuss provision in the area.

Initially it was open one night a week, the club is now open twice a week on Tuesday for drop-in and Friday for a more structured programme and membership is steadily growing.

The Senior session is open to all aged 13 to 19 and runs on a Tuesday from 17:30 to 21:00 and on Friday from 20:00 to 21:30. The Junior session is open to all aged 8 to 12 and is on Friday from 18:30 to 20:00

Let us know what you think of the Youth Club. Leave your comments in the box below…

The project is funded in part by the Section 106 fund covering staff costs and the young volunteers will access the Key Fund to run activities and themselves.

On Mondays from 5:15pm to 6:45

Activities cooking, arts and crafts, off-site trips like cinema, bowling, theatre, restaurant visits etc.

Open to any girl aged between 10 and 12 (years 5,6 and 7) who want to meet friends and enjoy new experiences

Volunteers are 13 to 19