Do we take things for granted?

We all know from our own life experiences, it generally needs someone else to tell you ‘how it really is’ and often we ask others for their opinion when choosing clothing or similar things. Someone close to you will give you a candid opinion – and often it’s not very comfortable to hear the verdict! So, you can imagine the reassurance and pleasure you feel when third parties give you unsolicited praise! Over the past year this has happened a few times to the delight of the Community Association (CA) Committee and members. 

Since Christmas several North Yorkshire and Selby District Officers, who see many community and public buildings have commented ‘You’ll be alright here with your well insulated building and solar power’ when discussing the energy crisis with other Community Hall operators, so perhaps we tend to take it for granted that at a time when energy prices and overall costs have rocketed ours have stabilised or dropped (see elsewhere in the News). Instead of increasing our rental costs to recover inflationary rises, hall rentals have been held the same since 2014. In fact, during the pandemic rents were halved to support users and residents survive the covid wave. 

Another person commented when visiting the Community Centre ‘what a tidy and well-maintained site!’ and it is … thanks to our volunteers who regularly monitor and maintain the Play and Recreation Grounds and clear up after others have left the recycling bins in a mess or left bottles despite signs saying – Please don’t leave your bottles as Selby DC have withdrawn the Glass Recycling Bin Service.   

Perhaps some people don’t know the Community Centre and other facilities are provided and run by the CA, an independent village charity, entirely organised and managed by residents over the past 50 years. 

Last year we featured twice on Radio York and several times in various newspapers.  We are recognised as giving leadership to sustainability projects across Yorkshire providing a showcase, exemplar, Community Centre. 

Yes, the recognition is welcome, albeit another job to deal with ……!  We regularly ask for more help from anyone who may have a few spare hours a month to give but we always need more.

Currently, besides taking the bookings, ensuring the Centre is warm, clean and well maintained, that the finances are kept in good order, we are organising the Coronation Party, partnering the Proms at the Pavilion, organising the annual Beer Fest and the Village firework event. 

We are also trying to spend the money we raise at these events – it is hard work to spend money wisely – once its gone, its gone! 

Can YOU help? We hold a monthly management meeting and also several ad hoc event meetings, some run for six months like for the Beer Fest, while others like the Firework event or Wise owl quiz only need commitment to a couple of meeting to plan the event.   

Because the CA is run by volunteers, things can change very quickly. If someone has to withdraw… for whatever reason, perhaps moving home and leaving the village, illness or old age, or developing other interests alongside their children … or simply feeling being taken for granted, we are left needing more help. So please give our appeal some serious consideration. 

If you can help, please contact our chair Robin Parkin on 07887 608063 or by email to www.mfhcc.com/support-us/