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The BAY Centre The Burnham Area Youth Centre
has undergone some exciting changes in recent years. Located at
Cassis Close, Burnham-on-Sea, the centre was originally built for
the Somerset County Youth Service in 1966, as 'The BAY Club'. Eventually,
after many rounds of financial budget cuts, the building was released
into the care of management trustees as a registered charity and
exists today as a community building for use by the community.
Over the years, many local people have made use of the centre and
like all buildings of this type, the clubs within its confines are
dependent on volunteers.
Approximately four years ago, a lottery grant was raised to upgrade
the building's facilities (A build of a spacious new entrance hall
and up-to-date toilets). Concurrent with this work, a further grant
was raised, enabling a rebuild of the annexe, introducing a comfortable
resource room and extra office, the end result being a multi-purpose
training suite, that is available for hire at economical rates.
To name but a few, we are the home of Burnham and Highbridge Gateway
club, Burnham Camera Club, Titans junior boxing club, BAY Dancers,
two U3A table Tennis clubs, Belmont advice point, and host to regular
computer technology classes.
Important recent developments at the centre are the opening of “The
Shed” youth café, www.theshedyouthcafe.com and the
granting of UK Online computer centre status. The BAY centre web
address is www.baycentre.org.uk http://www.baycentre.org.uk/, and
bookings may be applied for online, or by ringing mobile number:
07889 815860.
Highbridge Community Youth Club
The Highbridge Community Youth Club was set up by Officers from
Burnham Police Station following targeted patrols, where Police
and PCSO’s spoke to young people within Highbridge about facilities
in the area. The Club runs two sessions on a Friday evening from
6pm to 8pm in the Community Rooms, off Morland Road, Highbridge.
The Youth club is successfully providing a safe and secure environment
for the young people to meet on a regular basis, working in partnership
the Police reducing incidents of anti social behaviour, whilst building
a rapport with the youths.
Donations from local companies and community groups along with a
fundraising football match raised the much-needed funds towards
the set-up and running costs of the club.
The Highbridge Community Youth Club, which is lead by a management
committee, has recently acquired funding for a pool table, table
tennis table, in addition to play station and games, outdoor goal
posts and numerous facilities generously donated by local businesses.
Sarah BERRYMAN from Highbridge assisted the Police greatly with
the initial set up of the Club and is committed in her role as the
Leader in Charge.
PCSO Gill BAWLER said “It has taken a great deal of hard work
and effort to get the HCYC off the ground. I feel a sense of achievement
when I see the Youths enjoying the facilities and attending on a
regular basis, socialising with their friends in a safe and secure
environment.”
The club has been running since February 2006 and has over 40 young
people on the register. Funding has recently been applied for to
provide a weekly sports worker.
The club asks for a donation of 70p per session. Recently the club
has provided cookery classes and arts and craft activities to keep
the young people occupied.
The Highbridge Community Youth Club at present has a small number
of dedicated members of the local community who enjoy spending time
with the young people. The club is looking for a bank of volunteers
to assist them. If you feel you could spare a few hours a month
contact PCSO 8713 Bawler at Burnham Police Station on 07917750861.
Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Youth Town Council We
are a youth-based organisation meeting once a month aiming to improve
the lives of young people in our community. We raise money for charities
centred on young people, and take part in many important projects
involving the younger generation.
We are committed to continue this important work, as proof of this
we aim to play an active role in a recent Youth Festival held in
Manor Gardens. We will try and communicate our views to the Town
Council, so that we can represent the young people of the towns.
Our organisation is in need of some new members to help our progress,
and we will certainly be looking to recruit new members aged between
10 and 19 in the coming months.
Chris Burridge Barney - Chairman
Contact details: Website: www.youthtowncouncil.com Telephone No.:
788088
Address: The Old Courthouse, Jaycroft Road, Burnham-on-Sea
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