Closure of the Wire Project

February 1st, 2007

Recently it was publicly announced that the WIRE would close on 31^st March 2007.

The WIRE has achieved a great deal over the last 10 years, and brought help and support to very many individuals and families in the Wick area and beyond. It was initiated by the people of Wickbourne Chapel as a community project to the area surrounding the Chapel. Paul Sanderson was appointed as the manager. As needs in the community were identified, the various activities expanded, and the team grew. You may remember the temporary office that appeared on the Wickbourne Chapel site. The Festival of Wick was later set up, an annual event drawing together the whole Community on the grounds of Flora McDonald School.

Quickly gaining great respect and a good reputation from local councils, businesses and agencies, the pioneering work of the WIRE has become well known. This recognition culminated in the WIRE being awarded the Queens Jubilee Award, and the Urban Regeneration Award for Community Regeneration.

Paul and the WIRE pioneered partnership working in this area with schools, health and local government, and other agencies. This has led to the involvement of Sure Start, the development of the Wickbourne Centre and the Skill-zone. What has been modelled in Littlehampton is now being developed in other towns around the country. The WIRE believe that they have achieved many of their original aims, and it is now time for change.

This is a time to reassess the needs and opportunities locally. Some of the activities set up by the WIRE are being carried on by other agencies. Sure Start and Arun Community Church have contact with some of the children and families that the WIRE has been involved with, and the Wickbourne Centre seeks to be a focus for help and advice. The Church now runs the Breakfast Club and provides some after-school activities.

We acknowledge all the hard work, passion and commitment of Paul, Mark Yates the present manager, and his staff and the very many volunteer helpers over the years, and thank them all.

David Thatcher

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