A huge thanks to all who came along to support the Writer’s Event on 21st February in the community centre.  We had a full house upstairs, beautiful live guitar music on entry, played by Michael Beazley, delicious wine donated by Ray (Ripponden Wine Co), a brilliant team of happy helpers, and a highly entertaining and insightful panel of very talented writers and illustrators.  Apart from having a great evening, we raised much needed awareness and funds (a whopping £275), and made some lovely new friends who want to help us too. Personally, it lifted my spirits enormously to see 37 people on a rainy night in February, come together in our community centre, to hear the authors read from their books, discuss their creative practices, and share thoughts with such a lovely friendly crowd.  I’ll be forever grateful to our writers, Chris Mould, Graeme Hall and Stephanie Power, for giving their time generously, for entertaining us heartily, and for being great panelists.  We’ve heard such a lot of very positive feedback from this event, that more cultural events must surely follow.

Big thanks also go to…

It may have been a chilly and quiet start to year with activities at the community centre, but we were bowled over by the kindness of a number of individuals, organisations and groups who made generous donations at the end of 2025, and into 2026.  These truly kind offerings will enable us to pay our share of the bills and keep the community centre going during 2026, and are deeply appreciated by everyone involved.

Coming Up...

Spring is most certainly on its way now and the warmer months will mean we see more of our friends and neighbours in the village. More events are in the pipeline, but for now…

• Churchyard spring clear-up - volunteer outdoors to help clear weeds and brambles, likely to be a dry day in April but date tbc.

• Social & Games Nights - starting up regularly in July again with Fiona Peach

You can keep up to date on the Cottonstones Community Centre website events page, Facebook page, or noticeboards in the village and church.

Get Involved...

Everyone is welcome. It really is that simple, and we’d love to see more of you at the centre this year.  Every little gesture really does help us - from popping up a poster on the noticeboard, to making a pot of tea for a visitor to the centre, or simply just turning up to an event.   If you’re interested to see what we’re doing, come along and have a chat over a cuppa.  

• Rent the room for a private event - a birthday party, christening, family get together, baby shower…

• Rent a room for a public event - host your own fundraiser, charity event, cultural event, craft fair, exhibition, bingo, jumble sale…

• Come along to one of our quiz or games nights - always a different host, prizes…

• Volunteer - come along and help out at one of our events.  We would very much appreciate your help!

Did you know that you can rent the room for £25 for the session (AM, PM or evening) and host your own event?  It could be a private party, a fundraiser, a ceildhi, dance, pie and pea supper, or a village social - we don't mind!  The community centre belongs at the heart of the community so please feel warmly welcome to come along and see what we're doing.  

Claire x

Chair, Cottonstones Community Centre

Hire the space - contact.cottonstones@gmail.com

Drop us a line at contact.cottonstones@gmail.com or message the Cottonstones Community Centre Facebook page.