Our charitable objects are to establish, manage, and maintain a community centre for the people of the Borough of Woking and beyond (without distinction of any kind, such as ethnic origin, religion, political or other opinions, etc.) to improve the conditions of life for all.
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In 1987, various community groups came together under the umbrella of Central and Maybury Community Association (CAMCA) to campaign for a community centre. A survey of local residents' needs clearly showed that the population lacked a focal point for community activities.
Following a long and torturous process, it was only in 1993 that the final hurdles were overcome so that the derelict property which was formerly Maybury Board School was acquired and work could begin on its conversion.
The building was a bare shell with no furniture, kitchen utensils, equipment... After some serious fundraising from CAMCA and more small donations coming in to help furnish the building, a grand ceremonial opening took place on 28th September 1994 with top newscaster Sir Trevor McDonald.
The Maybury Centre is now a key community asset in Woking which has maintained a wide variety of projects over the years. Some have been curtailed through lack of funding, but new projects are supported and continue to thrive. The Centre is regularly utilised by charities, Woking College, community groups (including Liaise Women's Centre and The Schoolhouse Project), and is close to the heart of so many more.
The vision of the original group that inspired the formation of the Centre is being maintained by its current custodians, supporters, and users.
"The Maybury Centre is the epitome of diversity. It's like the whole world in one building all working in harmony. Truly inspirational. I have many great memories and hopefully more to come."
"The Maybury Centre is always a friendly and warm environment. Being close to Woking town centre enables us to access our local community with ease. We are always made to feel welcome by other groups using the Centre and the staff are always supportive."
"It is an inspirational place because it is there for people and takes no regard of position, status or background, fame or none. The Maybury Centre shows the best of Woking. There may be one building but its spirit spreads as a positive beacon for the whole town. The most inspirational people started it, and it still remains as a fitting testament to them."
The Maybury Centre Trust has launched this fundraising campaign as we are in need of your support.
The Maybury Centre's main source of income is from venue hire. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic we suddenly stopped receiving this income. This has had a significant impact on our charity's finances. Now worryingly, on top of this, we will be adversely affected by the rising cost of energy and we also need to replace aging fire safety equipment in our building.
We would appreciate donations to help The Maybury Centre to continue to serve our community and to also purchase new fire safety equipment to help to protect our wonderful building for years to come.
Did you know? The Maybury Centre has the second oldest building still standing in Woking!
"Before The Maybury Centre existed, local community groups and associations would meet up for their respective activities and meetings at random places around Woking. There was no real sense of communities coming together. What was lacking in Woking was a central place where everyone could meet up, not just for their own organisations, but somewhere where they could feel part of a bigger Woking community.
Even though it was a struggle to have access to the bricks and mortar that make-up The Maybury Centre, we did not give up until we achieved our goal. Now that we have been using the building it is hard to imagine how we all managed without such an accessible venue with large enough space for everyone to use. Having access to a local venue at the heart of the community has strengthened the belonging I have for being in Woking."
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