In just over a year Mashamshire Community Office have raised £215,000 to purchase the Old Police House which will complete on 31st August 2023, securing it as an asset for the community and a base to continue supporting our rural community long into the future.
THANK YOU to everyone that has been involved in this magnificent effort over the past year! It’s testament to our incredible community; the dedication, kindness, determination and generosity of the people that volunteer and work with us, use our services as well as local individuals, businesses and Parish Councils. We have also been successful in our applications to trusts and foundations through the support from North Yorkshire Council.
Our footprint across Mashamshire reaches far and wide and the impact our small organisation has on many local people has come washing back over us in waves of support for which we are overwhelmingly grateful. Volunteers and staff have gone above and beyond, our fundraising team have outdone themselves with the variety of activities that were on offer from 100 clubs to cow pat competitions! The business community have been amazing in so many ways from in-kind gestures to running events in aid of MCO and making considerable financial donations. Individuals have come forward to make donations, offer help and share stories of how MCO have helped them in the past.
Going through the process of fundraising for the Community Office building has brought people together in such a wonderful way. Our community have driven this fundraising effort, people feel pride and ownership over this building, they value what our charity does here in Masham and what a central role we play in supporting our rural community.
We knew it was important, but we’ve been able to see just how much it’s at the heart of the community and how much people care. The people of Masham see it as their building, and I for one am utterly delighted that we’ve been able to secure it for future generations!
Hayley Jackson, MCO Manager
“Your team have worked so hard on the purchase of the Old Police House. All the events this year have really brought a sense of community back to Masham”.
Local Business, Masham
Once the traditional 19th century stone building is purchased on 31st August 2023, plans are afoot to invest in making it a more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable space for all to enjoy.
In 2022 the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner decided to co-locate fire and police estate requirements in Masham which meant Mashamshire Community Office had the opportunity to purchase the building, a base they had operated from for over 20 years at 7 Little Market Place, Masham.
We needed to buy the building so we could continue the work we’d done successfully in our rural community; supporting more than 80 community groups, 100 businesses, responding to over 10,000 visitor enquiries and 1000 resident enquiries each year.
To read more about the relocation of the police, visit: www.visitmasham.com/mashamshire-community-office-police-building
Often when people don’t know where to turn, we are there to support them. We’re the glue that strengthens our community, keeping everyone connected.
Hayley Jackson, MCO Manager
“Thanks for everything you do to keep our community connected and safe. You all do a wonderful job and it is really appreciated. People feel less isolated because of your care. Thank you so much.”
“[MCO] Provides a vehicle to retain MASHAM as a caring community not just a group of houses as most towns and villages”
“As a retired and disabled individual volunteering gives me purpose, gets me out of the house, enables interaction with others and makes me feel useful.”
“We moved to Masham 1 year ago and the first place we visited was the MCO, we have been able to access all manor of activities and help obtained by the MCO and the regular information it sends out.”
“Excellent hub for the community to feel involved with each other, the community and I feel that MCO is vital for the elderly and the vulnerable.”
“It’s a community hub which can mobilise help when needed eg all the various ways help was given during Covid. It is somewhere where people can come for companionship, help, advice and a friendly face.”
“There is always someone there, who can be approached, and if they don’t know the answer they will find it out”
Make a financial contribution:
Whether it’s a one off donation or you’d like to commit to regular giving, we welcome all donations big and small.
We accept donations in person over the counter, on the phone (tel: 01765 680200) or online via JustGiving – just click the Make a Donation button below.
Fundraise for us:
Why not set yourself a personal challenge and ask for sponsorship? Climb a mountain, organise a cake sale or organise a karaoke party with friends – what ever it is, have fun doing it! Our JustGiving has a handy section on fundraising for us. If you have a JustGiving account, click Fundraise for MCO below to get started.
Support us for free when you shop online via Easyfundraising
Join via www.easyfundraising.org.uk/support-a-good-cause/ and choose to support “Mashamshire Community Office”. Once you make a purchase, the retailer partners will make a small donation to MCO.
Support us as a volunteer
Many hands make light work. If you’re keen to get involved, please drop us a line at info@visitmasham.com, we’d love to hear from you!
Buy tickets to our events and take part in our 100 club and competitions