Success of Saintfield community centre can drive support

4 December 2019

THE stunning success of Saintfield’s new community centre is spearheading the drive for other available space at the Belfast Road site to be used by local people.

It was revealed this week that bookings for the new centre — delivered by the Saintfield Development Association with the help of Newry, Mourne and Down Council — are already ahead of projected targets.

Association officials are also quietly confident that the financial sustainability of the community-run centre seems assured, with the priority for the future ensuring that the needs of local people are catered for, including classes, activities and interests for a wide range of organisations.

Currently, there is a focus on developing youth provision and support for first time parents. It is also hoped that more volunteers will give up some of their spare time to help run the new centre which has opened to wide acclaim.

In the latest edition of Saintfield News, Development Association chairman Martyn Todd said a number of people have already made suggestions about how best to utilise available space in a number of other buildings at the Belfast Road site.

He said the group, alongside the Saintfield Community Trust which is running the new facility, are seeking a meeting with Rowallane councillors and local council officials to discuss options for these remaining areas.

Mr Todd said options would need to complement the community activities already on the site and confirmed that there would again be consultation with local people before final decisions are made.

He said that since the centre was handed over to the people of Saintfield, it has gone from strength to strength.

“The centre is managed by the Saintfield Community Trust and is run by a small group of volunteers. This means that having the centre open all day, every day is not practical as the staff to oversee functions and meetings are just not available,” said Mr Todd.

“It is very satisfying to note, however, that at the end of October there has been over 400 hours of use across the site. The 3G pitch is now booked every week night and offers users a great opportunity to show off their skills indoors. It has become a training hub for Darragh Cross GAC, Saintfield United Football Club and Carryduff Colts.”

Mr Todd also confirmed that casual user groups are already making the most of the facility on their doorstep, with the unpredictable summer weather making the indoor pitch the ideal location for Saintfield’s two primary schools to hold their end of year sports days.

He continued: “The hall, studio and meeting room have been a big hit with user groups, providing a wide range of clubs, services and activities. From the outset, the aim for the end of the first year of operation was to attract user groups catering for a wide range of activities and age groups.

“This has already been achieved in the first five months of operation and the centre is well ahead of projections. This early success is a testament to the hard work of the Saintfield Community Trust who oversee the centre, as well as the volunteers who keep it running.”

Mr Brian Gamble, the editor of Saintfield News, is also backing calls for local people to come forward to help run the new centre.

He recalled that the late Gerry Lowe, former chairman of Saintfield Town Regeneration Committee, which was the Development Association’s predecessor, was a key player in the push for a new community centre but sadly did not live to see his vision realised.

“The new centre was handed over to the Saintfield Community Trust to run as a shared space to cater for the sporting and social needs of all the people of Saintfield and district,” continued Mr Gamble.

“The centre usage is growing rapidly and is already ahead of projections. There is a small group of people helping out with the various duties, although more assistance is needed.”

Mr Gamble hopes that some people in the Saintfield area who care about the village and its residents will come forward and offer a few hours each month to support the operation of the new centre or by serving on one of the Development Association’s committees .

He added: “You don’t need any special skills and you will also benefit by making new friends and doing your bit for the community.”

Anyone who can spare an hour or two per week and would like to become involved in supporting the community is asked to email either reception, saintfieldcc@gmail.com or editor@discoverssaintfield.co.uk

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