A community centre in Melksham is appealing for support to help secure its future and keep the facility open for local people.
Forest Community Centre at Bowmans Court is a volunteer-run charity, providing a venue for events, sports clubs and social activities.
The committee says rising costs, including insurance that has more than doubled following an arson attack in February 2024, have left the centre under increasing financial pressure.
To raise funds, a fun day will be taking place at the centre on Saturday 11th July featuring a funfair, giant inflatables, food vendors and a bar.
Cllr Jennie Westbrook, who represents Melksham Forest and has been helping with the campaign, said, “The Forest Community Centre is the heart of Forest, built on the dedication, passion, and countless hours given by its incredible volunteers. Losing it would be a travesty.
“It is far more than a building; after the devastating fire in 2024, it stood as a symbol of our community’s determination to fight back from adversity. It is a place of belonging, support, and friendship. Without it, our community would be immeasurably poorer.”
Committee member Sarah Phelps said, “If the people of Melksham don’t use it, they will lose it.”
As well as encouraging residents to make use of the centre, the committee is appealing to local businesses to sponsor maintenance costs, donate raffle prizes and support fundraising efforts.
“There are just loads of little things that we need help with,” said the member. “We need help with filling in potholes in the car park. We need someone to cut the grass.
“We need help to keep us open indefinitely, not just as a one-off.”
The centre has been running regular fundraising events, including bingo nights and quizzes, but committee members say longer-term support is needed to help secure its future.
“We don’t want people to panic,” said the committee member. “We are staying open and are continuing to operate, but we really need the community’s support.”
The fun day starts at midday.
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