Volunteers take over at Jarrow community centre

Bilton Hall Community Trust is now the official owners of the centre in Taunton Avenue, Jarrow, which was once known as Low Simonside Community Centre.

The charity was formed to develop and manage the building with the aim of turning it into a successful, self-sustaining centre, providing the community with a venue in which they can do activities, learn and relax.

Joanna Tuck, Community Development Manager at the Trust, said: “Our first year has been a whirlwind and I can’t believe we are progressing with lots of exciting developments into our second year.

“We have developed a strong core of volunteers who have put a huge amount of effort and commitment into running the organisation.”

Since the Board came together early last year, the charity’s core aim has been to secure funding to change the layout of the former school building.

Funding has been secured from the Asda Foundation and Sports England to renovate and enhance the centre and to work with young people to encourage them to take part in sports and youth-led activities.

Joanna added: “Lots of great things are happening at Bilton Hall Community Trust. We are just so pleased that we were able to rescue our centre from closure. Without doing so, our community would be at a loss.”

Joanna urged people to make use of the facilities and join in the activities on offer to help make the centre even more of a success.

For details call 489 8224.