15/08/2024
MEDWAY CENTRE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Over 110 people came along to enjoy the Medway Centre 25th Anniversary Afternoon Tea and what a great celebration it was. With entertainment provided by the marvellous Bakewell Youth Theatre and Bakewell Silver Band, everyone agreed it was a fabulous event with many local people in attendance.
The vision of the Medway Centre was that of our Architect, Chris Marriott, and we were pleased to welcome his sons as well as Lord Patrick McLoughlin (who helped with the building of the Centre), John Whitby MP and his wife Juliette and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Colonel John Wilson and friend, Mrs Lisa Brown as well as Bakewell’s Mayor and Town Council members.
Many of you know the history of how the Medway Centre came into being - with a grant from the Rural Development Partnership paying for the bricks and mortar, but leaving little left to pay for the construction of the building. So, it came down to local people rolling up their sleeves to provide the physical labour needed and under the guidance of local tradespeople, who donated their expertise, more than 100 volunteers gave up their time and energy over an 18 month period to develop new skills, whether in laying bricks, partaking in the carpentry, setting down paving or, most importantly, baking cakes or making tea for the workers. This story often amazes new visitors to the Centre as they view the excellent facilities and those who were in at the beginning should feel proud that after 25 years their efforts were not in vain.
Additional thanks also go to everyone who supported us in the early years and after with additional fundraising – holding garden parties, coffee mornings, jam making and cake baking, donating to book and bric-a-brac stalls, putting on plays, shows and musical events – without their contributions we would still not be here today. In particular, Maurice Howard and his teams who, by doing all the spring cleaning, building and equipment maintenance, saved us tens of thousands of pounds over the years - we do miss you all since you retired.
Over the last 25 years we have dealt with many challenges and continue to meet these with determination and tenacity. Our Administrators, especially Margie, (who has been here for the majority of that time), but also Angela, Penny, Fiona, Niki, Annie and Sue, her assistants, have kept things running smoothly, raised monies for improvements and alterations through grant funding and organizing events. Throughout the Covid pandemic and since they have worked tirelessly to ensure the Centre continues to flourish. This work has included navigating the current cost of living crisis where regular costs have skyrocketed and money for leisure activities seems harder to come by.
We currently provide accommodation to almost 100 different user groups and in fact, after a good start, we are due to have a bumper year of other public events to come.
Looking forward we aim to develop, modernize and keep this remarkable space fit for purpose for the future, with all monies raised going into improving the facilities with a determination to keep the Centre running as an independent venue for local use. However, the future of any facility like this can only be guaranteed to keep going if members of the local community are willing to put themselves forward to help. We are always looking for new folk to step up to secure the Centre for the next generation. This can be done by donating to our Adopt a Seat campaign, joining our 100 Club, or volunteering your time. For instance, being on the Management Committee can be a commitment of as little as six hours a year; volunteering as a Medway helper might mean as little as two hours a year – this could be help in running a bar, joining the Spring Clean gang or helping set up for events. Every little helps! If you would like to get involved then please get in touch at enquiries@medway centre.co.uk or 01629 813638.
Main photo: Mrs Lisa Brown; Vice Lord Lieutenant, Col John Wilson OBE DL; Mr John Whitby MP; Nic Wilson, (Medway Chair); Mayor, Helen Garvey and Margie Stuckey, (Medway Administrator). Inset: Bakewell Silver Band
