Use it or lose it warning over Canley Community Centre

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Bosses at Canley Community Centre fear they may have to close for good unless bookings begin to pick up.


Jennifer Morgan fears Canley Community Centre could close.

The centre is struggling to cover its costs through its current crop of events and courses, and bosses say they may be forced to call it a day unless demand takes a sharp upturn.

Although currently home to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts groups, a breakfast club and a handful of other courses, the venue in Prior Deram Walk is still underused and the board of directors are looking to entice new groups to make use of the space.

They say the centre would welcome exercise and dance classes, martial arts groups, craft and cooking workshops, meetings and bands – and anyone who feels they can help change the venue’s fortunes is asked to get in touch.

Centre director Jennifer Morgan said: “We want to see the centre used to its fullest potential.

“We’d love to involve all the residents in Canley – families with children, students, older residents – as the centre is there for everyone.”

Should the centre have to shut its doors permanently, it would be the second blow in a matter of weeks for the area after Canley Sports and Social Club burnt to the floor after being targeted by arsonists.

Flames were spotted coming from the empty club in the early hours of Sunday September 1 and within hours as many as 60 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze in Marler Road.

The roof collapsed during the fire at the club, which had stood empty for a number of weeks after mysteriously closing and being put up for sale.

In their bid to keep the fortunes of Canley alive, bosses at the community centre are also looking for volunteers to come on board and help with everything from creating a community garden to giving the centre manager a helping hand.

They are also ready to welcome new directors wanting to be involved in planning the future of the centre.

• Anyone interested in hiring the centre for an event or helping out as a volunteer can find out more by calling Jenny on 07881 388397 or visit http://www.canleycommunitycentre.co.uk

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Canley Community Centre to reopen with new lease of life



A community centre in Coventry has been saved after residents, councillors and even the emergency services came together to keep it open.

Canley Community Centre, in Prior Deram Walk, has been on the brink of closure for the last 18 months because it was being underused and was struggling to cover its costs.

But now a group of locals have breathed new life in to the place and the centre will officially reopen with a fun day on Saturday.

The residents have been joined in their endeavours by shop owners, church leaders, firefighters and police officers, and ward councillors.

As well as support for the venture, funding has also been forthcoming from Tesco at Cannon Hill Park, Homebase in Sir Henry Parkes Road and Taylor Wimpey Homes at White Willow Park.

Darren Standbridge, one of the co-chairmen of the committee, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been willing to give their time to save the centre.

“When we began this project we knew it was too big to take on ourselves and that we needed support from the wider community.

“So far we have raised enough money to keep the centre open, but its future is based on local groups and leaders using the centre once again.

“This is why we encourage anyone who is interested in running or attending a group to get in touch.”

To mark the re-launch of the centre, the committee has organised a free fun day from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Coun Michael Hammon, will open proceedings and the entertainment will include performances by Combat Breakers, the Coventry Crew, a set from Afro Josh, a display from the Air Cadets and a demonstration from Canley fire service.

Live music will be provided by John Wright, Opaque Nature, a local gospel choir and numerous acoustic sets.

Centre manager Ricky Hill said: “Not so long ago it looked like we would be shutting the doors for good, but the committee that is now in place has breathed fresh life into the centre.

“We have been especially privileged to have councillors David Skinner and Marcus Lapsor joining the committee.

“They have provided us with great support over recent months and continue to take time out of their busy schedule to attend every meeting.”

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Canley Community Centre reopens with a bright future thanks to donation



The future looks bright for a Coventry community centre after is was saved from closure thanks to a £500 donation.

Canley Community Centre was on the brink of shutting down for almost two years, due to being underused and struggling to cover its costs.

Darren Standbridge, one of the co-chairmen of the rescue committee, was asked to lead a campaign to save the struggling community centre early this year.

He put together a management team to take the centre forward and started a campaign to raise immediate funds, backed by the slogan ‘You Can in Canley’.

Luckily, the Save Our Centre campaign caught the eye of housebuilders Taylor Wimpey, as the company is building new homes at White Willow Park, near to the centre.

Thanks to the donation, the centre was officially relaunched on Saturday, September 5, with a well-attended fun day, which hosted live music and dancing as well as a demonstration from the West Midlands Fire Service, which saw centre manager Ricky Hill cut out of a car.

Darren said: “The community absolutely loved the fun day and I’m now very optimistic about the future of Canley Community Centre.

“The £500 from Taylor Wimpey is massive to us. We’ll be using it to give the centre some TLC.”

Following on from the fun day, the task is to generate regular income by getting more individuals and community groups to use the centre.

Darren continues: “We’re looking at getting a martial arts group, a Zumba group and a pre-school nursery.

"The centre has also got a lovely stage and I’m confident that we can get things going so that it’s busy every day.”