Community Centre
Posted by GC on Tuesday, 9th March 2010, 16:58
In raising this thread let me say at the outset that I am not conducting a witch hunt against any organisation or body or individual.
However I believe that the village of Northwood requires a ‘Community Centre’ that can bring together all of the factions that currently exist within the village.
The centre would act as a ‘Hub’ to hold what is at present a fractured community spirit. There are several well-run organisations being conducted with a true neighbourly and community ethos.
There is a great danger that this idea will be dismissed out of hand due to myopic views held by caucuses in positions of regard within the village. I am a firm believer that the community as a whole deserves more than that. We find words often put into forums and various text forms that there exists such a beast known as ‘Northwood Apathy’. This description is shallow and disingenuous; it gives the village a distinct lack of confidence in itself.
I do not pretend the concept will be easy to get off the ground, but without a ‘statement of intent given by residents through consultation’ Northwood will continue to be seen as a semi-rural district on the southern boundary of Cowes. We need drive and spirit to provide the community with a meaning and something to be proud of. History shows us that Northwood played a key role on the Isle of Wight, its boundaries stretching over a large area. There were more hostelries, and the Ward family was key to the community. Since then, for a whole variety reasons, Northwood has lost its spirit, pride in the area has been eroded and we collectively have become very much more insular.
Of course many obstacles stand in the way of realising this concept; we have, as a society, beaten many issues placed in our way over the years and triumphed.
1. Is it needed or necessary?
2. Raising Funds (Number 1 priority)
3. Location…Prime Importance.
People will clearly be aware that facilities exist for meetings, clubs etc. But I am convinced time is ripe to start re-developing facilities that currently exist, into ‘fit for purpose’ conforming to all current building regulations regarding H & S, and latest Fire requirements.
With the empowerment of the Parish Council there is a vehicle on which to drive proposals/concepts forward.
Currently the PC proposes a precept which will amass approximately £11,500, the saddest part of this the figures show that approximately £9,100 will be taken up by administration expenses in running the PC. No criticism is directed at anyone currently sitting on the PC … But we do need better value for money. Schemes are costly, several parish councils have risen to the challenge and bitten the bullet.
It does not stretch the wit of man to set up a Board of Trustees to carry out and construct a brief to put to the village residents.
We surely cannot continue to remain where we are, stuck and afraid to move forward?
Having bared my soul, I await the stones of wrath with some trepidation.
Regards
GC.
39 Responses to “Community Centre”
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Village
- - Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
- - Cowes Amateur Winemakers
- - Cowes Heritage
- - Cowes Radar Ex-Employees Association
- - Cowes-Deauville Twinning Association
- - Friends of Northwood Cemetery
- - Friends of Northwood House and Park
- - Medham W.I.
- - Newport Rowing Club
- - Northwood Floral Art Group
- - Northwood Village Produce Association
- - Northwood W.I.
Parish Council
The two posters who responded in defence of our illustrious councillor have in my view been taken in by all this.
Remember that saying ‘you can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time’
The comment by Res Des ” the protagonists always knock him down” Tosh ! I am certain RM is big and ugly enough to look after him self in the cut and thrust of debate.
The post from “old lob” is slightly off track,
GC has been identified? For the sake of clarity GC has been signing his posts for many years now,
mainly because they are his initials, but don’t let the little matter of ‘fact’ get in the way of a good post.
In relation to ‘Phantom persons’ here is a ‘fact’ some months ago there was a move to get all posts to be signed, this was rejected by the Moderator and many many posters, so following the agreed format posts are not signed with ‘identifiable names’.
George Washington
Ok folks, as requested by a few posters on here please note that no further comments will appear on this thread unless they are to discuss the original subject. Please refer to the header notes.
Several different subjects were raised amongst the comments, so would any of those posters like to start fresh threads?
Many thanks to my “imaginary?” friends Old Lob and Des Res. Steve L. certainly is entering into the subject about which he seems most concerned about, namely bullying!
