History of Linwood Community Education Centre

1. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre History of Linwood CommunityEducation Centre

2. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre Overview • This information was taken directly from questionnaires completed by ‘Users’ of Linwood Community Education Centre. • Over 1000 people use the current Community Education Centre on a weekly basis. • 378 users completed a consultation form and all agreed strongly that we need a facility that is ‘run by the community for the community’. • 80% of users are multi-functional users with 70% of them using the café while attending the centre with their children and friends.

3. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre History of Community Education in Linwood The “Wee Red School” was closed to pupils and Community Education took it over in 1965. This opened doors for the community of Linwood but it was only to be temporary accommodation as a brand new building was being built in the new town centre. This was the Tweedie Hall. Sadly the Local Authority at that time decided not to use The Tweedie Halls as a Community Centre and the “Wee Red School” was used until 1991 when the Local Authority decided to sell the land for housing. At the same time school rolls were dropping rapidly and the Education Authority decided to amalgamate some primary schools. Linwood had 4 non denominational primary schools and 2 roman catholic schools. The 2 roman catholic schools were reduced to one and renamed Our Lady of Peace. The 4 non denominational primary schools were reduced to two and these were named as East Fulton Primary and Woodlands Primary. The buildings of the old schools were still in good condition so this is when Linwood Community Centre moved into the old St. Conval’s School.

4. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre History of Community Education in Linwood (Cont’d) • Social work took over the bottom of the centre in 1997 and the “Greensyde Centre” was born. This restricted the use of the community centre, especially the café area which at that time was staffed by community education workers. The management committee took over the running of the café and moved upstairs. Everything was re-shuffled and the management committee worked alongside The Greensyde Centre and the user groups that used the centre in order for this to work. • Linwood High School was closed and a new school was to be built in its place. At the same time St Brendan’s High School was being moved to a brand new building and amalgamated with St Cuthberts High School (Johnstone) in the outskirts of Linwood. This new school was to become St. Benedict’s High School. • The closure of Linwood High School also meant the closure for the ‘High Spot’ – a place where our youth congregated 3 nights per week and also over the summer holidays. This valuable asset was never replaced.

5. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre History of Community Education in Linwood (Cont’d) • We may have gained brand new school premises for all our children in Linwood but we lost our Community Youth Wing from the High School therefore lost youth clubs and evening activities for the teenagers in Linwood. Youth workers have tried to keep groups going such as LLADS and Class Acts and have managed this but not without a lot of hassle mainly due to money and lets. • New builds are no longer owed by the council so discounted rates no longer apply as the non teaching staff such as janitors are employed by private firms. This is proving to be a strain on the ‘User Groups’ purse strings. • Many groups are prohibited to use the new school premises in the event they may damage floors e.g. dance schools. • The new St. Benedict’s High School has outdoor football pitches however, NO football clubs in Linwood can access these pitches as they were built too SMALL and are therefore not SFA approved.

6. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre Management Committee of Linwood Community Education Centre • The Community Centre building is owned by Renfrewshire Council but managed by a team of volunteers known as the Management Committee. The Council do not charge for the use of the building and in turn the Management Committee run and maintain the Centre taking care of refurbishments, controlling the lets and general running of the Centre. The Management Committee are unpaid, the only paid member of staff is the janitor and cleaning staff who are employees of Renfrewshire Council. • The Management Committee are a committed group of local people who have made a difference to the local community by setting the price of lets at an affordable level. • Linwood have took ownership of the centre for many years. You only have to look at the outside of the building - bearing in mind that the gates are never locked - there is little to no vandalism.

7. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre Management Committee of Linwood Community Education Centre • Many of the complaints to local MP’s are of stone throwing at cars approaching the Sports Centre only a few minutes walk away, this is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre. • Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and donations to community groups to help them maintain the good running of the groups, so in fact they pay rent then get some of it back for equipment and running costs. • This is probably a unique concept to a lot of people that volunteers run this efficient business in their own time. However, it is fact and just because its not broadcasted, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and more importantly, isn’t needed!

8. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre Management Committee of Linwood Community Education Centre • Many of the complaints to local MP’s are of stone throwing at cars approaching the Sports Centre only a few minutes walk away, this is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre. • Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and donations to community groups to help them maintain the good running of the groups, so in fact they pay rent then get some of it back for equipment and running costs. • This is probably a unique concept to a lot of people that volunteers run this efficient business in their own time. However, it is fact and just because its not broadcasted, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and more importantly, isn’t needed!

9. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre Quotes from the many Users of the Current Community Education Centre on the proposed closure

10. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre < 16 years old • I'm 9 years old and I go to dancing here since I was 2 years old. If we don’t have anywhere to dance we cant dance. • Don’t knock it down because then we wont have anywhere to do our shows and this is a good place for shows.

11. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 16 – 24 years old • Don’t shut this centre it keeps the kids busy, exercised and safe at night. • Since the ‘High Spot’ was taken away, there’s nothing for the Youth in Linwood. • Our age group is forgotten about and all they do is moan about us – (17 year old).

12. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 25 – 44 years old • I run many community groups in Linwood and struggle to find affordable, suitable, halls. • Cant believe the council can ignore the wishes of so many people. We need to stick together. • The loss of the community centre will take away the one place that we have that is affordable for groups to hold community events which is vital to keep this community working together. • The community centre is greatly valued in Linwood. It is an affordable venue and would be a great loss if it had to close. • Distinct lack of suitable grass and all weather playing surfaces within area.

13. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 25 - 44 years old • I have had my dance school in this centre for 8 years and find the staff welcoming and helpful. I feel the centre is an important part of Linwood and the community. • I think that a community without a community centre is a community without any heart or soul. • Build another road somewhere else. • Put the road elsewhere. • I use the centre for a few things esp. computer courses and it’s the only way for me to learn just now so I don’t want the centre to close.

14. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 45 - 64 years old • I'm happy with the facilities as they are. • I’m more than happy with this site for the community centre. • This is a lifeline for the community an alternative route could be found. Why are you considering demolishing a centre with 25 years service to our community with a proven success rate? I will be showing with my vote at the next election. • Tell them to use what they have already. • Do not take this away from Linwood. • This facility is needed, the price of renting other premises is prohibited for most users of this centre • My family use the centre every week.

15. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 45 - 64 years old • Clippens school pupils and staff use the community centre well. Some pupils learning gardening skills at community garden. • Do not think this centre should be closed it does a lot for the community. • Locally there is currently a lack of affordable/accessible facilities for the community use. This is vital with the various local communities. • To find another place with access and equipment storage would be difficult. • It is preposterous. We need a new building of our own. Run by us.

16. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 25 - 44 years old • Closing the community centre would be a detrimental loss to Linwood. Linwood has little enough to do for all ages. • There already isn't enough facilities to accommodate groups or to encourage new groups from forming. There isn't really anything for boys age 4-7. The community centre is the heart of Linwood. • Taking away our community centre, is the wrong decision, without a replacement our children and community are losing out. • Think its disgusting my 2 young girls have attended dance and other activities since they were toddlers. • At the meeting I asked about other areas community centres I checked this and they all have community centres.

17. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 65 - 74 years old • First heard of the centre closure in August from a very disgusted user of the centre who is 16 years old. • Hope it is large enough to have all our classes. • Really difficult to get suitable for disabilities particularly storage for equipment. • Shouldn't happen where is the community spirit. • It will be sad to see the community centre closing for all in Linwood. • Our hall is used at present for various activities for 50+ group it would be to advantage for it to be able to accommodate at least 200 in the new facilities.

18. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 65 - 74 years old • I think this would be a big loss have been a member for 15 years. • Let’s fight for a good cause. • We strongly need a community centre for the people of Linwood. • Linwood deserves a proper community centre, keeping everyone under the same roof, it works well at present don’t change that. • We need a community centre. • Linwood has a great community spirit and the community centre is witness to this. It is essential that this continues under one roof. Incorporating community centre into proposed sports hub would ensure that the Linwood community would retain a sense of belonging, purpose and unity.

19. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 65 - 74 years old • My family and friends use the community centre a lot. • The community of Linwood NEED somewhere for the community. • The 50+ club dinner dances for about 100 people. Where will they hold them. • Would like us all to be in the one premises. • There's very little else for older people and this is a lifeline to lots of widows and people who live on there own. • Where are we to go? There is no other hall available! • This complex keeps our community together without too much cost to the clubs.

20. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 75+ years old • We use it for the various activities that the club does, the club is very well supported by over 200. • If you take this building away we are left with nothing. Linwood is going back ways instead of forward. • Only use it to go to see shows ect and think it is really needed. • Cannot get out to participate think it is a well needed centre does a lot for community family use it . • We need our community centre. • Do not destroy our community centre. • It is essential that we have a hall for all the groups involved. • People of Linwood find the sports centre to expensive (75-84)

21. LCEC Linwood Community Education Centre 75+ years old • When our group meet at dinners or dances approx 180 can be in attendance. I hope that promises for all groups will be in the one complex. • We must have a community centre! • More walking means more exercise for them already using sports centre. • Will we have a place to go when the place is pulled down or as usual will we be left in the cold? • We have nothing to look forward to this a great lifeline for the over 50’s and some where to go to other than shops. I don’t think our councillors agreed to this?

22. Venn Chart: Linwood Community Education Centre/ Linwood User Groups Key: Current LCEC User Groups Wider Linwood User Groups Parish Church Toddlers St. Conval’s FC Adults Tap Class Prima School of Dance Adult Learning & Literacy Solid Rock Dance Brownies Ladds Credit Union Linwood User Groups Cafe Camera Club Class Acts Linwood RYC Donna Brown Dance School Tai Chi Self Help Craft Flexi Care Parent School Council Lets Private Function Lets Jam Dance 50+ Group Other Amateur Football Clubs Jogging Buddies Pipe Band Yoga Classes Linstone Housing Ass Linwood Active Tweedie Toddlers Dance Studio Leases for Business Space