St Andrew’s Community Centre, on the corner of Old Lane and Cardinal Road in Beeston, has launched an appeal to raise funds to replace the roof.
Community spaces are the heart of any neighbourhood. They are where friendships grow, ideas are shared, and people of all ages come together to learn, celebrate, and support one another. Our community centre hall has been the backdrop to countless memories, from local events and performances to meetings, classes, and celebrations.
However, the hall now faces a serious challenge: its roof needs replacing. Without this essential repair, the space that brings our community together is at risk.
That’s why we’re launching this fundraising drive. With your support, we can protect this much-loved building and ensure it continues to serve as a welcoming place for everyone in our community for many years to come. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move closer to securing the future of this vital shared space.
For those of you who are not regular users of the community hall, please take a moment to read about some of the incredible work that takes place here week by week, and throughout the year.
The hall is used daily by the amazing MHA South Leeds, whose mission is to enable older people to maintain their independence and live well in later life. The group provides a wide range of support and services, including breakfasts and dinners, exercise classes, line dancing, ballroom dancing, craft groups, and even curling. These activities create a vital community network, helping older people stay socially active and connected.
The hall also plays an important role in supporting young people in our community. Margaret O’Donnell’s Dance School has called St Andrew’s Community Centre its home for 35 years. Alongside weekly classes in IDTA Ballet, Tap, and Modern, the centre also hosts an annual dance festival and a Christmas show performance, bringing together families and showcasing local talent.
If dance isn’t your thing, the community centre is also a hub for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. These youth groups provide children and teenagers with opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Split between two national organisations, Girlguiding and the Scouts, they share the same core values: helping young people build independence, learn essential life skills, achieve recognition through badges, and form lasting friendships and community connections.
The hall is also home to a true community highlight, the must-see St Andrew’s Pantomime. Now in its 56th year, the hall is transformed for six months of the year as local residents come together to rehearse and stage two weeks of performances. This pantomime is a deeply rooted part of our community. Not only does it provide fantastic, affordable family entertainment, but it also raises thousands of pounds each year for local charities.
Finally, the community hall provides additional space and activities for the users of St Andrew’s Methodist Church. The space is home to members of St Andrew’s Methodist Church and The All Believers Chapel. St Andrew’s use the community space to run their outreach mission work in ‘open doors’, providing a free breakfast once a week to anyone who needs one and offering a vital warm space during the winter months.
This hall is more than just a building, it is the heart of our community. It brings people together across generations, supports those who need it most, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Now, it’s our turn to give something back. By coming together to repair and protect the roof, we can ensure this vital space continues to serve our community for many years to come.
We have organised a Summer Fun fundraising day at the centre on Saturday 18 July 2026, 10am-4pm. The day will feature stalls, bingo, facepainting, outdoor and indoor activities, food and refreshments.
We have also launched a Go Fund Me page here with a target of £5,000.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. Together, we can safeguard the future of our community hall, and everything it represents.
This post was written by Hannah Davison
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