Activities and uses of the centre

NOW
Wolstanton Methodist Church and Grosvenor Centre is used by many hundreds of people for community purpose each week. This means that over 700 people use the centre facilities every week, excluding worship, and this figure can rise to in excess of 1000 on special occasions. It is fair to say that it is one of the most community based churches in the area. The buildings have suffered very little vandalism and graffiti over the years. We feel that this is reflective of how highly regarded our work is held by the community.

The centre is open every day from Sunday to Friday and very often on Saturday for a range of events. There is usually more than one activity being held on our premises each day and very often simultaneously. (See appendix a showing weekly use of premises)

Approximately 80% of the Centre’s activities are devoted to community projects such as our Stepping stones project that incorporates baby & parent groups, parent/carer & toddler groups, behaviour management courses, then there are youth clubs, a luncheon club, meetings for friendship for women, Wednesday afternoons (age 65+) and Thursday evenings (age 40+), coffee mornings with traidcraft stall etc. All these activities are financially subsidised by ourselves.

Wolstanton Methodist Church and Centre’s long history of a commitment to community service means that we are prevented by the current premises from making fuller use and meet the demand for our premises. These limitations are solely due to the age and design of the buildings. Generally it is not cost effective to warm some parts of our premises just to provide a single user for a given room. We do however still accommodate groups wherever possible at a cost to our general resources. We do make ourselves available for many community uses for example a recent public enquiry into a proposed local road changes and meetings about the setting of a parish council.

The problem with access for the disabled is another impediment which adds restrictions to individuals and groups of people who wish to join one or several of the activities held in the buildings. The practical difficulties of groups using the premises currently often mean crossing each others space to access equipment. There is not an outdoor safe play area for our children’s work which would really enhance the children’s’ experiences. Having to allow access via different external doors makes security a headache.

THE FUTURE
The new design will enable the buildings to be used more effectively. This will enable several rooms to be used at the same time. It will provide one secure entry to the buildings so they can be managed better.

The new building will incorporate all the requirements for the disabled and will have quite an impact in an area with many elderly people. The fact that the modernisation will mean it will be more economical to heat and light and therefore be more “comfortable” will increase visitors for various events. Add to these facilities a modern kitchen and there will be no limit to what we can achieve for the community. The Luncheon club will be able more effectively to deliver this much needed amenity, particularly for the elderly in our community.

The potential for new work to be generated is great. A request from the local health visitors to provide a venue for gentle exercise and healthy living advice becomes possible. The development of a project worker for senior people to oversee our work in this area becomes more secure with a solid base to work from. Age concern will shortly be operating an advice centre from the premises and we hope in partnership to establish further work. The use of the centre for concerts and plays could well be an area for development.

The modernised facilities should enable us to increase the footfall into our buildings by at least ten percent. This is achievable because currently two of our rooms are under utilised because of heating. A gentle exercise group, advice centre, use of our premises by the neighbouring C of E Parish church, and greater use of the worship area for concerts will generate at least another 100 people passing through the premises.

We are aware that parliament has requested that stronger links are forged between local church denominations and school life. We currently enjoy good partnerships with three local primary schools and High school. (See letter of support from schools appendix c) The schools have utilised the church building for school communions and concerts. Visits are organised for children to witness the inner workings and visual of life in the church and its community connections. We have supported the local high school in its fund raising for specialist status. We have with these local schools fund raised for world projects via Christian aid, and a specific scheme in Romania. The High School is helping the church with a fund raising event. A number of our church members are on the governing bodies of the schools and PTA’s and our own Minister is chair person of the High School Governing Body.

FUTURE USERS AND PROJECTS

Age Concern
Advice centre negotiations taking place for this to run weekly when new advisor trained.

Gentle exercise class
Promoted by Age Concern commencing October 2005.

Music at The Grosvenor
Monthly musical evenings, orchestras, music groups, drama.

Appointment of Project worker for elderly-
To co-ordinate all our work with older people.

Shared use by St Margaret’s Parish Church.
Having no rooms apart from their church building we are entering into negotiations for shared use of our premises. St Margaret’s is situated 100 metres from our buildings.