Welcome centre seeks donations to secure future (From Knutsford Guardian)
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Welcome centre seeks donations to secure future
3:20pm Friday 19th March 2010 in News
Welcome staff, from left, Julie King, manager Mike Fisher, Eileen Prince and Andy Hurdsfield toast the success of the relaunch
A POPULAR meeting point for residents in the Over Ward is being relaunched, but is appealing for funds to secure its future.
The Welcome, on Longridge, has been running for 13 years, but organisers have decided it is time to make some subtle changes.
First launched by Knutsford Methodist Church, the centre and cafe is run by 25 volunteers under the stewardship of manager Mike Fisher.
It has recently been listed as a limited company to help in its bid to raise funds, and is on the verge of appointing a full-time youth worker.
The centre is inviting local companies to come forward with a three-year donation to help fund the salary of the youth worker and the business manager at the centre.
Richard Coussons, volunteer fundraiser, said various partners had been getting involved in the centre, but it was aiming to raise as much as money as possible so it can continue to operate.
“Connexions have got involved with us in a number of different ways, and Macclesfield College has held courses in literacy, numeracy and computer skills,” he said.
Volunteer Andy Hurdsfield added: “We have 12 to 19-year-olds coming in on a Monday, but the parents are saying we have got nothing for eight to 11-year-olds, so we are in the process of doing something for them as well.”
Christine Coad, 51, who lives on Longridge, has been a regular at the centre since losing her mum three years ago.
“I haven’t got any kids, but the people in here listen to me and it gives me someone to talk to, to help me through the loss of my mum,” she said.
“If The Welcome wasn’t here I wouldn’t have anyone to talk to about it.
“You can always guarantee someone will talk to you when you’re feeling low.
“I have got friends, but after three years they don’t want to talk about it all the time, but I still miss her.
“If the centre goes I would have nothing.”
The cafe, run by Julie King, provides specials throughout the week, with two courses costing £3.50.
Clr David Heffernan, Knutsford town councillor for the Over Ward, said: “The Welcome has established itself as the most important facility in Over Ward.
“I have seen first hand the benefits to the residents of the ward and know the warmth the people of Knutsford have for it.
“To lose The Welcome would take this area backwards 10 years and have a major negative impact socially.
“It is for all age groups, a place young and old can come together and mix freely with mutual respect.”
To contact the Welcome call 01565 750905. Talk about the Welcome Inn on our online forum at forum.knutsfordguardian.co.uk.
