The building was formerly known as the Baptist Church and was renamed as Three Trees Community Centre in 2014 as part of our major upgrade and improvement.
We are an independent community centre and receive no funding from the council or government.
The centre has been part of community life since 1970 when we used to run a nursery, coffee bar, lunch clubs and the area’s first shop. Whilst many things have changed, we’re still packed with activity, from parent and toddler groups to clubs to martial arts. We pride ourselves on having something for everyone, and if we haven’t got it, we’ll help you start it!
Overall, we’ve raised around £1.2m to repair, refurbish and extend the building and now we’re ready for more action. In 2018 we opened Chelmund’s Fish & Chips, the UK’s first community owned chip shop, attracting national media interest and we’re not stopping there!
Vision
Three Trees is, and always has been, about the community. From its early days as a brand-new Baptist Church Centre, through the years when things got a bit tired, to today as Three Trees, we have always been part of the community story. People who came as children now bring their own children to the activities here.
We love that.
The vision is to keep doing this. We are an independent community centre (some would say fiercely independent). We receive no council nor government funding. What you see we have worked for (begged, borrowed and, well, no-one can prove anything). We’re proud to say the community came together over 8 years to develop this place as their own.
And we think you’ll agree that it was worth it.
Let’s keep doing it.
The Team
Three Trees relies on volunteers, including our trustees who are responsible for ensuring the building is run properly and well. We are grateful to these voluntary Trustees who work to support the centre. The staff team are a friendly bunch and here to help everyone enjoy and make the most of their community centre. Say hello to…
Reverend Neil Roberts – Chair
Neil has lived and worked in Chelmsley Wood for over 20 years. He has been a key figure in the development of the centre from a leaky shed to vibrant centre for the community. He loves seeing grass roots ideas flourish into real life projects and has been involved in setting up and running a range of community initiatives, from festival seasons to arts organisations to the local community owned chippy! His day job is the minister of the Baptist Church, which also has its home at Three Trees. He likes good stout.
Emily Price – Centre Manager
Emily found Three Trees through the choir in 2015 watching from afar the later stages of the buildings development. Coming to us from an admin position at her last job, she’s a weird one who loves a good system or spreadsheet. Since joining the team she has loved and getting involved with the various groups but loves going home to a cosy night with her cat.
Helen Roberts – Project Manager
Helen is a familiar face for Three Trees but new to the staff team. She has been a part the community for over 20 years and is always finding creative ways to provide support and entertainment (most of the time intentionally) in equal amounts. Now responsible for the Community Well project, Helen is looking at providing well-being groups for all of Chelmsley Wood. Exciting times!
olivia samuels – Project Manager
Liv is the newest member to join our team. She has come to us from an office role where she co-ordinated various departments. Liv loves a good chat provided she has a coffee in hand! She really cannot wait to get stuck into her new job role and help to run some of the groups here at Three Trees! All the best to you, Liv!