A new committee at the Riverside in Bedale is determined to return the more than 100-year-old building to its rightful place as a focal point for the community.
New signage makes clear you don’t have to be a member to join, and improvements to the impressive function room make it ideal for children’s parties and social gatherings, and a wide range of activities including keep fit classes, quoits, snooker and live entertainment will ensure there’s something for everyone.
Refurbishment is well underway but with any building dating back to 1921 there’s always more to be done and Broadacres Housing Association has been able to provide support via a donation from its Community Development Fund to help with work repairing the roof.
“We want local people to feel the Riverside is a venue for them, whether that’s a wake a wedding or a children’s party,” said secretary Dave Mills.
“To do that we need a dry, safe and secure building which is why this donation is so welcome.”
Dave is part of a new committee of 20 set up to oversee the running of the Riverside and hopefully spread the load amongst volunteers to keep costs of the club down.
They include committee member Stewart Craddock who has just completed work improving the function room floor.
“We have a marvellous facility in a lovely location by the river,” said Stewart. “We see ourselves as central to the local community and want to encourage people to use the Riverside either casually or by joining up as a member.”
The signs are good, with 250 members already signed up and an inherited debt now substantially reduced. Now hopes are high the investment in the fabric of the building, new furniture and a big screen will see the Riverside become the go to venue to watch the Euros this summer.
The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents.
To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/
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