Community Centre Survey
Results
A total of 1128 questionnaires were distributed to all
households within the parish of Slaugham.
252 questionnaires were returned; of these, two were returned
blank, so that 250 were included in the subsequent analysis.
There was a response rate of 22%.
However, there was considerable variation in the extent to which
some questionnaires were completed, with many respondents
not answering all questions fully. This may have been due to some
people misinterpreting the instructions given for completing the
questionnaire, as well as some respondents feeling that some
questions were not relevant to them.
Question 1
Please indicate in which area you live:
The majority of respondents live in Handcross, with
fewer responses from the other villages in the parish,
reflecting population patterns
Warninglid
12%
Pease
Pottage
23%
Slaugham
7%
Handcross
58%
Question 2
Please indicate the number of people in
your household in the following age groups
Categories
Male Female
Children under 12 years old
30
25
Young people aged between 13-17 years old
10
16
Adults aged 18-65 years old
146
154
Adults over 65 years old
68
80
Total number of people included in the survey
529
Question 3
Have you used the hall in the past three
years ?
It was identified that 280 people had used the Parish
Hall in the last three years, with 245 respondents stating
they had not. Of these, female respondents aged 18-65
used the hall the most, with both males and females
aged 13-17 years using it the least. Overall adult females
of all ages currently use the Parish Hall the most.
Age - under 12
Age 13 - 17
Male
Male
Female Male
Female Male
Female
1
8
7
7
79
75
56
24
Female
Yes
15
18
No
15
7
Total responses 525
Age 18 - 65
63
83
Age over 65
41
26
Question 4
If YES, please state what have you attended or used the
existing hall for within the past three years
A large number of uses for the Parish Hall were identified, the most popular
being used for parties, which were attended by all age groups.
A number of respondents indicated that the only occasions they had used the
hall in the last three years was as a polling station.
Respondents identified attending events organised by specific groups such as
the Twinning Association, WI and Rosemary Club. Many people attended
fundraising events including coffee mornings, cream teas and lunches.
A number of respondents stated they had attended meetings but were not
specific about the type of meeting or which organisation had arranged the
meeting.
A further survey was also undertaken of current user groups of the Parish Hall.
There were 16 responses to this and included a diverse group of organisations
and users, catering for a range of activities across the age range.
Question 5
Were you satisfied with the present
facilities ?
Almost 86% of respondents stated they
were happy with the present facilities
offered by the Parish Hall.
In total there were only 190 responses to
this question.
Question 6
If you have answered No, or if you felt there were short
comings when you did use the hall, please indicate why or
how below. If you think there are any other shortcomings
not included in the list below please record them in the
“Other” line below.
There were 133 responses to this question, showing that in
spite of the majority of respondents being happy with the
facilities provided currently, actually, there were some aspects
they could find fault with, particularly toilet and kitchen
facilities (see below).
The hall user survey identified that all 16 respondents would
require adequate provision of these in any new hall. Provision
of sufficient and adequate parking was another factor
highlighted in this additional survey.
Question 6 Con’td
Categories
a. Poor access
b. Too cold
c. Could not get a booking when required.
Responses
18
24
2
d. Toilet facilities inadequate
27
e. Kitchen facilities poor
19
f. Other – please provide details
43
Additional reasons were given for not using the current hall, the most common
one being that people had only recently moved to the area (10),
whilst others were not aware that the facility existed, had not had any cause to use
it, or had not been interested in anything that had been going on in the hall.
A number of respondents living in Warninglid (5) stated that they had no need to
use the Parish Hall because they currently use the Seaforth Hall in Warninglid.
A number of comments were made about both the internal and external fabric of
the hall, including the age of the building, parking facilities, the state of the car
park and driveway, safety and security outside and the state and quality of internal
furnishings
Question 7
On the whole do the members of your
household support a plan for a new centre ?
There was overwhelming support for a new
community centre amongst those people
completing the questionnaire.
Yes
No
Total responses
279
44
323
Do you support a plan for a new centre ?
No
14%
Yes
86%
Question 7 cont’d
Some respondents felt very strongly that money should
not be spent on a new facility, particularly in the current
financial climate, as there is a perfectly adequate hall in
existence already. Views were expressed that the Hyde
Estate is morally obliged to donate the current hall to
the community.
