Over Community & Conference Centre

History

Over Community Association

 A Brief Chronological History of the Centre’s Development

 “What a wonderful place – the people of Over are so lucky to have such a great facility”. This has been uttered many times by visitors to Over Community Centre. Well, the people of Over are, indeed, fortunate to enjoy the benefit of the centre and the recreation ground on which it sits but its existence owes little to luck and a great deal to the considerable efforts of a group of Over residents who turned a dream into reality. This brief history outlines that incredible achievement.

The story began in 1987/88 when the Parish Council of the day acquired the 6.5 acre Recreation Ground site off The Doles (West) through a compulsory purchase order and after appeal.  The initiative was spearheaded by the then Chair of the parish council – Frank Hodson. Whilst the compulsory purchase of land for community use can raise strong emotions both pro and con, it was clear that the village of Over, which had been growing steadily in size, required additional recreation land for its inhabitants.

In 1989 the site was leveled and developed into playing fields by Malcolm Norman under the direction of the Parish Council. Football pitches were first to appear with a cricket pitch coming into use a year later.

The Parish Council asked the local community how the site should be used and a Steering Committee was formed, chaired by Peter Smith with a remit to assess local opinion.  After widespread consultation, this committee proposed that a village hall with meeting and leisure facilities should be developed

Having fulfilled its objectives the Steering Committee was replaced in 1991 by an Executive Committee and Over Community Association (OCA) was formed with the development of a constitution and annual elections. Leading lights at this stage were John Hunt, Bob Hook, Malcolm Norman, John Lamoon, Mike Culnane with John Turner as Chair.

A design competition was held, with six architects asked to design a building that offered a wide range of cultural, sporting, educational and social facilities. The stated objectives were to “...encourage extensive use from a wide cross section of the community whilst ensuring that the building was not a financial liability”. The designs were put on public display and the competition was won by Cambridge architects Barber Casanovas Ruffles.

To establish the level of support that could be expected, a pilot fund-raising appeal was instigated involving 5% of the community and, in 1992, a village survey was distributed to every household. This achieved a 70% response with a high proportion of returns positive – only 14% were not in favour.

The original design comprised a central hall with bar/social areas and changing facilities built on two sides of the hall. Future expansion was scheduled for the other two sides. The proposed design was costed at £350,000 for the building and with the provision of the artificial surface, equipment, car-parking etc., total costs were estimated at £550,000.

Under the Chair of Jennifer Rye, the Parish Council agreed in principle to add £12 per head of population to the village precept against which a £200,000 loan could be negotiated and funded on an annual basis. Further funding was obtained for the artificial surface totalling £70,000 from South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Football Trust and Over Parish Council.  Councillor Edgar Monks was very supportive and instrumental in acquiring assistance from South Cambs on more than one occasion.

In 1992/93 with half of the required funds in place, a very successful village appeal was launched to encourage support via deeds of covenant.  Some 20 supporters were responsible for communicating the appeal via an appeal brochure. This campaign was co-ordinated by John Turner and helpers included Paul Lowe, Stephen Hunt and Andrew Moncrief.

By 1994, £100,000 had been raised locally but funding was still short of the target. It was decided to use the funds in place to build the planned multi-purpose floodlit all-weather sports area. Over Parish Council gave further support by providing the adjoining changing rooms.

In 1995, a grant of £126,000 was awarded by the Sports Council and £40,000 from the Sports Aid Foundation. However, delays caused by the funding shortfall led to increasing costs.

The launch of the Millennium Lottery fund was an important landmark. It was clear that with a modified and improved design, OCA could be eligible for funding.  A new design was developed enclosing all four sides of the hall with increased community (as opposed to sport) facilities such as a youth club, play group, meeting room and stage. A very detailed business plan was developed by Andy Allars to support the Millennium Lottery fund application.  After fifteen months of screening, site visits and extensive evaluation, OCA was awarded a grant of £185,000.  Additional support was provided by several companies including Prelude Investment Technology, Hockeys, ARC and Data Racks.

By 1997/98 delays to the commencement of work led the Parish Council to organise another village poll. Organised by the Electoral Reform Society this poll confirmed villagers’ support for the project.

In May 1998, contractors commenced work on site and the building was completed on schedule twelve months later and to budget under the watchful eye of Mike Culnane.

On 12 June 1999 Over Community Centre was officially opened at a total cost of £850,000 plus £125,000 for the playing field purchase and development, landscaping and artificial surface.  The Centre was fully funded and incurred no borrowings through its development, thanks to the active support of the community, Over Parish Council and grant making bodies alike.

At all times the Committee was of the view to “think big” believing that full time staff, bar and meeting facilities would create an economy of scale that would provide the financial security for the future.

Whilst the managing of the Centre in its formative years hasn’t been easy, the widespread use and acceptance of the centre is beyond dispute.  With the more recent provision of play equipment and skate park and the planned introduction of CCTV and a conservatory extension, there can be few (if any) villages throughout the UK that can boast such facilities.

John Turner  13-07-03

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