If you stand outside Sunhill House at dusk, when the sky softens and all around grows quiet, you can almost feel the history breathing through its walls. This mid-19th century building, home to Clevedon Community Centre and Princes Hall, is a place where generations have gathered, learned and celebrated. You can imagine the footsteps of people who walked this path long before us: families, workers, children, neighbours, each carrying their own mix of quiet hopes, daily worries, and small joys. You can picture the lights glowing in the windows, welcoming anyone who needed warmth, company, or simply a place to be.
Clevedon Community Centre has long been the place where people come to feel part of something. A shelter when life feels heavy. A gathering point when connection matters. A home for the moments that give Clevedon its sense of togetherness.
It’s where a nervous child takes their very first dance step and discovers a spark of brave self-belief. It’s where an older resident finds genuine companionship after weeks of silence. It’s where a performer steps onto the Princes Hall stage and feels the thrill of being seen. Year after year, local families gather here to mark milestones that blossom into cherished lifetime memories.
This remarkable building has steadfastly held Clevedon through decades of change. Now, in its hour of need, it relies on the town to hold it in return.
The Reality We Cannot Ignore
While Sunhill House remains a beautiful and historic treasure, it is undeniably ageing. Certain sections of the property have reached a critical state, risking deterioration beyond simple repair. Leaky roofs have damaged interior rooms; electrical systems urgently need updating; fire doors must be fitted throughout; and the main roof over Princes Hall requires full replacement. Some parts of the building now risk deteriorating beyond simple repair. The roof has leaked. Rooms have been damaged. The wiring is outdated. Fire safety doors must be installed. Princes Hall needs a new roof.
These are not optional upgrades; they are essential safety measures, and Trustees have launched a fundraising campaign, Restore, Repair, Reconnect, with the aim of raising £100,000 in the next year, in order to:
- Maintain a safe, warm, and fully accessible community hub for everyone.
- Safeguard these cherished historic structures from irreversible structural damage.
- Protect the numerous local groups, classes, and social events that rely on the facility.
- Ensure Clevedon’s youth continue to have a dedicated space to meet, learn, and grow.
This effort is not about simple cosmetic improvement; it is an urgent fight for survival.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
- Every contribution made directly funds critical restoration work across the site, including:
- The safe, complete removal of historic asbestos deposits.
- A complete, modern rewiring of both Sunhill House and Princes Hall.
- The installation of certified fire safety doors throughout the premises.
- Comprehensive repair and redecoration of interior spaces damaged by water.
- The installation of a brand new roof over Princes Hall.
These essential undertakings represent the precise boundary between a flourishing social sanctuary and a beloved building forced into silence. They spell the difference between community connection and painful isolation, between local opportunity and irreversible loss. Donating to this cause is far more than preserving brick and mortar; it is actively protecting a vital lifeline.
A House Built on Generosity
Sunhill House has stood since the mid-19th century, watching Clevedon grow from a quiet coastal town into a thriving, creative community. It began as a grand private villa, but its story truly came alive when Joseph Woodington made it his home at the turn of the century.
Woodington was far more than a local businessman; he was a visionary who invested deeply in the people around him. Beyond employing local families through his boot factory, he actively championed the town’s social life by supporting the Bowls, Football, and Golf Clubs. His generosity wasn’t loud or boastful; it was steady, dependable, and woven into everyday life.
Following World War II, the people of Clevedon banded together in 1949 to purchase Sunhill House, converting the property into a community-owned space managed by the newly established Clevedon Community Association.
The transition felt like a natural extension of Woodington’s legacy, a sanctuary rooted in kindness, entrusted to the people of Clevedon with the enduring hope that it would always remain a haven for human connection.
For 77 years, that hope has held true. But hope alone cannot repair a building. And kindness, no matter how deep, cannot fund essential works.
A Place Where Lives Intertwine
Walk through the Centre on a weekday morning, and you’ll hear the hum of life in its most familiar, everyday form. The preloved market setting out rails and tables. Pilates and yoga groups arriving with mats tucked under their arms. The NHS-funded Creative Being programme gathering people who need a gentle, supported space to reconnect with themselves. In one room, quiet concentration; in another, warm chatter; all of it threaded together by the steady rhythm of a building that begins serving its community long before lunchtime.
By early afternoon, the pace softens. The bridge club settles in with cards, careful strategy, and the kind of companionship that grows over years. Volunteers greet familiar faces, older residents arrive for warmth and company, and conversations drift easily across tables. Stories shared, worries eased, and friendships quietly strengthened.
