Community
Way back in 1987 when Pembroke Residents Association was formed, there was always a plan to achieve more than just improved housing conditions. Everyone involved recognised that along with general decline from lack of investment in the housing stock, there was also a loss of community cohesion and pride. Some residents recalled the strong sense of togetherness and support that used to exist in Devonport and wanted to try to reignite that. The population had become transient and although there were still multi generational families living in Devonport, there were very few opportunities to come together. This was made very apparent when the Johnston Hall community centre was set alight in an arson attack and later demolished in the early 1990’s.
Pembroke Community Rooms
In 2024, the EMB moved out of the Mount Wise Neighbourhood Centre and started using the newly refurbished Pembroke Community Rooms, opposite the Estate office. The Neighbourhood Centre had been the base for many of the community projects and services provided by the EMB for 27 years. Numerous efforts had been made to secure investment in the Neighbourhood centre, a former city council pre school building. The building was showing increasing signs of age, with multiple leaks and other defects.
An opportunity presented itself to apply for a Youth Investment fund grant to convert the EMB maintenance team stores buildings into community use. Alongside additional investment from the EMB, the project was completed in April 2024.
There are two Community Rooms with an enclosed courtyard between the two buildings which can be utilised as an undercover space with a retractable waterproof canopy. Each buildings offers a modern, secure fully equipped meeting space for 20 people seated or 40 people standing. They have a fully equipped kitchen, large screen TV with web conferencing and CCTV and access control for safety and security. One of the units is fully wheelchair accessible.
If you are interested in hiring the space, please contact us.
You can also click here to download the hire agreement.
Young People
One of the services PEMB has offered throughout its entire history is activities for young people. Over the years, many different projects and services have been offered from sports coaching, residentials, specialist support for children with SEN and accredited educational programmes. This has fluctuated with identified needs and available funding and resources. Thanks to the majority of the work being provided by our incredible team of volunteers, we have been able to continuously provide a wide range of opportunities since 1987. Many of the current volunteers are now parents themselves, having attended the club themselves when they were children.
Weekly term time centre based sessions continue to be offered for young people aged 5–11. These take place on Tuesday evenings between 5.10pm and 7pm. These are offered at low cost and include a snack and a drink. Please contact us for more details. As with all the non housing activities, these sessions are available to all Devonport residents. You don’t have to live on Pembroke Street to take part.
Wellbeing Group
In terms of activities for adults, PEMB offers a weekly Wellbeing group. This is for anyone who would like to meet and socialise with other local residents and take part in activities which promote health and wellbeing. The group have taken part in a wide range of activities including visit to National Trust properties, cinema visits, wreath making, smoothie making and of course the ever popular bingo sessions!
Sessions take place weekly on a Wednesday from 1pm—3pm at the Pembroke Community Rooms. Please contact us for more details. As with all the non housing activities, these sessions are available to all Devonport residents. You don’t have to live on Pembroke Street to take part.
Other Projects and Services
Pembroke EMB are always looking for new ways to support the community and to remain responsive to changing priorities. Throughout the course of the year, several one off events are organised and new groups and activities are launched. The best way to keep in touch with what’s happening is to like and follow Pembroke EMB on Facebook. You can find us by searching for @Pembroke EMB. You can also contact us and ask to be added to the email circulation list. The EMB also publishes a quarterly newsletter which is circulated to all Pembroke Street residents. Upcoming events are also advertised on our community noticeboard outside the estate office.
Latest News
Fancy a challenge
Games, Cuppa and a Chat, every Monday except during school holidays, 1 till 3pm at Pembroke Community Rooms, and best of all its free. All welcome, and for more details pop into the office or ring 01752 607277
Wellbeing Wednesday Group Receive Generous Donation
The Wellbeing Group were pleased to receive a £500 donation from Cllr Freeman and Cllr Stevens to support their weekly activities. The group meets every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm, offering a variety of activities, including, crafting, bingo and daytrips to name a few.
Spring Planting Event Thursday 8th May from 1pm – 3pm
Annual Spring Planting session at the Community Rooms. To celebrate the start of Spring, the EMB will host a drop-in event where residents can create a small tub of flowers - perfect for a windowsill or garden hanging display. This year, we have chosen the 8th May as...