The Downswood community association is a registered charity (No: 298218) and we have an ongoing programme of fundraising events to raise funds for the upkeep of the Downswood community centre.
Although the centre is owned by Maidstone Borough Council, it has been leased exclusively and managed successfully by volunteers from the Downswood community association since the opening in 1990. We receive no regular funding or grants and the centre runs on hiring fees and fundraising only, which is why we are always looking for support. We also have to bear the cost of day to day maintenance, repairs and renewals, all the insurances and licences and normal utility bills.
We have two paid cleaners who work every evening, (alternate weeks), a caretaker & a booking secretary. Everyone else associated with running the centre is a volunteer.
We have a team of fundraisers who organise fundraising events throughout the year and we are always looking for new members to join our team, it can be fun but also hard work at times. New members can mean new ideas and suggestions so if you are interested in joining us please give us a ring: 0770 815 0613. As a volunteer you can give as little or as much time as you like, plus you would be giving something back to YOUR community.
We have our biggest fundraising event of the year in June – the Downswood summer fete. This is when we have hundreds of local people come along to the centre and enjoy an afternoon of fun for all the family, activities, stalls, food, and music - something for all ages! Unfortunately this doesn’t just happen, we have to plan it and run it and we always need help before, during and after this big event.
Please don’t forget, if you are interested in helping us in any way please give us a ring: (John) 0770 815 0613 or (Diane) 0795 831 5073.
