Centre in call for more help (From Swindon Advertiser)

New volunteers are wanted to join team at Buckhurst Park Community Centre

8:00pm Monday 21st January 2013 in News

A COMMUNITY centre which was taken over by a new committee in 2011 is appealing for volunteers to help keep it going.

Buckhurst Park Community Centre, which was formerly known as the Walcot Dome, is encouraging people to sign up at a meeting this evening.

The centre was taken over by Swindon Council in 2010 just as the electricity supply was about to be cut off amid rising debts, but in 2011, the keys to the community centre were handed to the committee.

Chris Smith, the localities facilitator at Swindon Council, who is supporting the centre, said: “It is a great opportunity for people who have got any spare time, or for people who want to gain some experience to help them get back into work by volunteering.

“Due to personal circumstances some people have moved on, it’s just what happens.

“Some people have found jobs and some have other reasons.”

The centre is home to eight groups that have a booking every week, including the Carousel Pre-School and a group called Living Options, for disabled people.

People who volunteer will be involved in opening and closing the venue, managing the bookings and general maintenance.

“The amount of time people put in varies, it is up to what each person can do,” said Chris.

“We are looking to get quite a number so there isn’t so much pressure on just a small number of people. There are about 10 volunteers at the moment.”

The hall is big enough for 120 people, the floor is marked out for netball, badminton and five-a-side football, and there are two meeting rooms and a large kitchen and car park.

Chairman Sharon Oldacre said: “We would love to have more committee members and volunteers come on board just to help us out more.

“Everyone is saying how great the centre is and how they like us. We just want to carry on seeing more people coming through the door and using it.

“It is important for any community to have a thriving centre and we are asking people to come and use it. We have some great facilities for the people of Walcot.”

The meeting will take place at the community centre from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. For more information call 01793 466238.