Farnley residents are being urged to get involved at their local community centre, as its new chairman outlined ambitious plans to put it back at the heart of their community.
Peter Allison is the new chairman of Old Farnley and District Community Association – and says he is teeming with ideas on how to ensure the centre is better used by a raft of services and events in the future.
At the centre of his vision, Mr Allison, of Tong Road, is looking at a first-floor extension to accommodate two offices and to rearrange the existing facilities at the centre. Ideas for the centre could include services like a community library.
Mr Allison and the centre’s committee, which includes a number of new members, have already been speaking to organisations like Barca-Leeds, the local food bank, police and Money Buddies about running services in the centre. Future ideas surround increasing digital inclusion.
“We’re trying to put it back into the heart of the community,” said Mr Allison. “We want to get the centre buzzing again.”
More immediate plan includes a Santa’s sleigh drive on December 16 and 17, in a home made sleigh which will go across both Farnley and Wortley communities.
It’s hoped that new sessions will run alongside existing favourites like the Monday luncheon club, Tuesday bingo and Friday coffee morning. A Christmas party will be held at the community centre, featuring a grotto, tombola, music and refreshments on Saturday, 18 December from 11am:
Mr Allison, a former retail electrician who earlier this year set up the successful Farnley & Wortley Litter Pickers group, has been involved at the centre for the past four years, and has run a boxerclass session there.
Other new committee members include Ros Amato, Tara Garside, Julie Hindle and Chris Fletcher.
Anyone wanting to help out at the centre, volunteer at any of the sessions or who have any fresh ideas is welcome to get involved. More details from the centre’s Facebook group, or pick up a slip from the centre itself.