Then evening arrives, and the Centre transforms. Salsa and tango classes fill the corridors with music and movement. Bingo Night brings cheers and laughter. Spine-tingling Ghost Tours bring the building’s history back to life. Wrestling nights draw families and wide-eyed excitement. Ceilidhs send dancers spinning across Princes Hall. Reunions spark hugs and happy tears. And on performance nights, the stage lights rise as actors rehearse their lines and creative confidence blooms in the glow.
Across the month, the Centre hosts everything from the Sunday Market to the Beer Festival, from community celebrations to clubs that nurture music, craft, and connection. Every week, more than 2,000 people pass through these doors. That figure represents far more than an impressive stat; it stands as a poignant reminder of how vital this venue is to local life. As one of the very last genuinely inclusive and affordable spaces remaining in North Somerset, it turns no one away. Remarkably, the entire operation is run as an independent charity, operating without any regular public funding.
There are countless stories that show just how deeply Clevedon Community Centre touches people’s lives, but some speak so clearly to its impact that they stay with you. Few organisations embody that connection more than Clevedon Light Opera Club (CLOC), who have been performing at the Centre since 1962. In fact, CLOC was the very first group to take to the stage in the newly built Princes Hall, then known as the New Hall, opening its doors with a production of The Desert Song that marked the beginning of a partnership now more than six decades strong.
What follows is one family’s story. It is a testament not only to the power of theatre, but to the irreplaceable role this building plays in nurturing creativity, confidence, friendship and belonging. Their experience captures exactly why places like Sunhill House and Princes Hall matter, not in abstract terms, but in the real, everyday ways that shape lives.
✨ ✨✨Spotlight Story: A Family Shaped by the Centre ✨✨✨
“For the past eight years, I have been proud to be a member of Clevedon Light Opera Club (CLOC). My journey actually began with the Clevedon Comedy Club, but it wasn’t long before I realised that musical theatre was where my heart truly belonged. Joining CLOC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
One of my greatest joys has been seeing my love of the performing arts inspire both of my daughters. They each joined CLOC Juniors, where they have had the opportunity to perform in productions that are of an exceptionally high standard; shows that would be worthy of any stage.
Watching their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding. My eldest daughter has gone on to study Musical Theatre at Bird College Conservatoire in Sidcup, Kent, where she is completing her degree and pursuing her dream. My youngest daughter is still enjoying her time with CLOC Juniors, where she has not only developed as a performer but has also made wonderful friendships that I know will stay with her for years to come.
My first production with CLOC will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first, and sadly the last show that my dad saw me perform in before he passed away unexpectedly. Losing him was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but the kindness, compassion and support I received from everyone at CLOC helped me through those difficult days.
Many members of the club have experienced loss in their own lives, and there is an unspoken understanding that theatre can be incredibly healing. The camaraderie, teamwork and friendships we build both on and off the stage become a source of strength. Every production still reminds me of my dad, but now those memories bring smiles rather than sadness. I know he would have loved to see how much CLOC has become such an important part of my life.
What makes CLOC so special is that it brings people together. Although we are proudly based in Clevedon, our members and audiences travel from far and wide to be part of something truly special. The club has earned a reputation for producing shows of an outstanding professional quality, something reflected in the wonderful reviews we continue to receive from audiences and critics alike.
At the centre of it all is the Clevedon Community Centre, which I truly believe is the beating heart of our town. It provides a place where creativity flourishes, friendships are formed, and people of all ages can experience the joy of live theatre. It is far more than just a venue; it is a home for our community.
For me, CLOC is about so much more than putting on a musical. It is about belonging. It is about supporting one another through life’s highs and lows, celebrating each other’s successes, and creating memories that last a lifetime. It has enriched not only my life but also my daughters’ lives, and I know countless others could say the same.
In a world where genuine community can sometimes feel hard to find, organisations like Clevedon Light Opera Club are invaluable. They nurture creativity, improve both mental and physical wellbeing, build confidence, and remind us that we are stronger together.
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of CLOC. Eight years on, I can honestly say it has given me friendships, unforgettable experiences, treasured memories and a second family. I hope it continues to inspire and bring joy to our community for many years to come.”
Stories such as Daniela’s remind us that Clevedon Community Centre is far more than a historic building in need of repair; it is a living, breathing home for creativity, courage and connection. It is where generations have discovered their voices, built lifelong friendships, and found solace during life’s hardest moments. CLOC’s legacy on the Princes Hall stage, and families like Daniela’s, show just how profoundly that legacy continues today. Protecting this space means protecting every future child who steps into their first rehearsal, every parent who watches confidence bloom, every performer who finds healing under the stage lights, and every community member who simply needs somewhere to belong. This is what your support safeguards. This is what your donation keeps alive.
