Community centre in call for visitors (From Swindon Advertiser)

Community centre in call for visitors

9:00am Friday 25th May 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

A community centre is on the up, despite losing a hard-working volunteer, according to the new chairman.

Sharon Oldacre has taken over the reins of the Buckhurst Park Community Centre following Patsy Maloney’s resignation as committee chairman.

The former Walcot Dome was taken over by Swindon Council in 2010 just as the electricity supply was to be cut off amid rising debts. It is now run by a committee with charity status.

Sharon, who chairs the committee, has praised the centre and said that it just needs more people to use it.

“The centre is in a good position at the moment with a healthy bank balance,” she said.

“We just want to see more people coming through the door and using it.”

Patsy, who lives in Walcot, stepped down from his role last weekend, citing personal reasons which he did not reveal.

He said: “I don’t want to say anything else at this point. I have left for my own reasons. I wish them the best of luck in the future.”

Sharon said it was disappointing to see Patsy leave but the centre was moving forward.

“Patsy had got us to where we are now,” she said.

“We want to thank him for what he has done but we have got to think positive and the centre is on the up.”

The centre is home to the Carousel Pre-School, a disabled group and from June, the McInerney School of Irish Dancing will practice there.

However, Sharon, committee secretary Roy Baker and treasurer Stephen Turner-Powell, are looking for more groups to use the centres large hall, which holds 120 people and two meeting rooms.

“At the moment we have a number of groups who use the centre but we are always looking for more,” Sharon said.

“It is important for any community to have a thriving centre and we are asking people to come and use it.

“It is not a case of use it or lose it but we have some great facilities for the people of Walcot to use.”

To attract people to the centre and to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee, a number of events have been arranged for the long weekend.

On Monday, June 4, there will be a 1940s tea dance from 3pm to 6.30pm, with 1940s music and dancing, vintage trade stalls, hair and make-up and homemade cakes.

For details about the centre and the events call 01793 495832 or visit www.buckhurstpark.cc.btck.co.uk