South Bookham Youth and Community Association

This new group has been formed to take over the running of what was known as the Boys Club by the Chrystie Recreation Grounds in the Dorking Road.  This building which was built in the sixties has become run down and needs a lot of work to get it back into a useable state.  The building belongs to Mole Valley DC and was leased to the National Clubs for Young People in 1964.  This latter organisation has not the funds to restore the building into its original state which they have the legal responsibly to do. Mole Valley therefore has served them with a dilapidation order and will almost certainly terminate the lease with NCYP.

The Council are keen that the building continues to be used by the Community in South Bookham especially as this is the only sizeable community building in this part of the village.

A local group have got together to form a new Management team supported by over 300 local residents.  These have signed a petition to support the SBY&CA and its vision and 25 have signed up as Friends of SBY&CA offering their ongoing participation, resources and help.  The local group also have support and involvement from the BRA, the BCA , Bookham Vision and all of our local Councillors.

Three main users so far are committed to use the centre if a new lease can be agreed with MVDC. These are Friday Zone Junior Youth Club, Bookham Tennis Club and Bus Stop pre-school organisation.  Other groups expressing interest include a martial arts unit, a boxing club and the local community for children’s parties and other events.

The new team are completing a business plan so ensuring that the future financial footing for the building is sound. Their vision is to ensure that there is a focus on Early Years Education and Youth and to provide the facilities to enable local young people to engage in enjoyable, entertaining and developmental activities.

Key focus will be on sport and physical activity as well as providing facilities to offer local residents of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sporting events.