However, Mr. Aministrator, I thought you had asked posters to return to the original thread about a Community Centre. SL warmly welcomed that stricture but seems bent on continuing his carping about me and anyone who posts (however tentatively) in my support! Speaks volumes for the person, don’t you think!
I rest my case re not building a Community Centre and as I mentioned earlier, leave it to those who think such a project is both feasible and needed to make it a Parish Council election issue. If that fails to achieve your desired result, then make it an election issue in 2013.
It may be worthwhile opening an Allotment thread to answer SL’s criticism of allotment holders and their supporters.
Cheerio, Cllr. Roger Mazillius
How many people would bother to ‘vote’ in our democratic society if we were not allowed to do it anonymously? Not many is my guess……so therefore there is nothing wrong with writing on a forum anonymously. Secret ballots are all the rage nowadays………..its the ‘only’ way to discover the true feelings of people. Perhaps we can either get back to the ‘village hall’ subject or drop this ridiculously childish exchange altogether. BJS
cheers “old lob”
but you missed the point you don’t need “guts” to speak on this forum, this is a free country and you are allowed to have a view. I suppose you don’t believe in secret ballots either?
KMA.
can’t help replying to George Washington (well that is probably a lie to start with!) but it is not essential is it to use initials or whatever?
Sometimes you wonder why people with so much to say only have the guts to say these things anonymously.
That’s my brief lot.
“Old lob” aka Isaac Newton (for what thats worth)
Spot on George, its not that important we have the posters real names so why is it one or two people make such a big thing of it. I know several posters not connected with Political spin also use their full name and so they should if that’s what they want.
Most people don’t even know the names of folk 4 or 5 houses down the road so signing your real name Archibold Rams-bottom to a post means very little to most.?
Its not beyond the realms of possibility that some people have a real name for posts and imaginary friends to support them, but we never thought of that did we! never mind if it makes them happy fine, but its a bit like sending yourself lots of Valentines cards when your really Billy no mates.
What I don’t like is any poster that’s a Bully, talks down or treats others as idiots. Most of us that use this site have our own view on village issues as I said in my earlier post many good people in our Village are doing their bit and are not connected to the NPC. We all have the right to reply on this forum and even if its not what a few want they will still get our views.
Steve L.
I have to agree with the poster of 19 March 07:56 – whatever RM says either in reply to either positive or negative comments, or in defence of actual crticism, the protagonists always knock him down.
Here is a man doing his best to improve the experience of everyone living in Northwood and giving a huge percentage of his day, every day, to pursuing that aim, and all these people can do is criticise him for his views and opinions, but are the first to bite back if they themselves are criticised.
RM is only being realistic with regard to the probable impracticality of a new Community Centre, so why can’t they just accept that as an opinion and let it go, and at best offer other alternatives or ideas.
It does seem that Northwood has adequate facilities in the Northwood W.I. hall, Scout Hut and School hall.
Res Des.
Ive been reading all of this since the first idea of a community centre was mentioned and felt tho’ it is a bit late that I should make some comment.
It appears that although GC seems to have been identified, the only poster who has really identified himself is the local councillor.
Why is this? It is true that he has been outspoken but he was only answering like with like and unlike those who hid their anger or whatever behind initials, at least signed his name.
And why is it ok for these “phantom” persons to use strong condemming comments without the responsibility of identification whilst this councillor sort of tells it like he sees it and signs himself.
Anyway, I’m off shopping.!
signed in accordance with customary practice
“old lob”
Thank you Mr Moderator for acting so quickly.
Your comments were a piece of timely advice. This generation of bile and back biting aimed at posters who wish to express them self through the forum are normally the target of posters with the clout around them.
Those type of posters are not welcome on this forum due to their verbal bullying. If there are the type that currently represent us, its time to vote them off and insert people who are prepared to treat residents with a modicum of respect.
I also agree with the Moderator…lets have more posts on a constructive nature.
