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the kingsmead kabin story

"The Kabin... is a remarkable place. If it's part of your everyday life, you may even realise how remarkable it is: what a rarity, to be cherished..." Geoffrey Court - The Circle Works

The Kingsmead Kabin began as a good idea amongst a group of people in 1991. The Kabin went on to become the response of the local Vicar Rev Phil Stone and other members of Christ Church on the Mead (a local Anglican Church), to the very significant problems confronting the community.

The big idea - a community shop or centre in a row of redundant shop units - continued to develop over cups of tea and meetings in flats on the estate. Over time the idea grew into a project. The people became organised into a Steering Group. In 1994 Christchurch on the Mead obtained funding from Church Urban Fund and Tudor Trust to recruit a community development worker to develop the Kabin. In 1995 the Steering Group became a Management Committee.

In 1993 the Royal Mail Engineers began an ambitious programme of work, donating time (a total of over 18-months and £24,000) to renovate the then derelict housing office on Kingsmead Way. A community worker - Andy Turner - was appointed in September 1994. the Kabin finally opened in early October 1995 - with a crime prevention week - not a success at all. The following week Kidstuff opened its doors for the first time in the Kabin - Kidstuff remains a popular local project.

"To everyone at the Kabin... congratulations! After seeing for my self the great job you all do. Please keep it up! You really do play a very vital part in the community. Best wishes!" Gaby Roslin - BBC presenter

The Kingsmead Kabin on the Kingsmead estate is a building, which, since 1995 has provided hospitality (a cuppa and a biscuit) and support (listening and helping out) and hosted a range of community development projects and services. Some of these have come and gone - some (the advice service, Stepping UP and good companions) remain as useful projects and services. In 1996, it became part of the Hackney Marsh Partnership.

The Kabin remains a focal point for the Kingsmead community, between the fish and chip shop and the grocer - a welcome and a resource.

Kingsmead resident Hannah Fletcher came up with the name for the building - the Kingsmead Kabin. The name stuck (literally to the front of the Kabin!)

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