Would you like to support an exciting local project in 2010? The Caterham Barracks Community Trust (CBCT) is offering an affordable chance for anyone to become a shareholder in a scheme that will benefit the whole community for years to come.

The Trust's unique Community Share Issue gives individuals the opportunity to help reopen the ARC creative arts and play centre in Caterham- on-the-Hill and keep it running for future generations. For just £50, individuals can play an important part in this process and have a say in how the centre is run.

Dick Moran, Chief Executive of the CBCT says: "Like any share scheme, there is a risk that, at worst, investors might not get their money back. The difference here is that if we all come together and each put in a bit, we could get back a wonderful facility that we can all enjoy for decades - that's surely a better bet than putting your money into a bank, especially these days!"

More than £5,000 worth of shares have been sold so far and the centre is already showing signs of life. A successful comedy night took place at the ARC on Saturday 19th December despite the snow, and two impressive artistic installations - a giant illuminated, fire-breathing dragon and, fittingly, a phoenix, are now in place.

Management team ready to go!

The ARC founder members have recruited a team of people willing and able to run the centre. The team is an arts team with experience of leisure facilities and event management which has asked to run the whole facility - not just the soft play - under the direction of Beth Wood, an established professional practitioner.

"The more people that get involved with this now, either as volunteers or as shareholders, the more likely it is that we can get up and running fully," says Dick. "The bottom line is that if we don't get enough investors and offers of help, the ARC could be lost by the community forever."

ARC OPEN DAY

An Open Day at the ARC is planned for Saturday February 13th. Everyone is invited to come along and see displays and workshops in visual and performance art for all ages. The event will demonstrate the worth of the Share Offer and give a real indication of the vision and plans for the ARC. Further details and the day's programme will be featured in the February edition of The Caterham & District Independent and at www.caterham-independent. co.uk.