From the Treasurers perspective, and with the support of the committee, we have for the last 6 months been finding our feet determining what works well, and what works ‘really well’, and all this has been achieved on a shoestring budget. The Community Centre also has overheads like heating for example which costs £3,000 a year, and every month, whether we have a function or event, we have to pay out £250, so it’s vital that we raise enough to cover this and other expenses if we are to continue providing a welcoming community hub where everyone can come together.

We don’t like the idea of selling admission tickets at the door but would rather raise money from events based on kind donations from everyone attending. So if you have a really fun evening and all your friends and family enjoyed themselves then it would be nice to see that reflected in the size of the donation. It can be an economical fun evening out by bringing your own drinks and nibbles while using all the facilities.  We thank everyone for their kind and generous donations over the past 8 months, all of which have kept us moving forward to keep the door of the community centre open.

Some events have been very well attended, like the Quiz Nights – who doesn’t love a good quiz?  Thanks have to go to all the quiz setters who have given their time researching and presenting an eclectic mix of questions covering every conceivable genre imaginable. We have had a modest prize for the quiz winners - a bottle of prosecco - until our December quiz night where Claire Murray (artist and our very own chair) kindly donated 3 small paintings as special prizes.  

Another great evening’s entertainment has been found in the form of Games Nights and Social Evenings where we have seen parents and children pitching their talents against each other, or other teams, in games covering table tennis, pool, darts and board games. Even the more serious gamers have been spotted pondering their next move over the chess board while others, set on just having a laugh and giggle, tease their opponent in a game of Jenga. There’s a good variety of board games to suit all the family available on the shelves in the pool room, but if there’s something we don’t have that you feel would be a popular challenge then let us know and we will see if we can provide. It’s a good ‘value for money’ night out with friends when you consider the alternatives.  But if it’s just an opportunity for a quiet social catch up with friends that you’re after over a cuppa or a drink then there’s always a table and a comfy chair for that too.

There will be greater emphasis this year on other events promoted by the Community Centre that we would like to see incorporated more into the calendar. Events like Bingo Evenings and Special Guest Speakers are on the cards but we are open to your suggestions if we can get the numbers in to support the event.

For those of you that are not familiar with the Community Centre there is also a huge Open Space/Sprung Dance Floor available for private hire upstairs. We already have regular weekly bookings for dance classes or stretch and tone classes utilising this space but more events can certainly be accommodated. Whether it be a regular event or a one-off birthday, anniversary, christening, wake or lecture, this is an attractive venue.  Furniture hire is also available for your own external off-site functions if required.

You can have a look at our web site www.cottonstones-community-centre.com and search the calendar for upcoming events or if you’d like to be an active committee member we’d warmly welcome your support.

Stuart Mills

Treasurer, Cottonstones Community Centre