Community centre funding boost from local business

A community centre in Melksham has received a £700 donation from a local company to help keep the space running for residents.

Forest Community Centre received the donation from Talkwire Ltd, a local telecommunications and IT company, following a report that the centre was struggling.

The centre launched a fundraising appeal in June to help secure its future, after rising running costs, including insurance that has more than doubled since an arson attack in February 2024, put increasing financial pressure on the volunteer-run facility.

Committee member Sara Phelps said, “We at Forest Community Centre want to say a huge thank you to Talkwire for their generous donation. Their support will make a real difference to our community; we truly appreciate your kindness and generosity.

“Thank you for helping us continue our work and support for the local people.”

Lauren Callaghan-Shellard from Talkwire said, “The centre is a big part of the community and being based in Melksham, we feel it really important to get behind local communities. Some of our employees come here at the weekends; they come here socially and we wanted to give something back to what they offer everyone in Melksham.

“We are donating the funds to go towards the running of things. There is a lot of voluntary work that goes into keeping the community centre running and it needs the community to get behind them. Hopefully if businesses can come forward and offer their support we can unite and help the centre continue to offer space for residents.”

Pictured: Sara Phelps, Andrew Smith, Lauren Callaghan-Shellard and Tina Oakman