Community rallies to save boxing club after it was destroyed in fire almost 10 years ago

A pivotal meeting was held this week at Darnhill Library to discuss the future of the Darnhill & Heywood ABC and Self-Development Centre CIC.

The centre, which is urgently seeking support to rebuild the much-loved boxing club and transform it into a vibrant community hub, was tragically destroyed by fire in 2015, but dedicated committee members have been tirelessly fundraising to bring it back to life.

This week (Monday 29 July) a gathering brought together community members, local business leaders, and councillors to strategise on the next steps for the much-anticipated Boxing Club and Community Hub.

 

 

Jordan Tarrant-Short, one of the directors of Darnhill & Heywood ABC & Self Development Centre CIC, emphasised the critical need for the project, stating: "Although there is quite a lot of deprivation on Darnhill with the loss of a primary school, a church, the boxing club and the two pubs on the estate, there is still a strong sense of community around Darnhill.

“I feel that the Boxing Club and Self Development Centre will only strengthen that bond of community. That’s why it is so vital we raise the money to see it completed."

Since the fire, the community has rallied together with significant fundraising efforts, local business support, and a grant from Viridor’s Queen’s Jubilee project allowing the new build to proceed.
 

Read more: Darnhill and Heywood Boxing Club is returning home after being granted £300,000 towards rebuildPublished: 14 November 2022

Structural completion of the building is imminent, but an additional £100,000 is required to fit out the club. A fundraising page has been set up to raise £50,000 towards this goal.

Dale Gaucas, chairman of the CIC, highlighted the expanded vision for the club, noting, "The club’s purpose is not just as a boxing club, but an inter-dependent community hub, run by the community, for the community.

“Allowing us to give knowledge and wisdom back into our own community whether young, elderly or middle-aged."

The new facility aims to replace not only the boxing club but also address the loss of other community amenities in Darnhill, such as a church, a school, and two pubs.

It will serve as a purpose-built boxing club with local staff and coaches, and offer support, classes, and training in areas like life skills and business entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the community hub is set to host alternative educational provisions, social clubs and events, health and wellbeing activities, and youth engagement programmes.

The meeting also saw participation from various local groups, including Action Together and Darnhill Community Voice, along with support from local councillors like Angela Brown.

 

 

The collective goal is to ensure the club serves as a beacon of hope and a centre for growth, well-being, and community spirit in Darnhill.

As the campaign to build the Boxing Club and Community Hub intensifies, the community remains hopeful and determined to see their vision come to fruition, reinforcing the strong communal bond that Darnhill is known for.

At the time of publication, the Crowdfunding page had raised just £680 of its £50,000 target. To support the cause, visit the CrowdFunding page here.