The Community Centre is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission. The CIO is a membership organisation run by a group of trustees who are nominated by the members.
The Community Association’s constitution calls us to ‘promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Windmill Hill and the neighbourhood’ through education, recreation facilities and support for social welfare.
History
The Community Centre building was originally opened in 1884 as St Michael’s Mission Rooms, home to a new Church of England congregation on Windmill Hill. The congregation now meets in St Michael and All Angels Church just over the road, and the building was given over to the community in the 1970s.
The Windmill Hill Community Association was formed to manage the Community Centre. The former church hall was available at a low rent and needed repair and maintenance. Enormous effort was put in – planning, fundraising and practical hard work. In 2000 the Community Association took on ownership of the building with a mortgage.
Governance
At its annual AGM, the Community Association elects a Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer, plus a management committee to oversee the running of the centre. The management committee meets once a month.
We rely on volunteers to keep the Community Centre running at its best and we’re always looking for new people to help out. If you’re interested in getting involved, do get in touch at info@whca.org.uk or pop by one evening.
Our members’ bar in the small hall is managed separately by the Windmill Hill Social Club. The bar is not-for-profit and contributes any surplus towards the maintenance of the Community Centre. We welcome new members at any time – you can find our more on the Membership page.
Five ways to enjoy the Community Centre
1. Join one of the classes or regular activities – see What’s On. You don’t have to be a member and many classes will allow you to try it out once to see if it is for you.
2. Become a member and come along to our members’ bar. We hold monthly quiz and music nights and you’ll also benefit from reduced venue hire prices. See our Membership page or call in and ask at the bar.
3. Hire one of the halls for a children’s party, family birthday or celebration. Contact us on bookings@whca.org.uk.
4. Get involved in running the Community Centre as a volunteer. Email us at info@whca.org.uk.
5. Requests or suggestions are always welcome. Email us at info@whca.org.uk.
