Highbridge paralympic medal winner Anthony Stevens cut the ribbon to officially open a brand new £200,000 extension at the Burnham Area Youth Centre on Sunday afternoon (September 24th).
Crowds of VIPs and supporters gathered at the BAY Centre in Cassis Close for a special open day to mark the opening of the brand new facilities.
Chairman Di Monaghan told the audience that the centre had bounced back from being close to closure in 2002 to becoming a popular, thriving and well-used facility in the town.
During the last two years, the original building has benefited from new heating, new windows, a revamped kitchen, new sound and lighting systems, plus the introduction of new computer facilities. She added that the new extension gives the building a new entrance and lobby, plus new toilet facilities and a new annex.
Alan Lovell, a former Rotary representative member at BAY Centre and current chairman of Burnham’s Rotary Club, which has raised thousands of pounds towards the new facilities, added: “Many, many people and organisations helped to raise the funds – some £200,000 by my reckoning – for all phases of the work. On behalf of all my former volunteer colleague at the BAY Centre, also speaking for the many groups and clubs that have benefited from the work, we say a big thank you to everyone who has made today possible.”
“We don’t have time to thank every contributor by name but I must mention The Big Lottery, Somerset Partnership, the county council, district council, town council, Lions, Round Table and Rotary clubs, plus the Gateway and other partner organisations at the BAY Centre.”
Brian Watkiss and Alletsons Solicitors were also specially mentioned, having spent many patient hours with the BAY Centre and Charity Commissioners creating a new commission to support both youth and community use.
Visitors were able to wander round the new facilities during the day and see many of the centre’s popular clubs performing events. Stalls, raffles, games, entertainment and refreshments were also laid on.
Paralympian Anthony Stevens, who won four medals in Athens in 2004, was chosen to cut the ribbon because of his considerable achievements after personal endeavour. “We hope he will inspire all BAY Centre users to succeed in whatever they do in the future,” said Mr Lovell.
Meanwhile, Burnham-On-Sea.com is now the official online home of the BAY Centre, having launched the facility’s new-look Web site on Sunday. It provides a wide range of constantly-updated news and background information about the facility.
RELATED LINK:
Official Burnham Area Youth Centre Website
