History of History of Linwood CommunityLinwood Community

Education CentreEducation Centre

Linwood Community

Education Centre

OverviewOverview

Linwood Community

Education Centre

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.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

History of Community Education in History of Community Education in LinwoodLinwood

The “Wee Red School” was closed to pupils and Community The “Wee Red School” was closed to pupils and Community Education took it over in 1965.Education took it over in 1965.

This opened doors for the community of Linwood but it was only to This opened doors for the community of Linwood but it was only to be temporary accommodation as a brand new building was being be temporary accommodation as a brand new building was being built in the new town centre. This was the Tweedie Hall.built in the new town centre. This was the Tweedie Hall.

Sadly the Local Authority at that time decided not to use The Sadly the Local Authority at that time decided not to use The Tweedie Halls as a Community Centre and the “Wee Red School” Tweedie Halls as a Community Centre and the “Wee Red School” was used until 1991 when the Local Authority decided to sell the was used until 1991 when the Local Authority decided to sell the land for housing.land for housing.

At the same time school rolls were dropping rapidly and the At the same time school rolls were dropping rapidly and the Education Authority decided to amalgamate some primary schools. Education Authority decided to amalgamate some primary schools. Linwood had 4 non denominational primary schools and 2 roman Linwood had 4 non denominational primary schools and 2 roman catholic schools. The 2 roman catholic schools were reduced to catholic schools. The 2 roman catholic schools were reduced to one and renamed Our Lady of Peace. The 4 non denominational one and renamed Our Lady of Peace. The 4 non denominational primary schools were reduced to two and these were named as East primary schools were reduced to two and these were named as East Fulton Primary and Woodlands Primary. The buildings of the old Fulton Primary and Woodlands Primary. The buildings of the old schools were still in good condition so this is when Linwood schools were still in good condition so this is when Linwood Community Centre moved into the old St. Conval’s School.Community Centre moved into the old St. Conval’s School.

History of Community Education in History of Community Education in Linwood (Cont’d)Linwood (Cont’d)

Social work took over the bottom of the centre in 1997 and the Social work took over the bottom of the centre in 1997 and the “Greensyde Centre” was born. This restricted the use of the “Greensyde Centre” was born. This restricted the use of the community centre, especially the café area which at that time was community centre, especially the café area which at that time was staffed by community education workers. The management staffed by community education workers. The management committee took over the running of the café and moved upstairs. committee took over the running of the café and moved upstairs. Everything was re-shuffled and the management committee worked Everything was re-shuffled and the management committee worked alongside The Greensyde Centre and the user groups that used alongside The Greensyde Centre and the user groups that used the centre in order for this to work.the centre in order for this to work.

Linwood High School was closed and a new school was to be built 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 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 moved to a brand new building and amalgamated with St Cuthberts High School (Johnstone) in the outskirts of Linwood. This new High School (Johnstone) in the outskirts of Linwood. This new

school was to become St. Benedict’s High School.school was to become St. Benedict’s High School.

The closure of Linwood High School also meant the closure for the The closure of Linwood High School also meant the closure for the ‘High Spot’ – a place where our youth congregated 3 nights per ‘High Spot’ – a place where our youth congregated 3 nights per week and also over the summer holidays. This valuable asset was week and also over the summer holidays. This valuable asset was never replaced.never replaced.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

History of Community Education in History of Community Education in Linwood (Cont’d)Linwood (Cont’d)

We may have gained brand new school premises for all our We may have gained brand new school premises for all our children in Linwood but we lost our Community Youth Wing from children in Linwood but we lost our Community Youth Wing from the High School therefore lost youth clubs and evening activities the High School therefore lost youth clubs and evening activities for the teenagers in Linwood. Youth workers have tried to keep for the teenagers in Linwood. Youth workers have tried to keep groups going such as LLADS and Class Acts and have managed 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. 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 New builds are no longer owed by the council so discounted rates no longer apply as the non teaching staff such as janitors are 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 employed by private firms. This is proving to be a strain on the ‘User Groups’ purse strings.‘User Groups’ purse strings.

Many groups are prohibited to use the new school premises in the Many groups are prohibited to use the new school premises in the event they may damage floors e.g. dance schools.event they may damage floors e.g. dance schools.

