The signs they are a changin'

It was the end of an era at Whitfield Community Centre this week as the old Derbyshire County Council signage was removed to make way for new ones.

Whitfield Together, the group that bought the Centre for the community, is refreshing the Centre's image. Its new logo will soon go up on the front of the building. Gerry Dominey told us, "It seemed like a significant moment when we took the sign down. It was as if we were saying that the Centre is ours now and we can put our paw print on it. And that felt good."

But Gerry, who manages the groups finances (when he hasn't got a screw driver in his hand) also said, "The truth is, even stumping up £140 for a new sign is an 'Ouch!' moment currently. Our finances are stretched because of a series of start-up costs. We were hit with another £1,200 of legal costs associated with purchasing the Centre. Our new energy suppliers want £700 up front and the old suppliers will want more than that to settle up. Then there are things like the gas safety certificate, our music license and security costs which hit you in the first month of operation. Revenues from hire charges and donations are building up nicely but the financial hump of initial costs has given our finances a kicking."

Whitfield Together has launched a campaign, asking people to set up a standing order for £1 a month. "One household of three people, who use our Food Club, brought £3 in cash when they come to collect their food bags. It was a truly humbling moment. But the message is clear: if lots of people give a little, the future of Whitfield Community Centre is secure." People can contribute by visiting https://whitfieldcommunitycentre.org/