About Us

The Hipswell Habitat

Added: 02.02.2007 By Janet Reeve // Project Leader

The Hipswell Habitat Project was initiated in 2005 by the Army Welfare Service, in Catterick Garrison. The aim of the Project was to create a friendly, and relaxing meeting place for both the Military and Civilian Community. The focus of this Community Project would be set within the Army Welfare Service, Hipswell Lodge Complex and its surrounding grounds. Through development of an overgrown area of land and renovation of two unused buildings the vision would become reality.

In 2005 the Project Team was formed from varying Partners including Army Welfare Service, Risedale Sports & Community College, Askham Bryan College, North Yorkshire County Council, Rural Arts, ‘Just the Job’ and Army Families Federation. Early in 2006 the Project was successful in obtaining part funding from Yorkshire Forward through the Rural Target Fund for North Yorkshire Programme and substantial grants from HQ Catterick Garrison, Army Central Fund and SSAFA Forces Help. Since this, the Project has gone from strength to strength, with renovation of four rundown workshops and development of an area of unused land. The Hipswell Habitat is developing into a multicultural based project achieving its aims and objectives.

The facility and grounds were officially opened to the Community on 20th June 2006 by the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division, Major General Euan Loudon CBE.

The initial stages of the Hipswell Habitat development consisted of four unused former workshops and an area of waste land. With funding now accessed, renovation began and now the Hipswell Habitat is the proud home of Oak Tree Cottage, Acorns Activities, Evergreen Events and a Recycling Workshop overseen by Bluebell Wood which extends to the beautiful surrounding grounds of the Hipswell Lodge Complex.

Oak Tree Cottage consists of a small lounge area, childrens’ room, kitchen and bathroom facilities. It is suitable for meetings, coffee mornings and taster courses in a friendly and relaxing location.

Acorn Activities room is a large area with wet flooring throughout enabling activities such as art and craft classes to take place. Installation of an Internet Suite with Broadband access is available for Community use. The Suite consists of a fully operating computer network which allows up to ten laptops to connect directly to the internet through one connection. Information Computer Technology (ICT) courses are run on a regular basis by Learn Direct, Askham Bryan and Darlington College.

Evergreen Events room is a large area suitable for meetings, exhibitions, conferences and events. The Celebration of Culture, Garrison Christmas Fair and an Employment Fair are just some of the events held during 2006/07. It has seating capacity for up to 120 using conference chairs or alternatively 60 easy chairs. In addition an audio and visual suite is available together with a stage area on request.

Bluebell Wood is an area of unused land at the rear of the Hipswell Habitat and is now being developed into a natural environment which will include the surrounding grounds of the Hipswell Lodge Complex. With support from the Gurkha Company Infantry Training Centre, ‘Just the Job’ Richmondshire Branch of the RSPB and some willing and able volunteers it has become home to a variety of wildlife, fauna and flora. Plans to develop the pond area, a nature trail and a hub for walkers are just some of the exciting projects planned for 2007. The whole site is being developed to encompass and encourage the Garrison and surrounding areas diverse community to participate in its future.

Since the opening we have had a visit from Mr William Hague who was very impressed with the development of the Hipswell Habitat. We have also held events such as the Celebration of Culture 2006, where children came to do, acting, arts and crafts, story reading and music. There was also a final show held for the Celebration of Culture, which involved children from schools around the Catterick area.