The new St. Benedict’s High School has outdoor football pitches The new St. Benedict’s High School has outdoor football pitches however, NO football clubs in Linwood can access these pitches however, NO football clubs in Linwood can access these pitches as they were built too SMALL and are therefore not SFA approved. as they were built too SMALL and are therefore not SFA approved.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

Management Committee of Linwood Management Committee of Linwood Community Education CentreCommunity Education Centre

The Community Centre building is owned by Renfrewshire Council The Community Centre building is owned by Renfrewshire Council but managed by a team of volunteers known as the Management but managed by a team of volunteers known as the Management Committee. The Council do not charge for the use of the building Committee. The Council do not charge for the use of the building and in turn the Management Committee run and maintain the and in turn the Management Committee run and maintain the Centre taking care of refurbishments, controlling the lets and Centre taking care of refurbishments, controlling the lets and general running of the Centre. The Management Committee are general running of the Centre. The Management Committee are unpaid, the only paid member of staff is the janitor and cleaning unpaid, the only paid member of staff is the janitor and cleaning staff who are employees of Renfrewshire Council. staff who are employees of Renfrewshire Council.

The Management Committee are a committed group of local The Management Committee are a committed group of local people who have made a difference to the local community by people who have made a difference to the local community by setting the price of lets at an affordable level. setting the price of lets at an affordable level.

Linwood have took ownership of the centre for many years. You Linwood have took ownership of the centre for many years. You only have to look at the outside of the building - bearing in mind 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.that the gates are never locked - there is little to no vandalism.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

Management Committee of Linwood Management Committee of Linwood Community Education CentreCommunity Education Centre

Many of the complaints to local MP’s are of stone throwing at cars 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 approaching the Sports Centre only a few minutes walk away, this is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre.is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre.

Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and donations to community groups to help them maintain the good 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 running of the groups, so in fact they pay rent then get some of it back for equipment and running costs.back for equipment and running costs.

This is probably a unique concept to a lot of people that volunteers 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 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 just because its not broadcasted, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and more importantly, isn’t needed!more importantly, isn’t needed!

Linwood Community

Education Centre

Management Committee of Linwood Management Committee of Linwood Community Education CentreCommunity Education Centre

Many of the complaints to local MP’s are of stone throwing at cars 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 approaching the Sports Centre only a few minutes walk away, this is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre.is a true reflection of the acceptance of the centre.

Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over Year ending 2009 accounts shows an annual income of over £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees £10,000 with essential expenditure of Insurance £450 and tutor fees of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and of £2,570. The rest of the expenditure was charity donations and donations to community groups to help them maintain the good 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 running of the groups, so in fact they pay rent then get some of it back for equipment and running costs.back for equipment and running costs.

This is probably a unique concept to a lot of people that volunteers 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 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 just because its not broadcasted, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist and more importantly, isn’t needed!more importantly, isn’t needed!

Linwood Community

Education Centre

Quotes from the many Quotes from the many Users of the Current Users of the Current

Community Education Community Education Centre on the proposed Centre on the proposed

closureclosure

Linwood Community

Education Centre

< 16 years old< 16 years old

I'm 9 years old and I go to dancing here since I was 2 years 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.old. If we don’t have anywhere to dance we cant dance.

Don’t knock it down because then we wont have anywhere Don’t knock it down because then we wont have anywhere to do our shows and this is a good place for shows.to do our shows and this is a good place for shows.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

16 – 24 years old16 – 24 years old

Don’t shut this centre it keeps the kids busy, exercised and safe at night. 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.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).Our age group is forgotten about and all they do is moan about us – (17 year old).

Linwood Community

Education Centre

25 – 44 years old25 – 44 years old

I run many community groups in Linwood and struggle to I run many community groups in Linwood and struggle to find affordable, suitable, halls. find affordable, suitable, halls.

Cant believe the council can ignore the wishes of so many Cant believe the council can ignore the wishes of so many people. We need to stick together. people. We need to stick together.

The loss of the community centre will take away the one The loss of the community centre will take away the one place that we have that is affordable for groups to hold place that we have that is affordable for groups to hold community events which is vital to keep this community community events which is vital to keep this community working together. working together.