Salutatory Greetings
Red Barron.
Absolutely – can we please keep comments to this thread on the subject of a Community Centre in Northwood, and perhaps someone could raise new threads on the side issues that have come out of this.
Thank you
Admin.
Well done Steve L.
You must realise you won’t have the last say, nobody ever does.
To Mr Moderator…Drop this post please, its going no where and has become RM’s personal soap-box.
Rodger, I’m not laughing at the poor plot holders I’m laughing that even now you don’t think you got it wrong and its the wrong place for allotments and yes they are still being worked I don’t dispute that and I wish them luck for a dry spring/summer. Those of us that have lived here all our lives and seen this area flooded many, many times, would never use that area for growing any thing except perhaps rice, the areas never been good for any thing but rough grass.
The only other comment I wish to make at this time is, I still maintain you don’t have to be one of the 8 to learn a bit more about the village. I don’t have any axe to grind with Parish Councilors if they do the job for the right reasons, as I’m sure most do. Many good people that have absolutely no interest in meeting once a month under the banner of NPC still have a massive input into village life.
Steve L.
To the interested in standing poster. Well done! It is definitely not a full time job but one where a serious committment to the locality is important.
Do not be put off by ill-informed posters who, whilst admitting they have never been to a Parish Council meeting, nevertheless insist on alleging that the few dominate the many.
Firstly, there is a Chairman, secondly there is a qualified Clerk and of course thirdly there are the other Members who will I suspect be chuckling to themselves that someone insists they are dominated by anyone!
Do let me know if I can be of any practical assistance. I have already promised to help one very good potential candidate and will be glad to assist others. What I sincerely hope this interesting and shall we say contentious discussion will achieve, apart from some good letting off of steam is a full house of candidates. We definitely need new blood to take over from those who are retiring.
Steve L. Thanks for comments. I agree you would not normally expect two I.W.Cllrs. to be on an eight person one but I suppose and certainly in my case, I stood to ensure we had a full complement. If we had more I would have stood down as explained in earlier posts.
I will not be there post May but PF may be. It is useful to have an IWC connection but believe me, there are no shrinking violets in local government, as you would know if you had got more personally involved.
Anyway, who knows what the future may bring. The “might learn something of use” comment related to what you could achieve as a Parish Councillor serving the village for four years.
Re the allotments, it is not that they were in the wrong place, generally the worst of the flooding only affected a few plots and then out of the growing season. Look sideways next time you pass by and you will see all the plots still being worked despite the wet weeks and as I said in my letter to the CP, most plot holders would have carried on if the owner had let them.
So carry on laughing if you must but speak to the plot holders and they will tell you how much they have enjoyed the experience and how much they are looking forward to continuing their work on another site. So much good has come out of the project, something that you would appreciate if you had actually been involved.
So here’s hoping you will be from 2010 to 2014.
To Mr. C. why bow out now it is getting more interesting? Keep going old chap!
Incidentally, I have just come from the W.I. Hall where Northwood Primary were hosting a memories of W.W.II with older villagers. It was a brilliant example of the hall being used in and by the Community. This is a regular activity by the school and is yet another example of what does go on, perhaps largely un-noticed by many in the village which in turn may give rise to views that are not in fact borne out by the actualitie!
All the best, Roger M.
This I assure you all will be my last submission to this thread.(Although I started it for another chance to debate the subject, not enjoin in a joust)
Poster BJS has it correct…exactly correct, the forum has again degenerated into personal slanging match. I recognise that as one of the protagonists I must share some of the blame. However deep down I know that my writings have been colourful at times, written to engender debate, guilty.
Though never setting out to cast personal slurs or debase individuals on this forum, though policies and decisions are fair targets.
You win Cllr, I will attempt to be magnanimous as I slither into obscurity,
suitably chastised. May you achieve from life that you have have sown. I have no desire to play your silly charades any more, there is one final matter for your information…I have had criticism for breakfast over the years…very much as YOU have?
