A community centre in Worksop is hoping to paint a brighter future after reaching the final of a UK-wide competition.
The OASIS Centre is one of four charities or community groups to make it into the final of the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit competition. Based on the Kilton estate, OASIS has brought back to life a derelict youth club and abandoned recreation field to create a hub for a disadvantaged community.
Well over 100 charities and community projects from across the UK submitted applications to the competition, run by the leading paint manufacturer Johnstone’s Trade. A judging panel selected the final shortlist of four based on criteria such as the impact the project has on the community and the urgency for redecoration.
The OASIS Centre attracts around 3,000 people a year to a variety of classes and clubs for people of all ages, from toddlers through to pensioners.
Steve Williams, manager of OASIS Centre said: “We started the project around five years ago and it has become more and more popular with the community ever since.
“It’s a real focal point for the community now and there are people using it for various courses, groups or simply to meet up with their friends seven days a week. Winning this competition would give us the chance to create a warm and vibrant environment and help build the atmosphere still further.”
The OASIS Centre’s quest to win the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit is being supported by Notts County Football Club. Defender Haydn Hollis, who visited the Centre, said: “It’s fantastic to see a local community really come together under one roof and forge a really tight spirit. It would be fantastic if OASIS could win the prize and build on the excellent work that has already happened at the Centre.”
Other shortlisted community projects come from Glasgow, Rotherham and Greenwich.
Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager for Johnstone’s Trade, said: “We had a high number of fantastic entries and there were so many worthwhile projects that it made the shortlisting process extremely difficult.
“However, the OASIS Centre and the three other projects in the final all do fantastic work and would all be very worthwhile winners. To win a redecoration makeover will make a huge difference to the winner and we are proud to be making a real impact.”
To vote for OASIS Centre, please visit www.johnstonestrade.com/communityspirit before February 29.