SAVE the Civic!’ That’s the cry as a major fundraising drive is launched to save Stourport’s much-loved venue.
At the heart of its community and now nominated for a King’s Award, the centre is also gripped by a financial crisis which could see it close its doors forever.
Now a passionate group of local teenagers have joined together to launch a Crowdfunding initiative to raise £10,000 to keep the venue’s doors open.
Called ‘Performers Unite’ the group of local 16 to 19 year olds perform at the Stourport Civic three times a year.
They say: “The Civic has hit financial difficulty and we, Performers Unite, are rallying behind the management to try and keep this important venue afloat by raising money to help with immediate running costs.
“We want to represent the hundreds of young people who use and value the Civic, and who recognise its worth and its legacy to the community and the wider public.
“The Civic is very important to us as performers and we also recognise it is also a vital part of Stourport itself.
“This is why we have started this fund, to help the venue survive at this very difficult time.”
The Civic is the largest venue in the area, and so attracts acts that would otherwise bypass Wyre Forest district.
In addition it also plays a key role local community.
“As well as all the shows we offer work experience and internships to young people and assist adults with special educational needs and disabilities,” said Caroline Cordwell, who is at the heart of operations at the Civic.
Jane Bennett of Splinters Dance Studio said: “I commend the young people for taking this action.
“Three dance festivals are held there every year, and for the Limelight Summer Festival of Dance people travelled up to Stourport from all over the country including London and Plymouth.
“Think how that would hit the local economy if the Civic were to close.”
The Civic is a trust run by volunteers since 2013, transforming an underused venue into the beating heart of the community.
From holding around 30 events a year it now hosts more than 300.
Stourport councillor and Civic trustee Tim Schmeising-Barnes said: “Times are hard and all venues have been hit.
“We have responded by opening the Civic to the community, holding coffee mornings, car boot sales and blood donation sessions, as well as all the shows we put on. The town council has been very supportive and we have a lot of plans for the next year to five years.
“The word community is our mission and hopefully we can bring in more money or find some sponsorship.”
To support the Civic, visit Just Giving online and type in Stourport Civic in the search box.
