School Aycliffe Community Centre
Durham
School Aycliffe Community Centre is located in School Aycliffe. It was built in the mid-1980’s by the Council for use by the local Community and is managed by a group of volunteers – the School Aycliffe Community Association (SACA). Being a registered Charity it receives no income other than that raised by events and activities held in the centre.
The SACA aims are to further benefit the residents of School Aycliffe and the neighbourhood without distinction or discrimination, by associating together the said residents and the local Authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation, with improving the conditions of life for the residents.
Sadly during much of 2020 and 2021, the pandemic forced the closure of the centre and so were limited in opportunities to bring the community together, even though this was a time when it was needed most.
Recently the residents came together to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It was an event organised by the committee and volunteers which brought all the residents of School Aycliffe together on this special family celebration. There was live music, sports day games, a cake stall, a raffle and a tombola. It was a wonderful day with lots of community spirit.
SACA hope to use the grant to introduce a more extensive range of events and activities such as IT classes, Badminton and Embroidered Movement to benefit the whole community.