OLD COLWYN EAST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Minute of talk by Laura Garnett of MASE
10th March 2004
10th March 2004
Minute of a Talk by Laura Garnett of the MASE project, Min y Don Centre, Berthes Road on Wednesday 10 th March 2004
MASE The Music and Sound Experience — is a community based youth music charity dedicated to giving young people in North Wales a voice through music, sound and performance.
It is a unique project that aims to encourage an active interest in live music through participation. It provides access to quality resources, training and information in a safe environment, and as a result helps young people fulfill their potential through self help in popular music.
It is designed specifically to meet a range of youth arts and participatory objectives, primarily targeting young disadvantaged and disenfranchised people. Through a ‘youth work’ approach, it instills a curriculum of personal, social and development skills. Projects and events are developed in conjunction with active partnerships with groups. organisations and communities.
At present. MASE has over 300 members (including group membership and associate members) with around 50 young bands registered. The number of young people involved is steadily increasing.
The Min y Don Centre is a community facility with a remit to provide for community needs. As such, it will not be a centre for ‘young offenders’. Work with young people labeled as such and, indeed, any work with groups, agencies and organisations that might support such individuals will not be a main priority of the Centre.
However, Old Colwyn certainly has its fair share of disaffected young people. Antisocial behaviour by young people is a huge local issue. MASE has a commitment to equality and a commitment to meeting community needs. As such, it is understandable that we can not – and will not – rule out working with any young people (either first hand or through a supporting agency) in order to help give them focus and a sense of purpose, and decrease incidents of anti social behaviour in the town.
MASE was established in 1997. It is a registered charity (1080882 and a company limited by guarantee. It is managed by a Board of Directors. MASE currently has premises in Vaughan Street. Llandudno. This provides office, workshop, storage and rehearsal space. The organisation is also developing a community music centre in Old Colwyn — the
Min y Don Centre.
ABOUT THE MIN Y DON CENTRE
The sale of YMCA land in Beach Road, Old Colwyn, generated council held funds earmarked to be spent on developing facilities for young people in the area. Public consultation narrowed the spend to developing land in Min Y Don Park. Berthes Road 0ld Colwyn and the final plans incorporated an all weather pitch, community mural and refurbishment of the tennis courts. In addition, the redevelopment/refurbishment of the derelict United Reformed Church Hall will provide a centre where young people and, in fact, the whole community can have safe and affordable access to music based workshops, events and activities.
Conwy CBC and the United Reformed Church have provided a supporting and enabling role for MASE to fund and build the Centre. When complete, it will provide a multi use main hall, a dedicated recording and broadcasting suite and small kitchen and office space.
What the centre will not he is a ‘drop in’ centre. Events and activities will be planned and supervised by the Centre Manager and contracted-in tutors and technicians.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AND WHEN
The 20 week build commenced in January. Completion is due early June. MASE hopes to have the centre open by the start of the school summer holidays.
There was then a question and answer session
Resident We had Shore FM wanting to move into the Church House, working with the Probation Service. What is the difference with MASE.
Laura Garnett We do not intend to bring offenders into the village. MASE is different concept and has operated successfully in the community in Conwy and other areas. We are keen to work in Old Colwyn.
Cllr Glyn Jones said thatthe youth of Old Colwyn say that they have nothing to do. It is their ideas that will be addressed through music and the arts by MASE. He had attended a concert with 300 young people. There was no drinking and smoking and it was well managed.
LauraGarnett said that the idea is to provide for the community. Community needs must be addressed first. Project events will be run based on needs of the community. At about half way through the 20 week building project, MASE will probably come again to introduce the Centre Manager who is now in post.
A Resident remarked that there were 300 members and asked will people have to join to take part?
Laura Garnett replied that it was operated on a membership basis. At concerts, there could be 500-600 at the North Wales Theatre.
A Resident asked if MASE would work with institutions such as the Probation Services.
Laura Garnett replied that they would not. They did work with Social services. They are a centre in a residential area it is unique and they are aware that there is a steep learning curve.
The Chair asked about the age groups catered for.
Laura Garnett replied that primarily young people but there would be activities for all ages. It required consultation to establish a program.
In answer to various questions she added;
The opening hours can be between 9am and 10pm every day as necessary. It will not operate during church services and the staff is aware that they are a part of the community working in a residential area.
There will be Supervision plus tutors plus technicians depending on the issue happening at the time.
There will be secondary glazing towards soundproofing and noise sensors installed.
The Council Licensing Officer Mr. Rafferty is helping to manage the build, to minimize impact to the residents.
MASE in Old Colwyn is funded originally by £10,000 from the YMCA sale, with help from the Assembly that has risen to £200,000 and will probably be nearer £300,000.
MASE will not be a burden on the taxpayer locally, the Council is an enabling organization, and funds will be generated in future by grants and charging for events.
The whole idea is to make the experience safe and affordable.
The capacity of the building is 120.
When the program is up and running, there will be a music club, recording sessions but it will not be a drop-in centre.
It will be primarily for young people and the nominal charge for membership is £1 per year.
At this point, there being no further questions, the Chair thanked Laura for a very interesting talk and there was a round of applause.
