Dear Parishioners

As you are probably aware the Parish Centre has lurched from crisis to crisis over the past seven years and has never managed to pay its way. The result is a substantial debt. However, last summer we took the decision to run the centre on commercial lines in conjunction with a number of other parish centres who have turned their balance sheets from red to black. This decision demanded yet more capital expenditure, particularly on the kitchen and a subsequent increase on the debt. But you have to cast a sprat to catch a mackerel! The new venture was launched last October under the slogan or brand name of Your Parish Centre.

The only way in which clubs and for that matter pubs are able to survive nowadays is by moving into catering. Last year the Centre in both January and February hosted seven events each month and they were small! This month already there have been 16 major bookings and a further 14 have been received for February. Later in the year the Centre will host its first wedding reception, the first for many, many a year! But who else in Clitheroe can offer an all-day Wedding Reception for 60 day-time guests and 100 evening guests for £1,995? The day time reception includes a three course meal on fully dressed banqueting tables and the evening guests will be served a full buffet and entertained throughout by a DJ!  Similar packages are available for Christenings, Funeral receptions, children’s birthday parties and other celebrations. And how about a birthday party in the evening for 80 people with room hire for 6 hours including a DJ for 5 hours, balloons and a choice of three hot meals at only £495? You couldn’t arrange it any cheaper yourself and this way you have no hassle! The Centre also caters for smaller and larger parties of guests.

Have you visited the Centre recently? If not, you just would not recognise it! So why not pop in and see for yourself. Your Parish Centre has been refurbished and is professionally managed but it remains a parish facility. Club membership is still an option at £10 for parents (which includes dependent Children up to and including those at University) and £5 for Senior citizens. Members with cards pay less at the bar!

One challenge remains. We need to raise £4,000 to purchase 160 new banqueting chairs so expect some fundraising functions in the future.

Fr John