The community centre is greatly valued in Linwood. It is an The community centre is greatly valued in Linwood. It is an affordable venue and would be a great loss if it had to close. affordable venue and would be a great loss if it had to close.

Distinct lack of suitable grass and all weather playing Distinct lack of suitable grass and all weather playing surfaces within area.surfaces within area.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

25 - 44 years old25 - 44 years old

I have had my dance school in this centre for 8 years and find 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 the staff welcoming and helpful. I feel the centre is an important part of Linwood and the community. important part of Linwood and the community.

I think that a community without a community centre is a I think that a community without a community centre is a community without any heart or soul. community without any heart or soul.

Build another road somewhere else.Build another road somewhere else.

Put the road elsewhere. Put the road elsewhere.

I use the centre for a few things esp. computer courses and 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 it’s the only way for me to learn just now so I don’t want the centre to close. centre to close.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

45 - 64 years old45 - 64 years old

I'm happy with the facilities as they are. I'm happy with the facilities as they are.

I’m more than happy with this site for the community centre.I’m more than happy with this site for the community centre.

This is a lifeline for the community an alternative route could This is a lifeline for the community an alternative route could be found. Why are you considering demolishing a centre with be found. Why are you considering demolishing a centre with 25 years service to our community with a proven success 25 years service to our community with a proven success rate? I will be showing with my vote at the next election. rate? I will be showing with my vote at the next election.

Tell them to use what they have already. Tell them to use what they have already.

Do not take this away from Linwood. Do not take this away from Linwood.

This facility is needed, the price of renting other premises is This facility is needed, the price of renting other premises is prohibited for most users of this centreprohibited for most users of this centre

My family use the centre every week.My family use the centre every week.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

45 - 64 years old45 - 64 years old

Clippens school pupils and staff use the community centre Clippens school pupils and staff use the community centre well. Some pupils learning gardening skills at community well. Some pupils learning gardening skills at community garden.garden.

Do not think this centre should be closed it does a lot for the Do not think this centre should be closed it does a lot for the community. community.

Locally there is currently a lack of affordable/accessible Locally there is currently a lack of affordable/accessible facilities for the community use. This is vital with the various facilities for the community use. This is vital with the various local communities. local communities.

To find another place with access and equipment storage To find another place with access and equipment storage would be difficult. would be difficult.

It is preposterous. We need a new building of our own. Run It is preposterous. We need a new building of our own. Run by us.by us.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

25 - 44 years old25 - 44 years old

Closing the community centre would be a detrimental loss to Closing the community centre would be a detrimental loss to Linwood. Linwood has little enough to do for all ages. Linwood. Linwood has little enough to do for all ages.

There already isn't enough facilities to accommodate groups There already isn't enough facilities to accommodate groups or to encourage new groups from forming. There isn't really or to encourage new groups from forming. There isn't really anything for boys age 4-7. The community centre is the heart anything for boys age 4-7. The community centre is the heart of Linwood.of Linwood.

Taking away our community centre, is the wrong decision, Taking away our community centre, is the wrong decision, without a replacement our children and community are losing without a replacement our children and community are losing out. out.

Think its disgusting my 2 young girls have attended dance Think its disgusting my 2 young girls have attended dance and other activities since they were toddlers. and other activities since they were toddlers.

At the meeting I asked about other areas community centres I At the meeting I asked about other areas community centres I checked this and they all have community centres. checked this and they all have community centres.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

65 - 74 years old65 - 74 years old

First heard of the centre closure in August from a very First heard of the centre closure in August from a very disgusted user of the centre who is 16 years old.disgusted user of the centre who is 16 years old.

Hope it is large enough to have all our classes. Hope it is large enough to have all our classes.

Really difficult to get suitable for disabilities particularly Really difficult to get suitable for disabilities particularly storage for equipment. storage for equipment.

Shouldn't happen where is the community spirit.Shouldn't happen where is the community spirit.

It will be sad to see the community centre closing for all in It will be sad to see the community centre closing for all in Linwood. Linwood.