A number of people who were not in support of a new
community centre did not go on to complete the
questionnaire any further.
The hall user survey indicated that all respondents
would plan to use a new community centre for their
groups/activities once built.
Question 8
How important is it that the centre is located in
Handcross Village ?
The answers given to this question demonstrate that 85% of
respondents thought it important that a new community
centre, is built in Handcross, with over half of these feeling that
this is essential.
Several residents of Pease Pottage commented that if the
planned hall/community centre were built in Pease Pottage
there would be no need for a new facility to be built in
Handcross (or anywhere else). There was a suggestion that the
questions were all about a hall in Handcross so as the
respondent did not live in Handcross the rest of the
questionnaire was not relevant to them.
Question 8 cont’d
How important is it that the centre is located in
Handcross ?
Not at all
15%
Essential
44%
Quite
18%
Very
23%
Question 9
How important is it that the centre is located on/
adjacent /very close to a sports/recreation ground ?
The majority of respondents thought that it is important a
new community centre is located close to a sports or
recreation ground, with 26% feeling that this is not
important at all.
Although the current Parish Hall is almost adjacent to the
recreation ground, from responses given to question 4, it
does not appear to be used in conjunction with sporting
activities, other than dance classes, although one
respondent to the hall used survey runs Pilates classes
Question 9 cont’d
How important is it that the centre is located
on/adjacent /very close to a sports/recreation ground
Not at all
26%
Essential
24%
Quite
23%
Very
27%
Question 10
What type of facilities would you like a
new centre to provide ?
Several options were given in this question and over half the
respondents indicated they would like a main hall with both
inside and outside sports facilities.
This suggests that for some respondents, if a new community
centre is to be built then it is important to maximise facilities
provided. Conversely, some comments were made suggesting
that this is a small community so there is no need for a large
community centre with multiple facilities. There were also
suggestions that it is important that financially it may not be
viable to provide ‘an all singing all dancing ‘ facility.
All respondents to the hall user survey indicated that they
would use a main hall, with some planning to use smaller
meeting rooms. None indicated the need for either an indoor
or outdoor sports facilities.
Question 10 cont’d
What type of facilities would you like a new
centre to provide ?
All the
above
55%
Hall
29%
Indoor
Outdoor sports
sports 10%
6%
Question 11
If it is possible would you like to see provision
made for some of the following within the plans
for the centre?
Other
IT
10%
1%
Meetings Parish Council
Office
13%
13%
Playgroup
14%
Library/
museum
10%
Bar
13%
Youth
16%
Police
10%
Question 11 Cont’d
If it is possible would you like to see provision
made for some of the following within the plans
for the centre ?
A number of options were given for this question and
responses given were generally equally distributed amongst
them. Other suggestions included provision for a stage and a
rifle range. These facilities were also required by respondents
to the hall user survey.
The responses to the hall user survey also indicated that
storage space for equipment was required by some groups.
Some respondents attempted to rank their preferences for
these options in this question, although were not asked to do
so. All positive responses for each option were included for
analysis
Question 12
Please indicate if members of your household would be
interested in joining/forming or are already members of any of
the following groups. Please indicate J for joining, F for
forming, M for member.
A list of organisations and groups/activities were given in this
question. Many respondents simply ticked against the options
rather than indicating J for joining, F for forming or M for already
a member, making interpretation of data for this question more
difficult.
There were also some inconsistencies in answers given, for
example, a number of people indicated they were already
members of a keep fit group but this was not reflected in their
answers to question 4. However, the answers given do show that
generally people are interested in taking part in various groups
and activities.
Question 13
Which of the following would a member of your
household be willing to organise /help run ?
Although interest was shown in taking part in activities and organisations, far
fewer respondents indicated they would be willing to help with the running of
such groups.
Some respondents went as far as commenting that they were too busy to do
this, but from their responses, would have time to take part in many activities.