Regards to all on the forum… ‘Carpe Diem’
GC.
Roger you don’t seem to understand the reasons behind what you have stated :_
“there were insufficient candidates in 2008 to trigger an election. What is wrong in suggesting that might happen again?”
the reason is in my opinion, and I am allowed to have one, is due to the perception by some of us that might wish to apply to be elected is that PCs are dominated by a few members that have hidden agendas and the experience to achieve the desired result, similar to this forum.
The written word of some posts makes for good reading and will bring a smile to a face or two, but can be seen as bullying, or who shouts the loudest wins tactics by most.
I have never understood why a Parish Council needs 2 Ward Councilors on it, big fish small pond ?
Another example of your mannerism is your last line “It is only for four years and who knows you might learn something of use to Northwood!”
Trying to imply I don’t already?
Even I, like most that have lived here along time, realized the allotments were in the wrong place.
Still laughing.
Steve L.
Re BJS “I’M OUT OF HERE”! Thanks for starting this John Doe! Roger M.
“Of course the chances are that there will not even be eight residents who will offer themselves so you could expect to be a Northwood Parish Councillor without any effort at all”
Out of interest, is being a parish councillor a full time job? In other words, would I have to give up my job to be a councillor.
What do the other councillors do regarding full time jobs.
I’m quite interested in standing next time around.
Thanks
The point is Steve, why is it ok for John Doe to (in common parlance) slag off elected representatives with your apparent approval and then you completely misconstrue my comment re Parish Councillors. Where is the slur? It is as you seem to understand a fact that there were insufficient candidates in 2008 to trigger an election. What is wrong in suggesting that might happen again?
Regarding your frankly stupid comment (well at least you admit to never having attended a Parish Council meeting) that the ” “experienced ones” call the shots, and lambs to the slaughter spring to mind for the newbies” – how about that for your very own personal slur on all eight Councillors!
Whilst two of us have served as Councillors before, six were new so not only have you managed to slur the two of us for thinking we can get our own way against six, but that six are “lambs to the slaughter” when it comes to decision making!
What an atrociously ludicrous criticism to make of these local residents who have done their best to serve the Parish for the last two years.
Mind you, it is I suppose possible that you might decide to have a go after all. It is only for four years and who knows you might learn something of use to Northwood!
Regards, Roger M.
My apologies and sympathies to you Mr. C. for your ill health. However, whilst that explains your inability to stand for election, it does not excuse some of your comments.
For example, you say “Your second paragraph is not worthy of comment..it is so laughable”
Let us examine what I said in that paragraph.
“The village is not dead. In fact we probably have as many activities here as most places and probably more. We did list some of these last year and they totalled so many, I think it surprised most of us”
What is laughable about that? Indeed if you read Jack Henry’s post of 12th March you will see he agrees there is “a healthy number” of local activities. I could mention a lot who use just the W.I.Hall but how about, Northwood W.I.; Medham W.I.; Northwood Community Partnership; Northwood Village Produce Association, Northwood Parish Church; Northwood Parish Council, Northwood Floral Art Group,Northwood Play group or similar organisations, Ballet, Yoga etc etc etc!
What I attempted to do in my first posting on this matter was to put a bit of realism into the thread, which as I have said before was fully debated on this site only last year. Nothing has changed since then except that you either do not accept contrary views or that there just is not real support in the village for the expense of a Community Centre when as I HAVE SAID, WE HAVE SUCH EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE FACILITIES.
It seems to me Mr. C. well at least you have the guts to let us know who you are, that whilst you are more than able to dish out criticism of others, you cannot take criticism of yourself and anonymous posters.
For example why should I not be allowed to answer anonymous ill-informed personal criticisms of me particularly by persons who hide their identity and whereabouts. I mean, do they actually live in Northwood?
I will be replying to this particular anonymous poster separately.