✨ ✨✨Spotlight: The Prescott Legacy of Support ✨ ✨✨
Clevedon’s sense of togetherness isn’t only found in the lives shaped within these walls, but also in the families who have stood behind the Centre for generations. Few embody that loyalty more than the Prescott family. Three generations – Roy, Jeff, and John have proudly managed the Prescott Bar, recently renamed in honour of Jeff Prescott.
“This place is so important to me, my family, and the local community,” John said, a simple truth that reflects decades of support. The Prescotts have long championed the Centre, recognising it as a cornerstone of Clevedon life.
That commitment shone again on 20th December 2025, when Princes Hall hosted Swing into Christmas with John Prescott, the official launch of the Clevedon Community Association’s fundraising campaign. The evening brought festive big band energy to the hall, with John, well-known locally and familiar to many from BBC TV’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, headlining alongside Capitol Swing and Sweet Harmony.
The night wasn’t just entertainment; it was a rallying moment. The Grand Christmas Raffle, filled with prizes donated by local businesses and supporters, helped spark early momentum for the campaign. It reminded everyone how Clevedon shows up when it matters, and how families like the Prescotts help keep the Centre’s spirit burning bright.
The Hidden Reality Behind the Warm Welcome
People see the bustling Sunhill Café. They see the sold-out shows at Princes Hall. They see the laughter, the movement, the community. What they don’t see is that the fuse boards are older than some of the volunteers. They don’t see the wiring from another era. They don’t see the asbestos that once sat quietly behind the walls.
When we asked the Board how close we are to a point where these hidden issues might force parts of the Centre to close, the answer was stark:
“It is not inconceivable that we could be shut down on Health and Safety grounds, which is why the rewiring has to go ahead. The asbestos has been removed, so the dressing rooms are now usable.”
That is the unvarnished reality, devoid of drama or exaggeration.
The Pressure of Independence
Clevedon Community Centre holds a rare position in North Somerset because it is entirely self-financing. Operating without guaranteed financial assistance or recurring grants, it relies solely on sheer determination, meticulous budgeting, and the community’s ongoing goodwill.
When we asked what that independence means to the Board, and what pressure it creates, they didn’t hesitate:
“The Community Centre is performing perfectly fine and generates enough income to keep the centre staff and operational costs covered. However, years of under investment have resulted in the need for significant capital expenditure.”
In short, while day to day operations remain stable, the urgent overheads for major repairs are simply beyond reach.
The Frustration of Necessary, Unglamorous Costs
A quiet frustration accompanies the need to direct hard earned community funds toward essential infrastructure that rarely draws applause, upgrades like fire safety doors, extensive rewiring, and environmental hazard removal. These are unglamorous necessities that offer no ceremonial ribbon cuttings or engaging social media moments.
We asked them to put that frustration into words, they were honest:
“We have to conform to prevailing Health and Safety rules, and have no choice but to adhere to these, and the associated costs.”
It is a succinct statement that speaks volumes. The Centre cannot prioritise aesthetic charm over structural safety, nor can it focus on creative programming while neglecting legal compliance. It must fulfil both demands simultaneously, or risk closing its doors permanently.
The Vision Beyond Survival
Even under the weight of financial strain and demanding repairs, the Centre’s core spirit remains undaunted, fuelled by an ambitious vision and persistent optimism.
When discussing their long-term aspirations for the building, the Board spoke with genuine enthusiasm:
“The vision for Princes Hall is for it to become a performing arts centre. It is the only local stage with an orchestra pit. We would like a broad spectrum of shows, plays and anything in between.”
This isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about lighting the stage for the next generation.
A Call from the Heart of Clevedon
Sunhill House has weathered historical storms, shared in local celebrations for decades, and anchored generations of change. Through every shifting era, it has remained a steadfast sanctuary for connection and comfort. With the community’s combined help, it will continue to stand strong, not merely as an architectural landmark, but as a living symbol of Clevedon’s enduring heart.
Your support helps restore what time has worn down, repair what cannot wait, and reconnect Sunhill House by sparking new energy, attracting new activities, and continuing to support the valued users who have always called it home.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep these doors open and the stage lights burning. If Sunhill House or Princes Hall has ever touched your life, please consider donating today, sharing this page with friends and neighbours, and helping us reach the £100,000 goal by the end of 2026. Together, we can safeguard the heart of Clevedon for generations to come.