Community volunteers and donations wanted at Westfield Community Centre Falkirk

Westfield Park Community Centre is a vibrant hub for The Bog area of Falkirk, offering everything from toddler groups to youth clubs, martial arts to writing groups, and an affordable venue for events such as children’s birthday parties.

And while it has plenty of activities going on all year round, they’ve been flying slightly under the radar, and now want the entire community to know what’s happening, and how they can become part of it.

Changing faces

After five years as a committee it is now managed by a board of trustees, who are keen to bring in ‘fresh blood’ to allow some members to retire. Full training will be giving.

There are plenty of rewarding committee and other volunteering roles available, and those who are currently serving are keen to say how much it has meant to them to take part, and how they get out just as much as they put in in terms of enjoyment and community endeavour.

Roles currently being recruited for are secretary, vice chair, chair and vice treasurer, and the current members will work with new volunteers to ensure a smooth handover.

What’s on

Ahead of their next big public event – a community fun day called the Westfield Wacky Extravaganza – on June 13, they are keen to recruit new volunteers and new service users.

Among the groups currently running under the centre’s umbrella or as a hall let, are:

· A youth club P3-7 (seniors hopefully restarting soon)

· An arts and crafts club

· The Wee County respite group

· The Wee Ones parent and toddlers

· A writing group

· Gary Shaw’s Tae Kwon Do

· An NHS new mums baby group

· Heartbeats, who previously operated out of Thornhill

· The Action Group, formerly based in Elgin Park.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The centre really is the vital heart of the community. As well as the groups which meet here, we have partnerships with groups like Forth Valley College and Graeme High School, where students can come and practice their skills.

“They have worked on everything from the community café to decorating and gardening. This not only helped us, but gave them valuable experiences to put on their CVs and skills for going out into the workplace.”

As well as grant funding from The National Lottery, Falkirk Council, Environmental Link and others, a fundraising co-ordinator has helped raise vital money through two bingo nights and two afternoon teas each year, which help keep the centre viable.

She said: “The donations we receive from local business and individuals are amazing. We would welcome donations and prizes all year round.”

Grant funding helps pay for a cleaner, caretaker and manager, and fund youth workings, who all play a vital part in keeping the centre running.

Save the date – Westfield Wacky Extravanganza

A huge community fun day is planned for Saturday, June 13, with support from local businesses, schools and nurseries.

The fun day will include a parade from the top Bog down to the centre, entertainment, activities and more. Graeme High School hope to provide a pipe band, orchestra and choir, Central FM may be broadcasting live, and there will be martial arts and theatre displays going on.

The spokesperson added: “We are really looking to put on something that really appeals to people and lets them know just how much we do here at Westfield.”

Local business already supporting the event include Balfours Chip Shop and Londis (Lally’s).

Find out more

If you want an informal chat – no string attached – about volunteering, want to support the event on June 13 or any of the year-round fundraising, or are keen to find out more about hall lets, children’s parties or the marquee hire, simply email [email protected] or call 01324 619817.