Southleigh Youth Recreation and Community Hall (SYRCH)

Virginia Wilson-Smith

 

The newly refurbished Hall in Spencer’s Field is back in business and available for hire. This followed a two-month programme during which the building was clad in brick and given a face-lift with new windows and complete redecoration inside, including a new kitchen.

A year ago, SYRCH was in grave danger of closing with the committee and funds almost exhausted and the building was shabby and old-fashioned. A new committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Colin Mackey with David Gillett, Nikky Smith and Virginia Wilson-Smith together with Pam & Tony Wilkinson from the old committee, and representatives of the users.

We were delighted to obtain support from HBC who agreed to fund the refurbishment, together with a grant lasting for three years. Support has also come from the Police and those in the community who realise the need for a club for young people and community activities for older people is essential in this area.

Our aim is to become self-supporting and to achieve this we need to attract more people to hire the hall. Our regular users are:

·      Toddlers’ group, the Cygnets.

·      Junior Youth Club run by SYRCH

·      Senior Youth Club under the auspices of the HCC Youth Service

·      Dog Training class run by Jean Howells

·      Karate class run by Christopher Hopkins

·      A play group is just starting.

We have an Entertainment Licence, and can accept individual hirers for parties and other functions. We also have space to provide regular or one-off bookings during the daytime and at weekends, including Friday. We can accommodate 150 people

For information concerning bookings and to contact the user groups, please phone Wendy Fewell on 01243 371142.