I have been out and about near Mirfield and Dewsbury, at Ravensthorpe Community Centre, a beautiful old building which is a former St John Ambulance HQ. There is nothing old or shabby about Ravensthorpe however – in fact, quite the contrary – everywhere was looking very clean and spruced up for its upcoming 25th anniversary in April 2025. Bright photos were being hung gallery-style in the lobby and stairwell, and information boards were being carefully prepared by staff and volunteers.

Ravensthorpe is a shining example of a well-loved community centre. It’s not just the many ESOL and wider learning classes that go on here, and the other groups which are based here, such as the nursery, the Age-Well Hope Cafe, and the Dementia & Cancer Hub. It’s the passion of the staff for what they do. I spent a few hours talking with a group of ESOL tutors and volunteers who taught IT, art and other wider learning, and – to a woman – they loved their community, loved their centre and loved their role there.