Summer 2025
Online Booking System
The new online booking system is now up and running, making it easier for all to engage and
communicate with us. We’ve automated most bookings and all regular hirers, existing and new, can
now view and manage their own dates and check availability.
VE Day 80th Anniversary 8th May 2025
Some of the Centre’s regulars stepped up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by
decorating the centre with some amazing creative art displays. Works were on show from the Art
Group, Crochet club, Downley Wives, Lacemakers, Monday Minis and Zumba. Aside from a
crocheted Lancaster Bomber hanging in the porch and the decorated garden bench outside, the
windows were decorated with various VE Day inspired creations.
Up Downley Festival Art Show
Around 60 children from The Downley School Year 3 group made their annual visit to the Art Show
at the Centre on Thursday 10th July. As well as the show, they watched live woodcarving and lace
making demonstrations given by our regular Lacemakers and Chipmunks wood carving groups who
also kindly brought in many examples of their work specifically for the children’s visit.
Separate visits were made by Woodlands Play Group and The Heights Nursing Home. All visitors
showed a keen interest in the exhibits and fun was had by all.
Building
As part of our environmental and energy saving plans, we met another milestone in our ambition to
install solar panels to best manage our increasing electricity costs. A second site survey looking for
the presence of bats has confirmed that they are not present and so we have now re-applied for
planning permission to get the project going.
In June a working party from the management committee and trustees volunteered their time to
undertake a general tidy up of the grounds outside the building. Our thanks to all for their great
community spirited work.
Grants
Giving back is a key commitment for the Management Committee and Trustees. This month we’ve
been delighted to support the Downley Cricket Club with a contribution towards a new electronic scoreboard.
The new online booking system is now up and running, making it easier for all to engage and
communicate with us. We’ve automated most bookings and all regular hirers, existing and new, can
now view and manage their own dates and check availability.
VE Day 80th Anniversary 8th May 2025
Some of the Centre’s regulars stepped up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day by
decorating the centre with some amazing creative art displays. Works were on show from the Art
Group, Crochet club, Downley Wives, Lacemakers, Monday Minis and Zumba. Aside from a
crocheted Lancaster Bomber hanging in the porch and the decorated garden bench outside, the
windows were decorated with various VE Day inspired creations.
Up Downley Festival Art Show
Around 60 children from The Downley School Year 3 group made their annual visit to the Art Show
at the Centre on Thursday 10th July. As well as the show, they watched live woodcarving and lace
making demonstrations given by our regular Lacemakers and Chipmunks wood carving groups who
also kindly brought in many examples of their work specifically for the children’s visit.
Separate visits were made by Woodlands Play Group and The Heights Nursing Home. All visitors
showed a keen interest in the exhibits and fun was had by all.
Building
As part of our environmental and energy saving plans, we met another milestone in our ambition to
install solar panels to best manage our increasing electricity costs. A second site survey looking for
the presence of bats has confirmed that they are not present and so we have now re-applied for
planning permission to get the project going.
In June a working party from the management committee and trustees volunteered their time to
undertake a general tidy up of the grounds outside the building. Our thanks to all for their great
community spirited work.
Grants
Giving back is a key commitment for the Management Committee and Trustees. This month we’ve
been delighted to support the Downley Cricket Club with a contribution towards a new electronic scoreboard.
Written by Kimberley Reed
and published
on 30 July 2025.
Last edited on 30 July 2025.