School Aycliffe Community Centre is located at the bottom of Eastfields, School Aycliffe and is clearly signposted. It was built in the mid-1980s by the Council and gifted to local residents, and is now managed by a group of volunteers – the School Aycliffe Community Association (SACA) – a registered Charity.
The Centre caters for all aspects of the local community, including children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and the general public, by providing facilities for recreation and leisure time occupation, with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.
There is a 24 hour access Defibrillator fitted to the exterior of the Community Centre for the benefit, in the hour of need, of local residents.
The Community Centre is wheelchair accessible throughout, including a recently installed all-inclusive toilet with baby changing facilities, and has a large car park and private fenced garden.
Facilities include a large Hall which can hold up to 120 people. Its wooden sprung floor is marked out as a full-size Badminton court and with its open ceiling and acoustic sound boards it is ideal for children’s (or adults) parties, musical events, exercise classes and more.
The Meeting Room has Internet connection and is ideal for meetings or smaller groups of up to 20 people. There is WiFi connection throughout the Centre.
Both rooms are served by a fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, crockery and cutlery available. The Centre has a ‘Premises’ licence only (i.e. no alcoholic drinks can be sold on site but guests can bring their own drinks to consume).
Currently, regular classes held at the Centre include Sewing, Badminton (both for junior or adults), Yoga, Exercise and IT classes and our popular monthly Coffee, Cake & Stuff, serving home-made cakes and pies, attracts many people from far and wide. Our Ladies Group meets on the first Wednesday of every month, at which a diverse selection of Guest Speakers are invited and all ladies are welcome, and Children’s Crafts or themed parties also regularly take place. In addition, ticketed events are held such as Wine or Gin Tasting, Quizzes, Pamper Evenings and much more.
The Community Centre is available for private hire. If you are interested in booking one of our rooms, attending any of our classes or events or would just like more information, please refer to our Facebook page at ‘School Aycliffe Community News’ check out our regular articles in the Newton News or contact Zanna Bewick on 07929 916725 or email: zanna@elphaba.co.uk