Downley Community Centre

The Downley Community Centre is home to numerous clubs, associations and the local community library and is situated in the very centre of the village on the old Middle School site between School Close and Chapel street. 

The centre comprises two large rooms both fitted with modern kitchen units, has ample parking with access from School Close. The Centre can host functions for up to 100 people with full wheel chair access provided. 

The Centre is run by a group of committed volunteers who meet regularly to manage and maintain the facility on behalf of all local residents.

Community Centre News

We have now completed the first phase of our modernisation and refurbishment programme with the repair and renewal of the floor in the Oak room which was carried out in mid January.  This project was paid for from a Buckinghamshire County Council fund and our special thanks go to County Councillor Wendy Mallen, who has supported the Downley Community Centre for many years, for making this possible.

Oak Room 2010                                         Beech Room 2009

Who uses the Community Centre?

The following organisations meet regularly at the Community Centre:

If you would like to learn more about what is going on or see how to join in click here.

How to find us

The Downley Community centre is located at the end of School Close in Downley Park. If you are driving to us come to the School Close gate; pedestrian access is via both School Close and Chapel Street. If you would like to see a location map click here.

The future

As a direct result of the financial contribution to be made to the local community by Barratt Homes who are developing the old Middle School site adjacent to the Centre, the management committee are now able to consider ambitious long term development plans. These focus particularly on an increase in floor space and modernisation of the kitchen at the moment.

The Downley Community Library

The Downley Community Library was set up in 2004 under the umbrella of the Downley Old School Community Association.

We have an exceptional range of children’s plus a full range of adult books, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition we have full broadband connection to the Internet with two computers available for use by the public for which there is no charge.  Other items that may be of interest are a small stock of audio tapes and jigsaws. We also run a “Story Time” for the Mother & Toddlers group on Monday mornings.

We also have a printer/ copier which is available for public use.   Monochrome copies are 10p each and colour copies are 25p each.

Our charge for each book loan is 20p per book

At present the library is open on the following days:

Contacts:  Tel: 01494 528133 during library open times

email:  enquiries@downleylibrary.org.uk or the Secretary johnmorris4@ntlworld.com

Out of library hours you may also contact the Chairman Joan Miles on 01494 532311 or the Secretary John Morris on 01494 528683.

Hire the Community Centre

The Centre can be hired by any group or individual subject to contract and availability.  The centre will accomodate functions for up to 100 people.  (75 seated)

It is ideal for family parties, meetings, classes and exhibitions. Full details of all the rooms available are contained in our brochure.

Contact us by telephone

Bookings : Anna Braisher 01494 442719

Or by email: bookings@downleycommunitycentre.org.uk

Library message service 01494 528133

Download an information pack click HERE

Meet the Team

The Centre is run by a committee made up of local volunteers, which meets regularly to manage the building and all aspects of the centre's activities.  Many committee members have full time occupations, others are retired or semi-retired. All give their time generously both in undertaking their various committee roles and in carrying out a variety of hands-on tasks including decorating, caretaking, DIY, building maintenance and project Management. They all bring enthusiasm, determination and the range of experience needed for this challenging project.

Anna Braisher - Bookings Manager

Anna undertakes the management of all bookings made for the Centre. This encompasses maintaining our full calendar of events, issuing contracts and schedules. Her fashion background  has been put to good use as she collates and designs much of our promotional display material.

Grahame Brown - Vice Chairman

Grahame has undertaken a wide range of tasks in and around the building, from researching and assessing Health and Safety issues to coordination with the many outside agencies, including the District Council, the Fire Service, electrical contractors etc. to ensure all our legal requirements are adhered to. He is also active in all our in-house modernisation projects. Grahame is also a Parish Councillor and acts as one of their representatives on the committee.

Mike Carter - Building Management. 

Mike brings a wealth of knowledge in building management. His experience is invaluable both as regards the general fabric of the building and how we fulfil future plans for expansion. He also brings us vital experience of working with other official charities and is consequently currently working on a project to modernise our constitution. 

Emma-Jane and Michelle - After School Club

Emma-Jane and Michelle are co-opted members representing the Downley After School Club. DASC provides a professionally supervised after-school environment for the children of Downley parents at the Centre every weekday afternoon during term time.

Claire Garrity - Secretary 

Claire is our Secretary.  She maintains official records of all our meetings, produces and distributes the agenda and minutes for all our monthly meetings and the Annual General Meeting, which is held in March each year. 

Barry Gay - Chair - Parish Council

Barry chairs the Downley Parish Council. He is therefore our primary liaison with the DPC and is able to bring us a wide view of local community activity which benefits us all in what we do.

Chris Hamilton - Clerk - Parish Council

Chris is the Clerk to the Parish Council and acts as their representative on the committee. He liaises on our behalf with all the various District and County Council Departments we have contact with. This covers both our day-to-day operations and our long-term plans.

Paul Homer - Purchasing and Marketing Promotion

Paul’s background in promotion and  marketing is a great asset to us.  He uses his contacts and expertise to acquire many of the items we need at best possible prices and ensures continuity and promotion of our brand through all our promotional activities.

Ken McLean - Treasurer

Ken currently oversees all aspects of the financial side of our operation.  His project management expertise and experience of working with other charities is particularly useful as we move forward as an official charity to develop more formal structures and procedures.

Joan Miles - Chair Library Group

Joan brings us professional library expertise and plays a key role in the development of the Downley Community Library.  She dedicates much time and effort to ensure the success of this project which is a permanent feature of the Centre.

Fran Neary

Fran is a teacher by background. She focusses particularly on the interests of children and how we can best accomodate them as part of our various activities.

Bipin Patel

Bipin keeps our books and liaises closely with the Treasurer. He maintains all the financial records that are an important part of the operation of the centre.  

David Worsdall - Chair

David chairs the management committee meetings, and oversees all aspects of the centre’s projects. 

His activities include the representation of the centre to the outside world, dealing with local government, the Charities Commission and the numerous other organisations we involved with our work.

Rod

Rod is our caretaker and primary keyholder.  He takes care of security issues, cleans and maintains the building and surroundings.  Another vital job in the smooth running of the centre.