Earlier this year The Coddenham Centre held a final ‘Warm Space’ lunchtime event that wrapped up almost 500 successful lunch servings, with the support of regular volunteers and funds from Mid Suffolk District Council, the East of England Co-Op working through the Suffolk Community Foundation.

With fresh ingredients often from the Community Shop, Gail and helpers cooked up a storm for what for many was a social highlight of the week.

We always welcome volunteers, but equally we are always on the lookout for Trustees to help lead. The Coddenham Centre has successfully reached some stability after nearly four years. Bookings are 40% greater, the significant legacy maintenance issues addressed, dependency on the Parish precept more than halved, premises are more secure, it has more facilities, and its charitable status along with increased confidence in the way it is run, has helped secure over £200,000 of investment in the building. Moreover, it has reduced its carbon footprint by over 85% and is almost energy self-sufficient.

While there has been tremendous progress, our founding Chair & Treasurer will have led for five years by this time next year and we really need to be looking around for people to help ensure the continuation of a (sustainable) facility that serves the health & wellbeing of all.

Although awarded Suffolk Community Centre of the Year (and the Most Active Community), there is much still to do. We need to re-enforce our position, leverage our outside spaces, and continue to offer activities and events that appeal.

Being a Trustee can be as demanding and as enjoyable as you want it to be.  If you fancy a challenge or can just contribute an occasional couple of hours, it all helps. All skills are welcome, but we particularly have capacity for administration, book-keeping, fund-raising, web/socials and events management. If you don’t want the formality of a Trusteeship, volunteers in all these areas and more, should contact us too.

You don’t have to be a Parish resident, of particular age or experience, but if you have passion and drive, please confidentially email the Chair at andrew.macpherson@thecoddenhamcentre.co.uk or speak to Andrew, Ray, Debbie or Dave whose details and that of the team can be found Here   Alternatively call or text 07944581299.

Join us and make a difference!

This invitation first appeared in the July Ten Village News.

We also welcome casual Volunteers tour join our ‘Friends of The Coddenham Centre’ Contact details the same and we offer some modest benefits too!