Broadwater's £1million centre by 2010

Members of the association, which was established in 1997, have announced they have raised an impressive 100,000 towards building a community centre.

At the moment, events are held in the cramped Parish Rooms in Broadwater Street West '“ but it is hoped the new 1million centre will provide a more spacious hub for the community.

Brian Fullick, chairman of the association, said: "We have built up the money gradually and we feel it a real achievement."

Mike Brayshaw, who is the treasurer, added: "It has made us realise getting a new centre is achievable and we will be able to run it successfully."

The Broadwater Community Association was established a decade ago, not only to provide a service to local residents, but one of its main aims was to fund raise for a community centre.

On board the team are Eric Mardell, Mr Fullick, Mr Brayshaw, Roy Hunter, Izzy Bandurek, Pam Angel, Liz Fullick, Pam Bennett, Heather French, Christine Stevens, Brian Tompsett and Penny Keen.

They are supported by councillors Brian Turner and Geraldine Lissenburg.

The group regularly meets at each other's homes '“ with Brian and Liz's front room a hub of activity '“ holding meetings, putting together the association newsletter, and equally importantly, arranging fund raising events in aid of the community centre.

Bingo, car boot sales, quiz nights and entering floats in the Broadwater Carnival are just a small selection of the events held.

Another form of revenue is allowing other organisations to hire out the Parish Rooms, which is leased to them from Worthing council for a "peppercorn" rent.

Liz is a dab had in the kitchen, rustling up delicious cakes and chutneys to sell off towards their cause.

Now members have raised a massive amount of money, the association is in a position to begin looking at possible sites for the centre '“ and a favourite option is to move onto the Northbrook College Broadwater campus when it is redeveloped.

Brian said: "Northbrook College is a very viable option and we are in discussions with the principal.

"It would be a good move for the college, because it wouldn't need to build its own nursery, as they could use the community centre."

Once the association has the site secured, they will be able to apply for Lottery funding to help them raise the remaining 900,000 needed for the centre.

Members would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and would welcome any more support, or bequests, people would like to offer them. Please telephone 01903 522376.