Built in 1882 and acquired by Doncaster MBC (DMBC) in 1973, Austerfield was initially set up as an environmental education resource. Over the years it developed its capacity to support over 10,000 children a year, employing six people. However, staff numbers have had to be reduced in recent times and it is now, sadly, threatened with closure.

The centre, close to Doncaster and used by many local primary schools, community groups and societies, is facing a challenge to secure interim funding to keep it going after July, until when DMBC have agreed to support it. This would enable it to continue in the short term while formulating a long-term sustainable business plan for the centre.

Philip Simpson, commercial director of PDM Group commented:

“PDM has been operating in Doncaster for well over 80 years and the company has always prided itself on having a nationwide reach whilst maintaining very close ties to the local area. This is why, when we heard about the plight of the Austerfield Study Centre, we were very keen to provide vital funding to enable it to develop its plans to become a social enterprise, which will allow the centre to continue offering environmental education to children and also to become a village community centre. The busines world is changing and big companies are beginning to understand the importance of protecting our environment and working in more sustainable ways. If the UK is going to lead the world in this approach then education in our environment is going to be key. Nature doesn’t generate waste and as a sustainable business that turns ‘waste’ into new products, PDM understands the important lessons that nature has to offer our future generations. The Austerfield Centre is a vital asset to the children and families of Doncaster in many ways and we are delighted to support their efforts in securing its long-term future”

Organisations such as Austerfield Study Centre offer a vital service to local schools, their children and families, and by offering its support an organisation would not only be investing in a vital resource, but also the future education of local schoolchildren.

The centre is now looking for more local businesses to offer the vital funding that will enable it to develop its plans to become a social enterprise. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the centre should contact Sue Rose on 01302 531034 or info@austerfieldstudycentre.co.uk

Help save Austerfield, help save a generation.