Quedgeley converges to toast the success of its new-look Q Club

The Q Club was packed to the rafters last night when it threw open its doors to the people of Quedgeley to celebrate its relaunch.

The community hub in School Lane now sports a newly-renovated youth club and can offer all those who use its facilities a fresh new menu, courtesy of chef, Richard Burnham.

Kept under wraps until last night's relaunch party was the club's colourful new wall, emblazoned from ceiling to floor with fantastic grafitti art created by a local artist.

County council leader Mark Hawthorne was joined by a host of his Shire Hall colleagues, including cabinet member for Education and Skills, Jackie Hall, in raising a glass - or cup of tea - to the new-look club, which is run by Prospect Training Services (PTS) of Gloucester.

The councillors toasted its success alongside managing director and founder of PTS, Louise Pinnell, some of her PTS colleagues, Q Club manager Jenni Manners, new chef Richard Burnham and some of the young people and members of the community who use the club's facilities.

PICTURES: Relaunch of Quedgeley Q Club, Vol. 1

PICTURES: Relaunch of Quedgeley Q Club, Vol. 2

The Q Club is a real hive of activity, every day of the week.

As well as offering a variety of after-school sessions for young people aged between 11 and 16, in activities such as street dance, fitness and football-based exercise, it also supports those aged 16 to 18 who are not in employment, education or training, by offering sports leadership awards, qualifications in sports and active leisure and providing a pathway to employment.

In addition to giving youngsters a place to meet new friends and get together with old ones, the youth club - which operates on Thursday and Friday evenings - offers pool, air hockey, table tennis, the latest Xbox games with Kinect and regular sports activities.

The fully-equipped, modern IT training room offers a conducive learning environment for those wanting to get to grips with the latest technology and, as well as free Wi-Fi and a great environment in which to meet friends and colleagues, the Q Club coffee shop provides an excellent range of cakes, snacks, paninis, tea, espresso, latté and even mochachino.

In addition to a comprehensive range of treatments, the therapy room offers the experience and support of a qualified beautician in a private and confidential setting, while the studio and sports hall provide evening exercise and fitness sessions such as aerobics and street dance.

For those parents with young children wanting somewhere to relax and have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee while their youngsters play safely and within view, the toy and soft play area is open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, between 9am and 4pm. It is also available for after-school play.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, two-and-a-half to seven-year-olds and their parents are encouraged to take part in a game of football at the Tiger Cubs Soccer Academy, which enjoys the occasional visit from Timmy the Tiger himself.

To find out more about the many and varied clubs and activities on offer at the Q Club, visit Prospect Training Services' website, or call Jenni Manners on 01452 542590.