Stourport's Civic Group heading for charity status (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting KS NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Stourport's Civic Group heading for charity status
7:20am Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News
STOURPORT’S Civic Group hopes that its application for charity status will be accepted by the end of the month.
After changing one line in the group’s constitution, charity status could be granted imminently to the volunteer organisation which puts on events at the Civic Hall and Theatre.
Chairman John Caldwell said: “At present we are a social enterprise but we’re just waiting for Companies House to rubber-stamp our application.
“For us it means we’ll have access to funding and a lot more support in terms of what we can or can’t achieve and who we can work with.”
Some funding organisations will only give money to charities, and this would mean the Civic Group would have access to more potential resources.
Mr Caldwell added: “It will be easier for us to operate as a charity but we always need more volunteers.”
The Civic Group was set up in 2011 to help run events for the town.
“This year’s been fantastic, “ added Mr Caldwell, “It’s been hard work but progress is being made and we have had some great events.
“The quality is continuing to improve such as the interest we’re receiving by big names for our comedy nights.”
The group is also looking to take over management of the Civic Centre from Wyre Forest District Council once the building becomes available.
Mr Caldwell added: “We envisage a transitional handing over of the management once the council leave.”
An online survey is also being held at thecivicstourport.co.uk to find out what events Stourport people would like to see.
Last year, comedy was the most popular event idea and the group now holds regular comedy evenings.
jon cooper says...
5:21pm Sun 23 Sep 12
The achievements that John Caldwell and his colleagues within 'The Civic Group' have reached in a little over 12 months is truly remarkable; and what is even more remarkable is the fact that this accomplishment has been achieved without the support of many of our representitives and candidates who claim to have a personal interest for the arts in the WHOLE DISTRICT !
Personally i have massive admiration for the good people at 'The Civic' who have worked purely in a VOLUNTEER CAPACITY to secure a future for their respective arts, which will only benefit future generations in Wyre Forest.
The Civic Hall is without doubt the REAL centre of the arts in the district, and has been for many years. The Civic Hall wasn't faced with a choice of only being moved, it faced actual EXTINCTION; that was until 'The Civic Group' stepped in !
Sadly The Civic Hall as well as the Civic Centre complex has endured decades of deplorable neglect from its current owners; and it is only in recent months that we've seen the decline reverse into something far more positive for everyone.
From the downsizing of Stourport Library to the relocation of the Police Station; The Civic Centre itself will hopefully become a vital facility to house many frontline services for the people of Stourport. Without the Civic Centre, Stourport faces the prospect of losing EVERYTHING should the change in ownership and management fail !
THIS REALLY CAN'T BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN !