Parish History Written History Documents Newspaper Cuttings Within the Parish St Nicholas Church Hilltop Community Association A. R. C. A. T. N. R. C. Around the Parish Larkey Valley River Stour Fishing Lakes Hambrook Marsh Footpaths

Thanington Neighbourhood Resource Centre The Thanington Estate comprises of approx 600 tenanted properties with very few facilities, on the outskirts of Canterbury; divided from the rest of Canterbury by the A2 by-pass. History Up to four years ago the estate was suffering increasing crime rates and anti-social behaviour. As an area of disadvantage and multiple deprivation it was awarded Single Regeneration Budget money for development, community regeneration and improvement. The primary aims of the bid, put together by the Thanington Community Development Partnership, were to limit opportunities for crime, maximise social inclusion, and develop community health and education for all. The Neighbourhood Resource Centre, built in 2000 following extensive consultation, is an integral part of this project and was set up to address these aims. It has created a long-term focus for the community to continue the work and to increase the opportunities available to local people. Since the opening of the Centre and surrounding flood-lit play areas for young people there has been a marked decline in crime and vandalism, The Centre is used primarily by local residents and take-up within every group, course or activity has been at a faster and higher level than anticipated, indicating both the success of the Centre and the extent of local demand. Services and Facilities The Centre already provides; lively After-school clubs; Homework Clubs; and toddler groups, for children of all abilities; Thanington Youth and junior youth Clubs; ‘Gingerbread’; A Health Visitor Clinic; and breast-feeding support group. see services. The Centre is also a and has two 5-a-side courts, a flood-lit basket ball court, BMX track and a wonderful children’s play area. For adults the UK online Centre offers free Internet and e-mail access, drop-in sessions and all levels of qualification and courses, including the very popular ‘Computing for the Terrified’ see events