Our hall is used at present for various activities for 50+ group 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 it would be to advantage for it to be able to accommodate at least 200 in the new facilities. least 200 in the new facilities.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

65 - 74 years old65 - 74 years old

I think this would be a big loss have been a member for 15 I think this would be a big loss have been a member for 15 years. years.

Let’s fight for a good cause. Let’s fight for a good cause.

We strongly need a community centre for the people of We strongly need a community centre for the people of Linwood.Linwood.

Linwood deserves a proper community centre, keeping Linwood deserves a proper community centre, keeping everyone under the same roof, it works well at present don’t everyone under the same roof, it works well at present don’t change that.change that.

We need a community centre.We need a community centre.

Linwood has a great community spirit and the community Linwood has a great community spirit and the community centre is witness to this. It is essential that this continues centre is witness to this. It is essential that this continues under one roof. Incorporating community centre into proposed under one roof. Incorporating community centre into proposed sports hub would ensure that the Linwood community would sports hub would ensure that the Linwood community would retain a sense of belonging, purpose and unity.retain a sense of belonging, purpose and unity.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

65 - 74 years old65 - 74 years old

My family and friends use the community centre a lot. My family and friends use the community centre a lot.

The community of Linwood NEED somewhere for the The community of Linwood NEED somewhere for the community.community.

The 50+ club dinner dances for about 100 people. Where will The 50+ club dinner dances for about 100 people. Where will they hold them. they hold them.

Would like us all to be in the one premises.Would like us all to be in the one premises.

There's very little else for older people and this is a lifeline to There's very little else for older people and this is a lifeline to lots of widows and people who live on there own.lots of widows and people who live on there own.

Where are we to go? There is no other hall available!Where are we to go? There is no other hall available!

This complex keeps our community together without too This complex keeps our community together without too much cost to the clubs.much cost to the clubs.

Linwood Community

Education Centre

75+ years old75+ years old

We use it for the various activities that the club does, the club is very We use it for the various activities that the club does, the club is very well supported by over 200.well supported by over 200.

If you take this building away we are left with nothing. Linwood is If you take this building away we are left with nothing. Linwood is going back ways instead of forward.going back ways instead of forward.

Only use it to go to see shows ect and think it is really needed. 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 Cannot get out to participate think it is a well needed centre does a lot for community family use it . for community family use it .

We need our community centre.We need our community centre.

Do not destroy our community centre. Do not destroy our community centre.

It is essential that we have a hall for all the groups involved.It is essential that we have a hall for all the groups involved.

People of Linwood find the sports centre to expensive (75-84)People of Linwood find the sports centre to expensive (75-84)

Linwood Community

Education Centre

75+ years old75+ years old

When our group meet at dinners or dances approx 180 can When our group meet at dinners or dances approx 180 can be in attendance. I hope that promises for all groups will be be in attendance. I hope that promises for all groups will be in the one complex.in the one complex.

We must have a community centre!We must have a community centre!

More walking means more exercise for them already using More walking means more exercise for them already using sports centre. sports centre.

Will we have a place to go when the place is pulled down or Will we have a place to go when the place is pulled down or as usual will we be left in the cold?as usual will we be left in the cold?

We have nothing to look forward to this a great lifeline for the 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 over 50’s and some where to go to other than shops. I don’t think our councillors agreed to this?think our councillors agreed to this?

Linwood Community

Education Centre

LinwoodUser

Groups

AdultsTap

Class

St. Conval’s

FC

PrimaSchool

ofDance

50+Group

Self HelpCraft

CameraClub

DonnaBrownDanceSchool

Pipe Band

TaiChi

Yoga Classes

FlexiCare

AdultLearning

& Literacy

CreditUnion

Cafe

Jam Dance

Ladds

Solid Rock

Dance

ClassActs

LinwoodRYC

Brownies

ParishChurch

Toddlers

JoggingBuddies

LinwoodActive

TweedieToddlers

Leasesfor

BusinessSpace

DanceStudio

ParentSchoolCouncil

Lets

PrivateFunction

Lets

Key: Current LCEC User Groups

Wider Linwood User Groups

Venn Chart:Linwood Community Education Centre/Linwood User Groups

LinstoneHousing

Ass

OtherAmateurFootball

Clubs