Studley Green Community Centre new cloakroom facilities

Built in 1966, the Studley Green Community Centre (SGCC), on the outskirts of Stokenchurch, plays host to a wide variety of activities for local residents of all ages. The Centre is used by toddler groups, youth clubs, Zumba classes, coffee-mornings as well as many organisations and clubs.

At a meeting in 2015 a new management committee was elected by local residents to look after the refurbishment and updating of the facilities. The new committee has worked tirelessly to upgrade the entire site and has secured funding from the local council to repair the cladding and windows. It has also held many fund raising events and been helped by local residents with generous donations.

John Colling, a member of Stokenchurch Lodge 7438 , was approached to see if the Masons might be able to provide some funding.

One of the projects that required funding was the installation of a disabled cloakroom and baby changing area in place of an old store room. This would enable people with mobility problems to participate in the full range of the Centre’s activities.

John contacted the Bucks Masonic Centenary Fund (BMCF) to see if it might be able to assist. The BMCF was delighted to be approached and organised the full funding of £4,800, for a complete makeover of the store cupboard, to be made available to the Centre’s committee.

The work was completed in mid-March and Suzanne Bell, chairperson of the SGCC, said: “The disabled cloakroom looks absolutely fantastic; the contractor has made a superb job in converting a sorry looking cupboard into a fully functional facility. We have already heard from some disabled people in the local community who now plan to join in our activities. We are extremely grateful to Bucks Freemasons for their generosity in providing the funding for this important part of our facilities.”

John added: “Stokenchurch Lodge has had a long association with residents in this area and were really pleased to facilitate the cost of this refurbishment for the Studley Green Community Centre.

Pictures show: The store room before its conversion and the new toilet and changing area.