For further information and
bookings:
Contact: Louise Gooding
(01449) 723171
Mobile: 07776 150824
INTRODUCTION TO NEEDHAM
MARKET COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Needham Market Community Centre was opened
in 1980. It was built with monies raised by the Needham
Market Community Council, together with a generous private donation
from the late Geoffrey Burton, and grant aid from Mid Suffolk
District Council and the Government. Since 1981 there have
been three major extensions funded by the Centre - the Needham
Market and Barking Welfare Charity, the Community Council, Mid
Suffolk District Council and the Sports Council.
The present facilities include a main hall
(equivalent in size to two badminton courts) and seating a maximum
of 300 persons. The hall has a purpose-built, fully equipped
stage. A smaller hall (the Burton Room) can seat 120, and
there are two smaller meeting rooms.
The ancillary facilities include a lounge bar
which carries a full Premises Licence on Tuesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays and Saturdays (no membership required) and a fully equipped
kitchen. The bar facilities are available to users of the
Centre outside these hours by special arrangement.
The outside sports area comprises one
multi-court with all weather special surface, a netball court and
two hard surfaced tennis courts.
The office of the Needham Market Town Council is
housed at the Centre and is open to the public on Monday and
Thursday mornings.
The management of the Centre is in the hands of
an elected Management Committee, together with nominated
representatives from the various user organisations. The
day-to-day management is delegated to a Centre Manager who is joint
holder of the Justices Licence and who is responsible for the
hiring of the many facilities available. The Centre relies
heavily upon voluntary labour to fulfil its obligations to the
community and additional help is always welcomed.
The Centre has charitable status and a day
centre for the elderly runs on Wednesday with lunches
available. On Mondays, lunch is also available, courtesy of
the WRVS in conjunction with the local school. The Ashburnham
Club for the over 60's meets on Thursday afternoons, with guest
speakers and entertainment.
Various clubs and organisations use the Centre;
these include the WI, Badminton, Karate, Get Crafty, Bridge, Whist,
Ballroom Dancing, Line Dancing, Yoga, Bellycise, Cara Lee Dance,
Ladies Sports, Carpet Bowls, Horticultural Society and
Slimming World to name but a few! The Needham Market
Entertainment Company performs regularly on stage and weddings,
conferences and dances are also catered for. A Tea Dance
takes place every Wednesday throughout the
winter.