Lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to transfer Rye sports centre and pool into a community social enterprise at the start of next year. The CIO (charitable incorporated organisation, a not-for-profit charitable business model) has been set up and, chaired by Barry Nealon, it is close to making this happen.
The next stage is a community engagement morning, which the CIO will be holding at the centre on Saturday July 27 from 10:30am – 11:30am.
We very much want as many people as possible to come along and, after a brief presentation, let us know their thoughts about the centre, the sort of classes they would attend there, and to complete a questionnaire. We will also launch our new website and social media, which we hope many will follow and share so as to keep the communication flowing. The community said they wanted the pool to stay open, so here is a chance to say how that should be. CIO members will be on hand to take questions.
We are very lucky to have received levelling up money, from a bid put into the government by Rother District Council, to help pay for new plant and machinery that has reached the end of its life. There is also funding from Sport England to help with photovoltaic cells to improve energy efficiency. But what we really need now is pledges to help us build up working capital so that we have enough in the coffers to pay wages and bills as soon as we take over.
Our business plan estimates that we can break even within three years, so during this start-up period it is critical that we create that reserve to keep the centre open. Anyone able to make donations can do so either on Saturday July 27, or contact me for details. We are hoping that our gift aid registration will be set up in time to take advantage of any donations people are able to make.
We are working very closely with key stakeholders such as Rye Hospital, Rother Voluntary Action and others to ensure this is more than just a sports centre. Our aim is to create a hub for wellness and good health through partnerships so that we are working together for the health and enjoyment of all residents in and around Rye.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
How great to see everyone’s hard work, especially Rebekah and the team taking shape. As a regular gym and sauna user I look forward to Saturday’s meeting, it’s imperative that we all get behind this fantastic local facility and the staff who are such a huge asset.
Is there, or will there be, an email address for those who want to contribute ideas but are not able to make the 27th due to prior commitments?
Tamsin very many thanks for your question. We are launching our website on Saturday and you will be able to get in touch with us then about contributing ideas and donations. We are working with our personal emails at the moment, but again will have a CIO email address very shortly. We are also just in the final stages of getting gift aid and just giving registered that will also help.
Thank you to you all for your support.
It’s brilliant the sports centre is remaining open. It is undoubtedly a massive asset to our town. Its a little concerning however, that charity will be needed to pay wages and bills, at least in the short term. What will happen if the working capital is not realised?
Presumably the same thing that would happen if the town didn’t step in to take it off Freedom Leisure – it would close. Had it been making money we would never have had this problem. Huge credit to the team involved for taking it this far – it’s now incumbent on the people of the town to say what they want and then be willing to actually pay for it.
This has been an incredibly complex journey to get almost to the finishing line. The successful bid by RDC will make a huge difference to the CIO’s costs.
were is the just giving site ? to make donations