Following a devastating arson attack earlier this year, the team at Forest Community Centre is looking to the future with a series of fundraising events and plans for new community groups in the coming year.
The arson attack occurred in February, damaging the toilets and changing facilities used by youth football and Sunday league teams and suspending all activities at the centre, which is located off Bowmans Court.
To help cover the costly repairs, Forest Youth Football Club set up a GoFundMe page, with the community rallying in support.
Now, with plans to encourage more community groups to use the centre next year, the centre’s committee team is determined to keep the space open and to improve other parts of the building that need updating.
They have organised several fundraising events, including a monthly coffee morning starting on Friday 15th November, a quiz night on Saturday 16th November, and the centre’s annual Christmas fayre on Saturday 23rd November.
“Whatever money we raise, it goes straight back into the building,” explained one of the centre’s committee members, Tina.
“We’ve had to scrimp and scrape over the years. We need new floors and new cladding.
“Some people say they didn’t even know there were things going on at the community centre, but we’ve been here for 15 years. We really want to encourage people to use the centre, and everything we raise goes straight back into the building. We just really want to keep it open.”
The quiz night on 16th November will start at 7.30pm, with a maximum of six people per team at a cost of £5 per person, including a ploughman’s supper at half-time. To book a space, ring 07787 839538.
The Christmas Fayre will run on 23rd November from 10.30am to 2pm. There will be a tombola, craft stalls, cakes, hot food, a bar and a visit from Father Christmas at 1pm, with a charge of £1 per child.
To book a craft stall, ring 07787 839538.
The community centre committee is also hoping to apply for grant funding to improve the facility.
Pictured: Committee members Tina Oakmen and Sara Phelps
