Celebrating 40 Years of Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre
On Friday 3 July, Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre celebrated a very special milestone: 40 years of supporting people, families and communities across Cortonwood and the surrounding area.
The anniversary celebration was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the centre’s history, recognise the people who have helped shape it over the past four decades, and look ahead to the future.
40 Years of Community
Forty years ago, four incredible local women came together with a vision to support families and individuals experiencing the lasting impact of the miners’ strike.
At a time when unemployment, financial hardship and isolation were affecting many people across the community, they recognised the need for a place where people could come together, access support and feel welcome.
From that vision, Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre was created.
Four decades later, that vision continues to make a difference.
Although many of the challenges faced by local people have changed over the years, the need for a welcoming and supportive community space remains just as important. Today, the centre continues to provide practical support to people of all ages, including help with benefits, homelessness and food provision.
Alongside this vital support, the centre provides a wide range of activities and opportunities for the community, including coffee mornings, parent and toddler groups, youth clubs, drama, bingo and regular community events.
The centre truly remains at the heart of the community, providing a place where people can meet, connect, access support and feel part of something.
Celebrating Together
The 40th anniversary celebration brought together members of the local community, volunteers, supporters and sponsors who have all played a part in the centre’s journey.
We were delighted to be supported by organisations including Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, FareShare UK, Cadent and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.
The event also welcomed special guests, including John Healey and the Mayor of Rotherham, who joined us in recognising this important milestone.
Events such as this are a chance not only to celebrate the past, but also to recognise the incredible network of people and organisations who continue to support the centre and the wider community.
A Personal Celebration
The anniversary was also a particularly proud moment for the centre’s manager, whose family has been closely connected to Cortonwood Comeback for many years.
It was wonderful to celebrate alongside Denise Lelliott, whose mum was one of the women who helped create the organisation 40 years ago.
Their stories are a reminder that community organisations are built on people: those who care, volunteer, give their time and continue to believe in the importance of supporting one another.
Looking Towards the Future
Forty years is an incredible achievement, but it is also the beginning of the next chapter.
Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre remains committed to being a place where people of all ages can find support, friendship, activities and a sense of belonging.
We would like to thank everyone who has been part of the centre’s journey over the past 40 years, from the founders and volunteers to our staff, trustees, supporters, sponsors and everyone who has walked through our doors.
Most importantly, thank you to the local community for continuing to make Cortonwood Comeback what it is today.
Here’s to the next 40 years.