Sparth Community Centre celebrates 25th birthday

Want to buy this photo?

Photo: Laura Wild

Staff and children from Sparth Community Centre celebrate with the Mayor and Mayoress (centre) and the lady who started it all 25 years ago Mrs Shelia Acton (left)

People joined together today to celebrate the 25th birthday of the Sparth Community Centre on Norman Road.

Sparth Community Centre is a small, multi-cultural centre offering a range of activities every week from a nursery session to army cadets.

The centre was officially opened in March 1985 by Sir Cyril Smith after months of hard work to get the idea off the ground.

Sheila Acton, who set up the centre 25 years ago said it feels like it was just yesterday: “I had no expectations at the time of putting the centre together because there weren’t any other community centres; there was nothing to base it on.

“When I arrived here in September 1984 it was just a hole in the ground which we built up.

“I wanted to bring people together and to break down barriers in the community. The original plans were for two separate entrances to the centre because the community was so culturally divided but I said no, everyone will come through one door. This attracted the attention of the BBC who did a radio show about the centre, saying Sparth will work – and it has!”

Mrs Acton retired from the centre 12 years ago but is a regular visitor, she added: “I am very proud of what has been achieved. Every time I walk through the door there is the same loving atmosphere which has never changed and it is so welcoming.

“Community centres aren’t about bricks and mortar they are about the people.”

As community members looked at photos from the past and reports about the centre from over the years, Centre Manager Kenny Farrar explained how the centre has gone from strength to strength: “I started working here on a placement and then as a volunteer and with Shelia’s guidance I worked my way up to be centre manager, a role I have had since 1999.

“My time here has been fantastic and we have achieved so very much. I enjoy what I do and for me, working with people isn’t a job it is a way of life.”

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift and the Mayoress Sue Etchells were also in attendance. Mayor Swift described the community as ‘terrific’ he said: “I am so pleased to see that the Sparth Community Centre is still thriving after 25 years. It is a wonderful place for members of the community to meet and to enhance their quality of life.

Councillor Mohammed Sharrif, added: “Shelia and Kenny are pillars of this community and they have done a lot of good work over the years for community cohesion. They are a great help for the community.”

Sparth is core-funded by Rochdale Council and is run by a voluntary management committee.

The Centre is a purpose-built, single storey building with a large hall, smaller hall, two offices and a well equipped kitchen, plus an outdoor kick pitch and two adjoining play area.