13: The Power of Community

Its no secret. Axminster is particularly strong when it comes to community. We asked three people with a particularly close affinity to the issue to define what it is that drives the pervading sense of caring and belonging.

Rev Clive Sedgewick, Team Rector of the Axe Valley Mission Community: “Churches are not buildings but a community of people committed to support and serve everyone around them. At the heart of community are people who share a real desire to make life better for everyone. In working together is strength and confidence. In community is power and joy.”

Rev Kay d’Albertanson, Centre Director, Pippins Community Centre: “For us, it’s about a place where you are known by name, a place to feel safe, a place to belong and a place to start to flourish into our full God-given potential. We wholeheartedly believe that belonging and flourishing are vital ingredients of community spirit. And when people flourish it’s amazing.”

Matt Smith, Waffle Community House: “In our view, community is built through conversations. In Axminster, there is a growing understanding about the importance of having adventurous conversations to extend a sense of community to those in danger of being left out. This is what makes Axminster such a strong community; it refuses to leave anyone behind.”