Chairman
Whether it’s a community gathering, private event or just a quiet space to meet—our doors are open.
Bring Your Ideas to Life at Tow Law Community Centre
Community
Ready to Host? Reserve Your Room or Event Now
See what we get up to at the tow law community centre
Book a room with us
Need a space for a meeting, party, class or club? Our rooms are ready when you are.
Our History
Tow Law Community Centre has a rich history shaped by local passion, hard work, and community spirit.
About tow law community centre
The current community centre was opened in 1987 after the old Mechanics Institute was closed as unsafe in 1985. The association continued activities around the town in the working men’s club, school halls, church hall and the Masonic hall whilst a fundraising committee, with the help of Durham Rural Community Council, now Durham Community Action set to to raise the funds to build the new centre.
Meet the team
Paul Stokes
Fiona Nicol
Vice Chairman
I am a retired social worker
I am a Tow Law Town Councillor and a trustee of Tow Law Community Centre
I am a volunteer for Tow Law Foodbank and The Bread and Butter Thing
Outside of volunteering in the community centre I sing in a choir and was a performer for four years in Kynren
Barry Merchant
Trustee and Board Member
I’m Barry Merchant aged 67, retired and live in Attlee Estate, I joined the army in 1972, and completed 26 years Regular and TA service. I then was employed in Health and Social Care. I currently volunteer on Wednesdays with the bread-and-butter thing, Thursday with the food bank and drop in and I’m a Team Member with 1st Tow Law Scouts on a Thursday evening.
Erica Thorpe
Trustee and Board Member
Marion Craggs
Trustee and Board Member
I’ve lived in Tow Law for 37 years now. I can be found at the Centre every week on Wednesday for the Bread and Butter Thing and on Thursdays with the Toddlers, Food bank and Drop In.
Richard Manchester
Trustee and Board Member
I’ve lived in Tow Law all of my life and work for a local family business, and I have fond memories of accessing provision at the community centre when I was a child. I became involved with the community association whilst a County Councillor for the town eight years ago and I’m proud to help the committee expand and improve their offer for Tow Law residents.
Denise Thornton
Treasurer
Born and raised in Tow Law I moved away to work but came back to raise my children.I’ve been a member of the community association management committee now for 17yrs. I started as a volunteer mum at the toddler group when my children were small. As they have grown, I have been involved and supported a number of groups that they have attended as well as joining in lots of activities myself.
Its a great place to be involved in.
Jenny Flynn MBE LLB DL
Secretary
I am a retired solicitor. I have been involved with the community centre for 40 years first as Secretary to the fundraising committee and then as Secretary to the Association. The Centre is a great place to be part of and there have been many highlights over the years and I hope there will be many more
