MEMBERS of the committee running a dale community centre say they are “the victims of their own success” and are appealing for more residents to help.
About 200 people pass through the doors of Startforth Community Centre each week to take part in a number of activities hosted there. The centre was set up at the former village school, which closed in 2016. The management committee was formed by volunteers 18 months ago. It has been so successful in attracting groups, choirs and organisations to use the facility that members are on the lookout for a little extra help.
Judith Rodwell, former chairwoman of the committee, said: “We’re victims of our own success. The centre has got more than any of us could have imagined and we could do with a few more people to come on board to help out with some maintenance and to be keyholders.
“I have stepped back as chairwoman of the committee but will continue to look after the bookings with Maggie [Rhodes]. If anyone has an hour or so a week to spare, that would be great.”
Fellow volunteer Maggie Rhodes added: “To set up the management committee we had to undertake a compliance audit with Durham County Council. It means we have to do regular checks and tests on fire extinguishers and emergency lights to ensure we are conforming. It only takes about an hour, but if we can widen the pool of volunteers for these sort of tasks it would be great.”
The community centre has two business tenants, Kirklands Nursery and Jonathan Wallis Chartered Surveyor. They are both now listed as fire marshals. As well as parish council meetings a monthly community cafe has proved popular. The centre provides a practice space for two choirs each week and a lunch club that attracts between 30 and 40 people. Two yoga groups, a pilates class and two U3A groups meet regularly. The Castle Players also use the space for rehearsals
Mrs Rodwell added: “The centre is used every day of the week at the moment and there are a growing number of one-off events. We do have a number of keyholders who open and close up the centre on a roster basis, but we do need to spread the load a little.
“Some of the jobs only take a few minutes, such as setting up for one-off events, but the more help the better. We could also do with support from someone who is good at maintenance. Although we have sorted a few issues we had, it is an old building and I’m sure there will always be something to do, such as painting to keep the place looking clean and tidy.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can get in touch with Judith Rodwell on
judith.rodwell275@btinter
net.com or Maggie Rhodes on 01833 637944.
