AN ATTEMPT is being made to save one of the jewels in Monmouth’s crown from possible closure following a plea in the Beacon earlier this year.

The Rockfield Community Centre was in danger of closure if a new management committee could not be found to take over the running of the centre.

The previous committee had run the hall under a 15 year full repairing lease from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) in the form of a limited company, but had taken the decision four years into their 15 year lease to retire. Prior to that, they previously managed the centre for 10 years on an informal basis.

Previously an empty shell of a building, the centre was created when a very small team of volunteers turned the frequently vandalised and unloved facility into a popular community hall. They encouraged playgroups and dance classes to use the hall and built it up to the point where there are now 15 user groups making use of the building to provide activities for residents.

A meeting was held on Wednesday 2nd August, and again on 9th August at the centre asking for volunteers to step up and offer their services to join a new management committee and to put forward what time and skills they could offer to a committee. Several people volunteered, unfortunately many were unable to commit much time or were unprepared to accept full responsibility for the centre and dropped out.

This leaves two volunteers, Councillor Alice Legg and Nicky Jameson who are looking at forming a limited company to continue the leasehold by the end of October.

The present options are to let the council take responsibility back for the management of the centre for which the existing management committee have concerns or set up a new committee who will take over the responsibility and running of the centre.?

Cllr Legg and Nicky Jameson hope that they can find volunteers fully prepared to offer skills and responsibilities of the financial management of the committee, maintaining a booking system and records, potentially maintenance of the building all with the support of the existing gardeners and cleaner. This is however, too much for two individuals to manage alone. A limited company needs a minimum of three directors and a management team of around five to ensure all aspects of management can be covered.

They are asking that any volunteers contact them immediately as a new committee needs setting up by 1st October by the latest. They can ring Nicky Jameson (proposed new treasurer) on 07803 700559 or email her at