It’s been such a joy to see the daffodils and spring flowers beginning to bloom across Beaulieu, and those brighter blue skies returning at last. After such a wet and relentlessly cold winter, the change in season really does lift everyone’s spirits and brings a renewed sense of energy to our community.

Here at the Beaulieu Community Centre, proudly run by the Chelmsford Garden Community Trust, we’re embracing that spring feeling with a fantastic line-up of activities and events for local residents.

As a registered charity, our aim is to provide a welcoming, inclusive space at the heart of the community, somewhere people of all ages can come together, try something new, make friends and have fun.

Community Race Night – 21st March

We’re especially excited about our upcoming Community Race Night on Friday 21st March. This promises to be a brilliant evening for the whole family, filled with friendly competition, laughter and plenty of community spirit. Whether you’re backing a winner or simply coming along to soak up the atmosphere, it’s a great way to spend time with neighbours and friends.

Tickets are selling fast and there are only a few remaining, so be sure to secure yours soon to avoid missing out!

“The Very Busy Bumble Bee” – 1st April

Following the success of their Christmas performance, Let’s Dance Company will be returning to the Centre with a brand-new show, “The Very Busy Bumble Bee” on 1st April. We’re delighted to welcome them back and can’t wait to see another fantastic performance showcasing the talent and energy that made their festive show such a hit.

Tiny Traders Take Over Market – 8th April

We are also super excited for our Tiny Traders Take Over Market on 8th April. Come along and support our amazing young entrepreneurs, who will be selling their homemade creations and showcasing their creativity and business skills.

We recommend bringing cash on the day to make purchases and encourage these budding business owners!

Free Coffee Mornings – April Line-Up

Our popular free coffee mornings continue, and we have a wonderful programme lined up:

14th April, 10:00 – 11:30 – The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) will be joining us to discuss how we can help protect swifts within our community.

28th April, 10:00 – 11:00 – Mabel and Friends will be talking about our furry friends’ diets, allergies and how we can better support man’s best friend through healthier nutrition choices.

These sessions are free to attend and are a lovely opportunity to meet others in the community over a warm drink.

Tickets for all of our events are available via our Eventbrite page – CGC Trust Events.

100 Kilometres for Kindness: Walking to Nourish the Community

In June 2026, Noleen Andrews, Centre Manager at Beaulieu Community Centre, will take on the Lake District Ultra Challenge — 100 kilometres nonstop through one of the UK’s toughest landscapes. But this isn’t just a test of endurance. Every step will help launch Nourish Foods, a new pilot scheme providing free, healthy meals to local families and individuals who need a helping hand.

Beaulieu Community Centre is run by the registered charity Chelmsford Garden Community Trust. Many people don’t realise we aren’t funded by the council — we rely entirely on grants, fundraising, and the support of our regular hirers and hall hire. This new initiative will be funded entirely by donations, with every penny going directly to families in need.

As Noleen says:“A community centre should be the heart of its neighbourhood — a place where people feel supported, not judged. Good nutrition is fundamental to that.”

Nourish Foods will provide weekly, nutritionally balanced meals and run children’s cooking classes, helping young people prepare healthy meals on a budget, understand ingredients, and gain confidence in the kitchen. The goal is not just to relieve immediate pressure but to create lasting positive change in the community.

The fundraising team name says it all: Miles for the Many. Every kilometre Noleen walks turns into nourishment, support, and hope for local families. At a time when many households are feeling the strain of rising living costs, your support can make a real difference.

Please support what you can. Every donation counts, and all funds go directly to making Nourish Foods a reality for those who need it most.

You can support us by making a donation on our Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/milesforthemany

Warm Regards,