AUSTERFIELD FIELD STUDY CENTRE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

June 2013 
We have had a very positive meeting with DMBC and the new social enterprise is very close to taking over the centre.
Follow our progress on facebook austerfield study centre,
contact us to make bookings from September 2013 by emailing info@austerfieldstudycentre.co.uk 
or come along to find out more about the exciting future of the centre at our celebration party.

 

April 2013

Come to our 'drop in' volunteer meeting at the centre on

WEDNESDAY 24th APRIL at 4.30pm-7.30pm.

As work to establish this enterprise progresses, specific areas of help are being recognised. Bite size 'chunks' which will help build the business:

• accountant
• seeking and completing funding applications
• marketing
• office administration
• become a trained expert guide
• leading and help to lead school groups
• animal husbandry
• site and buildings maintenance 
• developing new educational programmes
• making education resources
• running a leisure group for children and adults
• running children's parties
• cleaning

etc...

If you are unable to attend please let me know if you are interested in volunteering for any of the above or have any other ideas/skills you'd like to share.

GOOD NEWS!
The centre was due to close this week, but DMBC have agreed to support it until the end of July. All bookings previously agreed can now be honoured.

Thank you for the many letters (and posters from the children) of support received -they will help us to secure funding, so please keep them coming.




March 2013

DMBC consultation on Austerfield Study Centre E-Form available to complete on line at http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/doitonline/consultations/Consultation_on_Austerfield_Study_Centre_EForm.aspx

Two recent meetings for the residents of Austerfield were well attended, with very supportive points of view on how the centre can be used more fully for educational, community and social activities.  


January 2013
We've had a very positive meeting with DMBC on Thursday 31st Jan.  Still lots of bridges to cross!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

The community itself is investigating the feasibility of taking it over by setting up a social enterprise.

More information about social enterprises on website

http://www.bis.gov.uk/cicregulator/guidance

The project would allow it not only to continue providing environmental education, but also provide a community base for the village.

We will keep you up to date on our progress over the next few weeks, we need to act now time is running out.

What’s the problem?

The old Primary School in Austerfield was built in 1882 and

when Doncaster MBC acquired it in 1973, was set up as an

environmental education Centre. Over the years it developed its

capacity to take over 10,000 children a year in its hey day,

employing 6 people. Sadly staff have been reduced over the last

year and now, with cut backs, it is closing its doors. Once it goes,

it will be very difficult to re-open.

What does it do?

Teachers book their classes into the centre and choose one of

the many activities which enrich children’s National Curriculum

learning in science, geography, history, physical and social

development. They either come for a day or use the

dormitories and tents for overnight(s) visits. For some

children this is their first and possibly only experience in the

natural environment. Children have safe use of woodlands,

ponds to dip, and heathlands to explore. I meet adults who

recall happy memories of trips to Austerfield, especially those

‘staying away from home’ magic moment memories.

What are we trying to do?

The community is looking into the feasibility of securing its future by setting up a social enterprise. We hope this would enable it to continue to offer environmental education to children and also become a village community centre, something Austerfield lacks at the moment.

Passionate

I have tried to keep this information sheet objective, but I hope you will allow me a moment of passion. Having been privileged to work at the centre for most of my career, I have seen how first hand learning experiences enrich the education and social development of children of all abilities.

I cannot just see it close without exploring ways to help it through these difficult times and continue to be available, in one form or another to provide an environmental education service for generations to come.

Immediate problems

• We are working on a very tight time
  scale, probably the end of March
  2013.
• The diary is full of bookings
  for the summer school term and, if
  possible, we want to honour these
  bookings (2000 children who are
  looking forward to their visit).

Immediate action required

• We need to continue talking to DMBC.
• We need to secure interim funding for the summer term, allowing us a realistic amount of time to explore the feasibility and formulate a sustainable business plan for the centre.

Want to support the community initiative? - thank you - here’s how

Letters of support will help us prove a need and support applications for funding.

Schools - Write a letter of support stating who you are and type of school you work(ed) in or run, how you value the centre, benefits to your children, impact if it goes.

Parents/families - Letter of support, if your children (or maybe you when you were younger!) have been to the centre.

Community Groups

- A letter of support stating your organisation and your interest.

Local community

- Again a letter of support stating your views on the need for a community building.

Financial support

- Reply via email with your thoughts please.

Send all letters and comments to my email. suerose23@gmail.com

and or post your support and thoughts below: