Winter 2025
Building
Following a protracted planning process, the Community Centre has now gone solar with
the installation of 16 panels at the end of October on the roof above the Oak room. This
investment in renewables is aimed at significantly minimising our ever-rising energy costs
whilst also contributing towards a reduction in our carbon footprint into the future. The
community centre is already benefitting from a reduction in energy supply costs even in the
winter months. The next step is to obtain the permissions necessary to export excess power
back to the grid and get paid for this.
The Linden tree in front of the centre has been growing vigorously but unfortunately the
centre of the tree was getting congested and additionally it was starting to overhang
neighbouring properties. It has therefore been pollarded by an arborist contractor to
maintain its shape and health.
Other work in the building includes repolishing the floor in the Beech room as part of our
maintenance programme.
Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support returned to the Centre in
September. Many thanks for the delicious and large number of cakes baked and donated.
Once again ‘Downley Wives’ worked really hard with the organisation and their efforts were
much appreciated.
A total sum of £400 was raised which has been matched by the Downley Community Centre
making a total donation to Macmillan of £800 for a very worthy cause.
Pantomime – “Red Riding Hood”
Following the success of last year's show, the centre is delighted to once again offer the
community another pantomime. Two shows of 'Red Riding Hood' will be performed at the
centre on Saturday 20th December. Packed solid with comedy, songs, adventure and
audience participation, it promises to be another fun, festive outing for all the family.
Grants
Providing financial support to community organisations is a key commitment for the
Trustees. The Management Committee we were therefore delighted to approve a donation
to Shop Mobility High Wycombe for an IT upgrade to enable them to continue to support
the many residents of Downley who benefit and rely upon their services.
Following a protracted planning process, the Community Centre has now gone solar with
the installation of 16 panels at the end of October on the roof above the Oak room. This
investment in renewables is aimed at significantly minimising our ever-rising energy costs
whilst also contributing towards a reduction in our carbon footprint into the future. The
community centre is already benefitting from a reduction in energy supply costs even in the
winter months. The next step is to obtain the permissions necessary to export excess power
back to the grid and get paid for this.
The Linden tree in front of the centre has been growing vigorously but unfortunately the
centre of the tree was getting congested and additionally it was starting to overhang
neighbouring properties. It has therefore been pollarded by an arborist contractor to
maintain its shape and health.
Other work in the building includes repolishing the floor in the Beech room as part of our
maintenance programme.
Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support returned to the Centre in
September. Many thanks for the delicious and large number of cakes baked and donated.
Once again ‘Downley Wives’ worked really hard with the organisation and their efforts were
much appreciated.
A total sum of £400 was raised which has been matched by the Downley Community Centre
making a total donation to Macmillan of £800 for a very worthy cause.
Pantomime – “Red Riding Hood”
Following the success of last year's show, the centre is delighted to once again offer the
community another pantomime. Two shows of 'Red Riding Hood' will be performed at the
centre on Saturday 20th December. Packed solid with comedy, songs, adventure and
audience participation, it promises to be another fun, festive outing for all the family.
Grants
Providing financial support to community organisations is a key commitment for the
Trustees. The Management Committee we were therefore delighted to approve a donation
to Shop Mobility High Wycombe for an IT upgrade to enable them to continue to support
the many residents of Downley who benefit and rely upon their services.
Written by Kimberley Reed
and published
on 11 November 2025.
Last edited on 11 November 2025.