All the best, Roger Mazillius
What started as a potentially, constructive debate on the probability of a Village Hall for Northwood has degenerated into a personal slanging match……..just like the Northwood House thread a while ago. I dont wish to be part of it…………..Im out of here. BJS
I’m not surprised that “the chances that there will not even be eight residents who will offer themselves” . If people want to be verbally attacked for having a different view it appears NPC would be a good place to get started. I have not attended any meetings but assume the “experienced ones” call the shots,and lambs to slaughter spring to mind for the newbies.
I read the last sentence as a slur to some of those currently on the council as no election took place last time.
Steve L.
Let me state for the record, I am not John Doe, nor am I Jack Henry, nor even the ‘Man from Uncle’
You 2nd paragraph is not worthy of comment…Its so laughable.
You win Cllr, I am guilty as charged, but if that means giving up on a project that personally I feel would benefit the village in the long term.
No Chance!
If projects that will in some way impact on the Church Web Site, the WI Hall, their chance of seeing fruition are slim.
Will I ever bow to your verbal form of bullying is a different matter, and for your information, your sniffy comment about having a ‘nurse to hold my hand’ is so far below the belt it stinks.
Regarding para 7 (commencing with ‘By the way’)
Again not worthy of a response, every one reading can make their own minds up.
I have resisted for some considerable time about letting you know why I always fight shy when asked to stand in local elections.
Health reasons Cllr Mazillius. (Perhaps you should be ordained for this bit?)
Unfortunately I suffer from a serious heart condition, so far requiring 2 major operations and countless less serious interventions. Coupled with this I am blessed with ‘Peripheral nerve damage’ which give me constant daily pain in my Legs and lower extremities.
I don’t drive due to my conditions,and have to rely on a friend to either fetch items for me or take a bus which causes considerable discomfort.
Stumping round the village and the constant meetings could I have been warned cause a serious episode.
So having laid bare my personal life, perhaps you will have the good grace to reflect on your last post?
All I wish to do is feel as if I am part of the village and at times contribute to debates on this forum. Not too much to ask? In a country ruined by politicians.
GC.
I really do not know what planet you are on Mr C. You are just regurgitating an old thread which was fully debated last year. You probably lost the argument then so unless you can come up with some innovative new ideas for example, funding, where and who would use it, let it be.
The village is not dead. In fact we probably have as many community activities here as most places and probably more. We did list some of these last year and they totalled so many, I think it surprised most of us.
Of course this is 2010, not 1950 and family structures are not what they were then, but that is the reality not defeatism.
As for my retort to John Doe, why should I not answer his appallingly inaccurate and distorted criticism of obviously myself and presumably other locally elected representatives. If you call that “vitriolic”, I suggest you perhaps need a nurse to hold your hand!
Unless I suppose you are in fact the anomymous poster yourself trying to play two sides off against the other. That is the risk you run in defending posters who cannot even sign their own views!
Why should others attack but we cannot. Get a life and stop your inconsistencies.
By the way, and I have said it before to you, why don’t you put your money where your not inconsiderable mouth is and stand for election yourself. It of course means possibly entering a popularity contest and having to work hard canvassing, election addresses etc. but hey, you have the time and the inclination to sound off as regularly as anyone else hereabouts so what the heck, give it a go!
Of course the chances are that there will not even be eight residents who will offer themselves so you could expect to be a Northwood Parish Councillor without any effort at all!
Interested?
Regards to all
Roger Mazillius.
GC I like you have my own views on subjects that are posted, I agree with your point of view on some issues but not all.
I do 100% agree with your last couple of sentences regarding the vitriolic attack on “john doe” you are correct he has the right to have a view and I thought the comments made against him were in bad taste and very child like.
This site was recently shut for a few months due to name calling, please lets act like grown ups or is this a try by a few to close it again.
Steve L.
