Mashamshire Community Office close to financial target to purchase building

The Mashamshire Community Office (MCO) is on track to raise enough money to purchase the Old Police House — the building in which the charity is based.

In June 2022, the MCO was given the opportunity to purchase the building, located in the centre of Masham, for £215,000.

The building is owned by North Yorkshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe, and has been leased to the charity since 2003.

Since the target was set last year, the town has seen multiple fundraising events held by volunteers – from 100 community clubs, to cow pat competitions – to generate the necessary funds, which now stands at £182,698.69.

The office provides information for visitors, hosts a number of activities for Masham residents and surrounding villages, and aims to introduce new initiatives in order to bolster the community as a whole.

Hayley Jackson, Mashamshire Community Office manager, said:

“Over the past 20 years MCO has diversified and adapted our offering to support the community in times of need such as through covid.

“This past year we’ve been on a journey to promote our services and actively share and shout about what we do and the difference we make.

“Individuals have come forward to make donations, offer help, and share stories of how MCO have helped them in the past.”

Ann and Hayley raising money for MCO

If purchased, the charity plans to invest in making the building a much more environmentally sustainable and energy efficient space.

Ms Jackson added:

“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 it’s really important to them that we retain it for the future.”

The MCO is aiming to complete the purchase this August.

There is a number of fundraising events coming up to help the team get over the line, as well as a live auction to bid on prizes.

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