Categories
Women’s institute
Youth club
Guides/Brownies /Rainbows
Scouts/cubs/Beavers
Pre-school playgroup
Parent and toddler group
Senior citizens group
Educational classes
Keep-fit
Art or craft classes
Gardening club
Others. Please state
Responses
Willing to help
36
26
17
14
18
29
51
76
86
49
56
11
1
7
2
1
2
3
3
3
6
2
4
8
Question 14
Please indicate if members of your household
would be interested in attending/using the centre
for any of the following functions.
Drama (plays)
Dances (socials)
Coffee mornings
Luncheon club for over 60’s
Whist drive/Bridge
Private parties- e.g. birthdays, wedding,
anniversaries.
Exhibitions/shows e.g. flower show, craft show
Meetings
Fundraising events e.g. jumble sales, fete etc.
Others. Please state
Responses
108
100
91
59
27
147
132
104
155
6
Willing to help
7
7
8
4
1
6
8
8
17
3
Question 15
Which of the above would a member of your
household be willing to organise or help run ?
As with other questions, some respondents
attempted to rank their answers to this question,
but again, interest was shown in a wide range of
activities.
As previously, far fewer respondents indicated
they would be willing to provide help with
activities.
Question 16
Please indicate if members of your household
would be interested in using the centre for any
of the following indoor sports activities
Responses Willing to help
Badminton
Table tennis
Short Mat Bowls
Pool/snooker
Skittles
Martial Arts e.g. judo
Others. Please state
76
38
27
53
37
22
17
5
2
1
5
2
1
4
Question 17
Which of the above would a member of your
household be willing to organise or help run ?
Interest was shown in a variety of indoor
sports activities.
Other suggestions included exercise classes,
dance classes, circuit training, winter football
training and rifle club.
Question 18
Please indicate if members of your household
would be interested in using the centre for any
of the following outdoor sports activities.
Football
Cricket
Petanque
Bowls
Skateboard/ Bike combined area
Running track
Tennis
Stoolball
Older persons outdoor fitness area
Other
Responses
Willing to help
31
22
20
18
19
31
54
20
39
6
1
2
1
1
1
2
0
1
0
4
Question 19
Which of the above would a member of your
household be willing to organise or help run?
As with indoor sports activities, interest was shown in
a range of outdoor sports.
Interestingly, the two activities with the greatest
number of responses, tennis and older persons
outdoor fitness area, were the two with no one willing
to help with organising them
Question 20
Is there any particular help you could
contribute towards the project?
Responses
Join the committee
Help with fundraising events
Publicity i.e. posters, leaflets
Other. Please state.
20
38
27
2
Although there was overwhelming support for a new
community centre, relatively few respondents felt
able to contribute help towards the project. However,
this excludes those willing to offer particular
knowledge or skills towards the project.
Question 21
It may be that the Parish Council borrows funds for a new
centre and the loan is paid for in increased Council Tax.
For example, £300,000 borrowed might cost the average
household £3 per month.
Would you support such an approach?
Yes
No
Maybe
Total
Responses
127
65
109
301
The majority of respondents answered this question. However,
some were very emphatic that they did not support this
measure, whilst others wanted more information about
timescales of the increase in council tax and the amount they
would have to pay. However, just under half of those responding
supported a rise in council tax to help fund this venture.
Would you support a rise in Council
Tax to help for the new centre
Yes
42%
Maybe
36%
No
22%
Question 22
Is there any particular expertise you could
contribute to the project?
Responses
Architect
Surveyor
Accountant
Other. Please state.
0
1
1
17
As with other questions asking for volunteers, there were very few responses to
this one. However, a number of people were willing to offer skill and expertise in
areas other than those suggested in the question. They include expertise in:
Building/construction
Electrician
IT
Administration
Fundraising and PR
Project management
Interior design
In Summary
Overall from this questionnaire, respondents were
supportive of a new community centre, which they felt
should be located in Handcross, close to a recreation or
sports ground.
This facility should provide a hall with both indoor and
outdoor sports facilities. There is interest in a variety of
groups and organisations and sporting activities taking
place in the centre, with few people willing to help
organise them.
Whether people support a rise in council tax to help pay
for a new community centre is less clear cut with more
information needed before they can commit to this.
The final question asked for suggestions for
fundraising for the new community centre.
