A crowdfunding project is set to be launched for a major new art and youth centre in Jarvis Brook.
The ambitious £300,000 project will see the transformation of the existing small community Scrapstore building in the Jarvis Brook Recreation Ground into a vibrant community venue where people can meet new friends, learn new skills, and take part in activities.
The scheme is the brainchild of Bev Pashley, who runs the community interest company ArtyTime. This collects arts and crafts materials from local individuals, businesses and organisations, which otherwise would go in the bin, and provides them for the community to use for art and craft projects. Artytime already works with various schools, nurseries, care homes, church and youth groups.
Her plan is to treble the size of the existing scrapstore, where she keeps all the art and craft materials for people to use, and add rooms for a youth club, workshops, meetings, and community activities for members of the community and local artists.
She said: “My vision is to run all sorts of creative sessions and groups that get people involved, not just with art, but learning all sorts of new skills. For example we know from talking to young people that many of them want to learn how to cook.”
Bev has planning permission for the extension of the scrapstore, which is only 12 square metres, into a proper community venue which will be 47 square metres. She’s now trying to raise the money to get the project off the ground.
“We’ve spoken to the National Lottery who have been here to visit, and we’re in close contact with the town council, the district council and the county council. This is a lot of money to raise and we really need some proper backers – as well as community support.”
Bev, who has already created a Monday night youth club with the support of the Crowborough Social Club, a crochet and craft group which meets at Jarvis Brook Social Club, and a sewing circle, is passionate about community projects that bring people together.
She said: “I love Jarvis Brook, and I’m a big believer in community. For me it’s the people that make Jarvis Brook special. I come from Yorkshire where everybody talks to each other and looks out for each other. It’s the same here In Crowborough.
“This is the biggest ward in Crowborough and has the most children. I really want this new centre to be for the whole community. It’s not just about art and craft, it’s also about bringing people together, giving people a greater sense of belonging and purpose.”
Artytime is part of Green Transition Crowborough, a community organisation that promotes local action to address climate change and encourage sustainability. It’s a group of eco-enthusiasts with a passion for Crowborough who believe taking small actions will cumulatively make a real difference. It also includes other groups like the Crowborough Pantry and the Crowborough Repair Café, as well as others.
On the Monday morning Crowborough News spoke with Bev, various people – young and older -visited the scrapstore to get materials for art, creative or sewing projects. “We have rescued materials that otherwise would have gone in the rubbish. We weigh everything in and in the past six months we’ve collected 1.5 tonnes.”
The small scrapstore is bursting at the seams with fabrics and other creative materials. “This is just a store – it’s obviously too small to do anything else with. But if we can extend and create a new centre, I think it will be a real asset for the community and for generations to come.” Bev added.
But raising the money will not be easy. “I know it’s ambitious but I’m passionate about this place the people here and if you don’t try, you’ll never know!”