A FUNDRAISING campaign for a new multi-functional Community Centre in Winscombe is set to be launched imminently, writes James Edginton.

On September 9, the Winscombe Community Association (WCA) will launch its fundraising campaign at the village show in order to raise the funds needed to begin Phase 1 of the £2 million-plus project, which will serve the Winscombe and Sandford communities.

 

Full planning permission for the new centre was granted in 2022 and, since then, the WCA has been working with grant providers to secure grants, talking with local businesses and getting local support, so far raising £1.3 million in pledges and donations.

However, the WCA is hoping to raise the final £300,000 needed through donations from businesses and the local communities when they launch their new campaign, with this money, coupled with national grants, meaning that the project could get started in the summer of 2024.

The current community centre provides facilities for all ages, including the youth club, brownies, art, exercise classes, regular markets, village shows and clubs and societies.

The centre was built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the primary school; before in 1979, the villagers of Winscombe took over the buildings with the centre subsequently providing facilities for a wide range of interests and events.

Although the current centre has served the community well and is much-loved by locals, its facilities are in great need of updating and in phase 2 of the project, the existing building will be fully renovated to provide a considerably upgraded youth centre.

The WCA’s fundraising drive is running alongside their “love your community centre campaign” which asks for local people to volunteer their skills, including project management, IT and finance.

People attending the fundraising launch at the Village Show on 9 September will be able to donate electronically, and other donation methods are available on their website: winspace.org.uk

Written by James Edginton.