By Dianne Craven
Hope, love and service are the values of the relaunched Swinnow Community Centre.
Originally opened in 1984 the centre has had a significant impact on the lives of people living in the Swinnow area.
It comprises a main hall, kitchen, office and storerooms. Over the years it has hosted fun days, bingo, councillor surgeries and even theatre productions such as The Wizard of Oz.
While Leeds City Council owns and maintains the building, the centre is run by volunteers. No-one receives a salary.
In February 2024 Yvonne Allman, who had run the centre for the previous eight years, announced she would be stepping down.
If no-one took over the role, the centre was under threat of closure.
But then in April 2024 the Swinnow Community Centre Community Interest Company (CIC) was set up. Four directors and a team of volunteers set about relaunching the centre.
Yvonne said on social media: “A massive thank you to Lucy Munton for taking over the community centre.
“Lucy and her husband have worked so hard putting things in place to make the centre more successful, vibrant and alive, with new groups, events, etc.
“I believe in them and trust them wholeheartedly to keep the centre going for many more years.”
Lucy, one of the directors, and her husband Will Munton have returned to the UK following working as charity supporters in India.
They saw the opportunity to help the community. However, Lucy insists: “Swinnow Community Centre is run by the community. Volunteers can do as little or as much as they can – all are welcome.” Volunteering opportunities can be found on the centre’s Facebook page.
Although the main users are families from Park Spring Primary School, the centre is seeking to encourage others from Swinnow Primary School and Stanningley Primary School.
In August WLD reported that since the relaunch there had been over 2,500 visits to the centre. Its summer programme featured well-attended events, including Tuesday Family Fun Days.
Director and volunteer Craig Newnes said the centre had fantastic people and was a safe place to go.
Craig is currently unemployed due to ill health. Already involved in the centre as a volunteer handyman, he said that getting involved with the centre has helped his confidence and self-esteem.
He said: “It gives me a purpose, and it is a great place to volunteer.”
One user of the centre said: “Swinnow Community Centre is amazing, and the people are amazing. It’s an amazing place. Thank you for keeping it going.”
The volunteers are currently developing the outdoor space.
On the morning of 16 September, the centre hosted its first prize bingo.
Working alongside Pudsey Community Project the centre is hoping to establish a new weekly food bank – The Pantry.
Bramley Elderly Action are also looking into using the centre too.
So why does the centre focus on values of hope, love, and service?
- Hope – for a brighter future.
- Love – one another
- Service – to serve the copmmunity.
Contact
- Phone: 0113 8244765.
- E-mail: swinnowcommunitycentrecic@gmail.com.
- Facebook: Swinnow Community CIC.
- Check out WLD‘s what’s on section for details of events and activities at the centre.