Welcome to Whelnetham Community Centre

Whelnetham Community Centre is a charity run village community centre situated approximately 4 miles to the South of Bury St Edmunds.

The Aims & Objectives Of The Trust

Whelnetham Community Centre (WCC) is managed by a Committee comprising representatives of clubs, organizations and others elected at each Annual General Meeting.

We are a charitable voluntary organization in which numerous members of the committee work tirelessly throughout the year. All members are committed to an ongoing program of work in order to maintain current infrastructure, facilitate new events and enlarge WCC. Our aim is to provide appropriate accommodation and amenities to a diverse range of groups and activities, while ensuring that different parts of the premises can be used simultaneously and at an affordable hiring charge.

These planned or hired events encourage the bringing together of people of all abilities, ages, race, and religion for the benefit of all within the community and the companionship that results. We actively promote a culture of equality and diversity, and work to a program of action to make this effective within the community. We fully endorse and have adopted Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety policies.

Whelnetham Community Centre is a charity registered in England and Wales.

Registered number: 304890

The Community Centre at Great Whelnetham is located only a short distance from the town of Bury St Edmunds, and commands a stunning view of the rural Suffolk countryside.

Outside of the Community Centre there is a large car parking facility which is managed and maintained by trustees of the centre. Generous free parking facilities for cars and coaches including disabled bays and an 'overflow' capability should the need arise. This facility is for general usage by the public either via the hiring of the centre or use of the playing fields. Notices have been implemented to advise users that WCC assumes no responsibility for loss or damage whilst parking in this vicinity. An outdoor children's play area is located within the playing field including a well maintained adult football pitch.

Inside the Community Centre there is a large entrance foyer allowing access to the main hall, kitchen, bar area, toilets and baby changing facility.

The large main hall has a spacious area ideal for wedding receptions, parties, clubs or events. The hall has the capacity to hold 150 people seated with tables. If a dance floor is required then this number would need to be reduced. Comfortable seating and a choice of tables adds to the attraction of this venue not only for wedding receptions, dances and live entertainment, but also more formal occasions such as meetings or conferences. Free internet access is available. Within the hall there is a large stage complete with sound and lighting equipment. This can be accessed via a back stage entrance or through the use of the moveable staircase at the front. The bar area can be easily partitioned from the main hall to provide a separate meeting room or additional space for a buffet or entertainment area if required.

Whelnetham Community Centre bar is fully licensed and available for hire. A variety of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are on offer at a very reasonable price. All profits made from the bar takings are put straight back into the centre to maintain future improvement costs. All bar staff are volunteers who are aware of their roles and responsibilities in accordance with license PL01433/8728, granted by St Edmundsbury Borough Council mandatory alcohol condition under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Kitchen has recently been modernised with ample worktop space and appliances to facilitate large events. Appliances include a double oven, commercial dishwasher, large fridge, freezer, microwave, storage etc. There are a limited amount of cutlery and crockery that can be used if required.

There are Gents and Ladies toilet facilities which incorporate a small cloakroom. There is a separate disabled toilet which can also be used as a baby changing area.

Governance

Revised bookings, conditions of hire, health and safety, equal opportunities, child protection and all other policies produced by Whelnetham Community Centre are available for inspection in accordance with the Charity Commissions “Governance”.

The Accounts

Whelnetham Community Centre accounts are prepared and administrated following the guidance set out in CC15 Charity reporting and Accounting: The essentials.  The trustee’s bankers are Lloyds TSB, with whom WCC current account is held.  The trusts insurers are Zurich Insurance, with whom the Community Centre has insured the building.

Maintenance

WCC Trustees regularly meet up once a month (Maintenance day) and facilitate any improvements, administration or any other business that needs attention.

We as a committee understand that facilities should be clean and well maintained. This makes them attractive and thereby encourages use. But it also encourages use by showing that the facility gets attention, and is therefore more likely to be safe and healthy, and to serve its purpose.  Regular cleaning and maintenance also picks up real and potential problems, keeps the facility in good shape, and encourages other users to take care of it.

If you would like to volunteer to support your local Community Centre in maintaining and up keeping the building and its surrounding area please get in touch to find out more.

Fees

Residents Rate (Within Great and Little Whelnetham) - £15 per hour

Non Residents Rate - £18 per hour

Wedding packages or events more than 1 day - Enquire for further information

Location

Stanningfield Road

Great Whelnetham - Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk - IP30 0TY