A large number of suggestions were made from a
relatively small number of respondents:
• Flower Show
• Plant Sales, sale of edibles, sale of
garden produce
• Dancing (line, sequence ballroom)
• Masked Ball
• Concerts
• Quizzes
• Sponsored events
• Auctions
• Coffee mornings
• Buy a brick
• Car boot sale
• Fun run
• Midnight walk
• Outdoor challenges
• Car washing
• Investigate local grants,
approach lottery for funding
• Village fundraising days
• Family sports day
• Picnic in the Park
• Treasure hunt at Nymans,
special events at Nymans
• Village bonfire night
• Race night
• Accept the offer from the Hyde
estate
• Three peaks walk
• Local celebrity speakers
• Barn dance and hog roast
Thank you
Please enter any comments that you
may have in the
Comments Book provided.
Handcross Community Centre
Survey
Executive Summary
Executive Summary
• A total 1,128 questionnaires were distributed to the
households in Slaugham Parish
• 250 (22%) questionnaires were returned and used
in this analysis
– 58% (145) returned from Handcross Residents
– 23% (58) returned from Pease Pottage residents
– 12% (30) returned from Warninglid residents
– 7% (17) returned from Slaugham
• Many respondents did not fully answer the questions
in the questionnaire.
Executive Summary (continued)
• Breakdown of ages for returning population
– 57% (300) adults aged 18 – 65 (male & female)
– 28% (148) adults aged over 65
– 10% (55) children aged under 12
– 5% (26) youths aged 13-17
• In the last three years:
– 53% (280) said they had used the hall
– 47% (249) said they had not used the hall
– female respondents aged 18-65 used the hall the
most, with both males and females aged 13-17 years
using it the least.
Executive Summary (continued)
• An additional survey was also undertaken of the current
diverse “user groups” of the Parish Hall. 16 responses
received (%) catering for a range of activities across the
age range.
• A large number of uses for the Parish Hall were identified,
the most popular being for parties, which were attended
by all age groups.
• Almost 86% (190) of respondents stated they were
happy with the present facilities offered by the Parish Hall.
• However 133 of respondents stated they were not happy
with some aspects of the parish hall/service including
temperature (too cold) kitchen, toilet and parking facilities
Executive Summary (continued)
• The hall user survey indicated that all respondents would
plan to use a new community centre for their
groups/activities once built.
• Some respondents felt very strongly that money should
not be spent on a new facility, particularly in the current
financial climate, as there is a perfectly adequate hall in
existence already.
• Views were expressed that the Hyde Estate is morally
obliged to donate the current hall to the community.
• 51% of respondents felt it was either essential or
important for the new community centre to be located
on, adjacent or very close to a sports/recreation ground
Executive Summary(continued)
• 85% of respondents thought it important that a new
community centre, is built in Handcross, with over half of
these feeling that this is essential.
• 55% of respondents said they wanted the full facilities of
a community centre (indoor and outdoor)
• A very large majority of respondents stated they would
not wish to help or organise any of the activities offered
at the community centre – although they would
participate if it were organised.
• A 42% of respondents said they would support a rise in
Council Tax to help fund the new community centre.
37% said “Maybe” and 22% said “No”
Executive Summary (end)
• Overall a majority of respondents were supportive of a
new community centre, which they felt should be
located in Handcross, close to a recreation or sports
ground.
• The community centre should provide a hall with both
indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
• There is interest in a variety of groups and organisations
and sporting activities taking place in the centre, with
• Only a few people are willing to help organise
community centre activities.
• It is not clear cut that people will support a rise in council
tax to help fund the new community centre. A significant
percentage of people require more information before
they commit to this.
INDICATIVE BUILDING SIZE/SHAPE AND COST
INCORPORATING SURVEY RESULT REQUIREMENTS.
Floor area – 605 sq m
(for comparison purposes, the existing hall and social club are about 540 sq m in
total – the rifle range is an additional 110 sq m).
Estimated build cost - £700,000 - £900,000 depending on materials used and
excluding cost of the land.
NEXT STEPS
• Capture comments from this drop in event:
• Identify possible sources of funding:
• Identify possible sites capable of housing the new
facility:
• Public meeting to be held in the autumn 2011 to
discuss options: