Over 20 people attended the AGM of the Burnham Area Youth Centre when the special guests included the Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham’s Deputy Mayor.
The Chirman, Cllr Peter Downing, and Deputy Mayor, Dennis Davey, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Cllr Neville Jones.
Supporters heard how the recently refurbished roof was water tight and how the BAY Centre was holding its own financially despite incurring slight loss due to high insurance costs. Hire charges are under review and will be set at the next committee meeting in July.
The technology clinic is doing well, contributing to the general budget, and it is in the process of establishing a new UK Online ‘outreach’ class for U3A members at Burnham Community Centre one morning a week.
New clubs included ‘The Zone’ after-school club on Tuesdays, run by Somerset Rural Youth, and also Burnham’s Youth Town Council, meeting in the centre’s training room on Monday afternoons.
Additionally, a fortnightly ‘knit and natter’ group for Moose International Ladies’ Circle members has recently started. The Saturday Warhammer gaming club is starting to grow again, as the once junior members, now adults, continue to provide support.
The BAY Centre is to have a major involvement with the Folkfest fundraiser fun day on 21st June, to be held on the Cassis Close playing fields, alongside other community groups with the added attraction of the launch of a ham radio special station initiated by members of Moose International Burnham-On-Sea lodge.
Present problems include the need for an extended ball stop fence at the West end of the BAY ball court to stop the continual rain of footballs into neighbours’ gardens. A quote has just come through at just under six thousand pounds, with another quote pending. The ball court is very popular during fine weather, and property owners are largely sympathetic with public use of the court.
One major success is the Dreamscheme’s community garden which goes from strength to strength, thanks to John Alexander and his team of volunteers.
Chairman Julia Elswood praised the variety of groups using the building saying: “We try to ensure the BAY Centre’s place in the heart of the community, and welcome help, involvement, and assistance.”