In response to Cllr Mazillius’s post on the above subject: I will re-state part of my original thread:
‘I do not pretend the concept will be easy to get off the ground, but without a ‘statement of intent given by residents through consultation’ Northwood will continue to be seen as a semi-rural district on the southern boundary of Cowes. We need drive and spirit to provide the community with a meaning and something to be proud of. History shows us that Northwood played a key role on the Isle of Wight, its boundaries stretching over a large area. There were more hostelries, and the Ward family was key to the community. Since then, for a whole variety reasons, Northwood has lost its spirit, pride in the area has been eroded and we collectively have become very much more insular’.
Is this what the Cllr wants for the future of the village? Stagnation, withdrawing ever more within itself? I have many friends in the village, a lot of those come from original families who are proud to tell people they are from Northwood.
Let us try and rekindle the village spirit. What is so wrong with that?
Finally I would like to address the vitriolic attack on the poster aka ‘john doe’. Does he deserve to be vilified in such a manner just because he dares to have an opinion?
I, like many, disagree with the views of several posters on this forum, and they likewise probably disagree with mine.
But Cllr we still live in a democracy (just) – read the posts and move on. Issues of fact, policy or personal comments are a different matter.
Regards
GC.
Not sure about a community center but I think a youth club would be brilliant for our young villagers. I don’t know where it could be set up, perhaps the school?
I do remember in my early teens (late60/early 70s)youth club was a place to meet and have controlled harmless fun.
I realize a youth club will never happen in 2010, a bit like the new community center, but not just through lack of cash for buildings and equipment but through lack of unpaid helpers to run it.
All these ventures are only as good as the committees that run them, and the mass of red tape including H&S and CRB checks has made most people that years ago would help, keep well clear now.
Yes I know its true, you get what you deserve! But I am like most not interested in paying more Tax and to busy running my life and family to give up what little free time I have.
Steve L.
Well Mr AnonyMOUSE Doe. I will look forward to you having the time and courage to stand in the May Parish Elections. You will be able to tell our residents exactly what you would do to find the site and funds for a Community Centre.
Or are you just one of these bloggers who hide behind anonimity, firing off criticisms at those who at least have had the guts to stand up and be counted!
Anyway, back to the real world. I was waiting for this topic to be well-addressed before making my contribution. That is I was looking forward to a good debate on the subject which as Mr Cotterill will recall, was very widely discussed here last year including the sort of practical issues such as where, how and what for?
The consensus then I recall was that we had a very widely used well-equipped and maintained W.I. Hall plus the Scout Hut. A review of who used what (incl. interestingly the School Hall) seemed to show that community uses were well catered for by those establishments.
If there is a need for a separate building with catering and toilet facilities (incl. disabled access and toilets) the costs we thought would need to be at least £150,000 – £200,000, I think, incl. land. Whilst there are grants which could be available, they usually require matched funding on a 50-50 basis. So could we raise for example say £100,000 or even half that sum in the village when we already have several suitable facilities.
Anyway, keep the opinions coming. Maybe this could be an election issue, e.g. ‘vote for me if you want a new community centre costing … ???’
Best wishes
Cllr Roger Mazillius.
With respect…………….I have read the Newsletter and find ‘none’ that use a venue ‘outside’ of the Village. I did notice that the WI Hall is frequently used and the Scout Hut too, which is great. BJS
Get over your self, there are many like me that dont want more drain on our rates. “Despair” where are you coming from? The other place died on the vine because basically the village could not care less. Still doesn’t!!
Trying to turn back the clock, no chance! So give us all a break go back to Doe-land.
S M J.
I despair when good minded people make the effort to propose providing the village with a Community Centre. Where are the numerous spokespersons we ‘elected’ to serve on our behalf? Their absence on this forum is noticeable.
It seems that to illicit a response to the threads they need to question, or tread on issues that are served by some of the parishes ‘big hitters’ Don’t they have an opinion on this topic?
Bet when the elections get nearer we will not be able to keep them off the media in all its forms.
