Poynton Youth and Community Centre – July Update

The past couple of weeks have seen some real progress. Thanks to a generous donation from local residents Sandra and John Horsman plus a very welcome grant from the Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust we have been able to begin repairing and replacing the electrical wiring. This work should be completed within the next week. In addition, money has been found from The Centre’s own funds to demolish the dangerous lean-to building at the rear of The Centre. This should be finished by the end of this month.

The Centre’s plight was recently featured in The Macclesfield Express and the Poynton Post. Look out for more press coverage over the coming weeks.

Although this is real progress, we are still some way from being able to re-open. We need to find funds for essential repairs to the leaking roof and guttering and also to replace the fire alarm system. Before that, we need to have an asbestos survey conducted. You won’t be surprised to learn that once all this work is completed The Centre will need completely redecorating. We are keeping our fingers crossed that some of the grants we have applied for will be successful. Even so we are still relying on fund-raising events and public donations for a large part of the money. This is where you can make a real difference. Although we need a lot of money, it amounts to just £3 for each adult in Poynton and please remember this is ‘YOUR CENTRE and the oldest public building in this great town.

You can donate online at www.justgiving.com/poynton-youthcc

You can also donate £10 by texting PYCC10 £10 to 70070

You can join our “100 club”. For a donation of £50 you will help The Centre and also be entered into our monthly prize draw of £100 with a £25 runner up prize for 12 months. To join, e-mail our new fund-raising address: save.your.centre@gmail.com don’t worry if you have already sent e-mails to our regular address info@poyntoncommunitycentre.org.uk they will still be answered, and this remains the address for normal correspondence.

You can hand in cheques or cash, just look for the collecting boxes in shops around the village and come and see us at the Poynton Show in August. You can also send cheques by post or hand deliver to The Centre, 107 Park Lane, Poynton, SK12 1RB. Please make cheques payable to Poynton Youth and Community Centre.

We currently have four fund-raising events planned. The first is this weekend. At the Higher Poynton Summerfest on Sunday 12^th there will be an opportunity to sponsor a roof tile! It sounds intriguing so please come along to find out what it is all about.

On 28^th July the Mayor of Poynton will be hosting a garden open day at 125, London Road South between noon and 4pm. Entry costs £2 and refreshments and plants will be available to purchase.

There will be an open day at The Centre on August 8^th from noon to 4pm. This will be in the modern annex accessible from the rear of the building. (This is the only part of The Centre that remains open until repairs are completed.) The Open day will feature “try a musical instrument” sponsored by the Poynton Music School, pottery workshops, textiles, art and a demonstration/workshop by the Poynton Marionette Theatre.

A fantastic evening of music is planned for September 12^th at the British Legion. A Charity Benefit Concert headlining the dazzling acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies of Americana trio Desert Wind (led by Poynton’s Andy Liddie) plus the original folk/rock sounds of the Radnor Band, led by Poyntoner Joe Beard of the legendary 1960’s group The Purple Gang. Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased online at poyntonlive.uk/save-your-centre

Hopefully I will have more good news to pass on to you over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you have experience at fundraising and you can spare some time, then why not join us? E-mail pyccchairman@btinternet.com.