When they come knocking and ask ‘what do we need in the village’? You will know its just plain and simple electioneering.
When I was younger there was an old saying;
” There is none so blinkered as them that don’t want to see” I think this old saying still has some merit.
John Doe
Re your post, I am not going to list every volunteer organisation that is active in and around Northwood. (Believe me it is a healthy number)
However regarding the ‘Greenways Church Hall’ initially being very successful especially the youth club element, over the years the predominately wooden building was beginning to look very neglected.
During its life span the Hall provided a service to many, many events. Wine Club utilised the kitchen and the ‘Curry Nights’ were known Island wide. Youth Club again kept considerable young folk off the streets, endless enjoyable daytime and evening events thoroughly made the Church Hall a substantive feature of our community.
The Church Authorities eventually decided they could not afford to restore the hall, and as a result it was sold and the site turned into attractive housing. I suspect you knew all of that already, please give me some credit.
I am only trying to assist in a cause that I personally believe in.
All the groups were forced to find alternative accommodation.
Kind Regards
jackhenry.
OK, Mr Henry…………..list them, Im genuinly interested to know who and what organisations might use a Cummunity Hall……………we had one once and it was demolished, I wonder what the reason was ?
I have been reading this thread with some interest,
It seems to me that what we have, is a genuine attempt to give Northwood a proverbial kick up the backside. On the other hand there is the classic response, Not necessary, not needed,and so on, dozens of reasons why any project that is suggested cannot possibly work or be achieved.
In my opinion the long term goal a community centre would be nothing but good.
Reference the ‘under use of the WI Hall’ information I have suggests quite the opposite. Regarding Northwood House…well what can be said that has not been already said. Community Club…might not be ‘flush’ as you say, but still alive. FNC totally different sort of community/ heritage envisaged I believe.
Yes I do agree with BJS who asks the question, where are the funds coming from? Has no one ever heard of ‘Fund Raising’? organisations such as the Scouts regularly use various forms of raising cash. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Just look in the Northwood News and see all the various organisations that exist. How many have to find venues out side the village? Check, you might be surprised.
jackhenry.
I didn’t mean to totally dismiss the idea … the idea is good, but there are obviously lots of questions that need to be answered. Let’s not forget that we already have Northwood House looking for finance and a purpose. The Community Club I would bet is not exactly ‘flush’, The Friends of Northwood Cemetery are hoping to create a viable ‘heritage/community Centre’(?) therefore another resource would only be an extra drain on resource … wherever that is coming from.
BJS
BJS At least you have moved away from your starting view, i.e.. dismissing out of hand. The questions you raise are the very ones I hope that by bringing the subject into the public conciousness, will generate a discussion that concludes either in a positive way or that the idea is put back into the archive.
It would be interesting if some one from WI and other Groups and Organisations put their views online. So a decision can acquired with real information.
Come on people of Northwood let us now your views.
Regards
GC.
Dont quite know how you might justify such a building………..where would it be built, who would finance it and maintain it and most of all…………..who would use it ? The WI hall is unused most of the week………….the Scout Hut is only used a couple of evenings….the school is used very little during evenings and weekends….what would be the point of it ? Plus……you would need community spirit and there is not much of that around here. BJS
BJS… With the greatest respect we do not have a ‘Village Hall’ what exists is a WI Hall provided initially to host WI events and meetings. Over the years this has evolved to allow local groups to use the facilities, to enable the costs of running the hall to be spread amongst the users.
Some years ago there was another hall, ‘Church Hall’ in Greenways. Houses now occupy that site because the church needed funds. Who can say the WI Hall will not fall to commercial pressure?
I have no desire to play or discuss semantics over names, what I believe is that Northwood needs a place where all of the organisations represented in the village, can meet in a purposely designed quality facility.
Already at the first step a ‘poster’ has not bothered to see past his/her nose and see into the future needs of the village.
Regards
GC
For ‘community centre’, read ‘village hall’……………we already have one surely
BJS