Solihull Lodge Community Association is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers. We are entrusted with the care, management, and maintenance of Solihull Lodge Community Centre, a vital community hub serving the residents of Solihull Lodge, Shirley, and the surrounding areas.

Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space where people of all ages can come together, connect, and thrive. The Centre hosts a wide variety of groups, classes, and events — from fitness and dance to community cafés, children’s activities, social clubs, and fundraising events.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the support of the community, the Centre has been transformed from a building at risk of closure into a thriving hub once again, and it is growing each year! As a charity, every penny we raise goes straight back into maintaining the building, improving facilities, and delivering opportunities that benefit our community.

At Solihull Lodge Community Centre, we’re more than just a building — we’re a home for community spirit.

Our Journey: The Transformation of Solihull Lodge Community Centre (2024–2026)

Welcome to the official summary of the SLCA’s recent history. Over the past two years, our centre has undergone a remarkable transformation—moving from a period of uncertainty to becoming a thriving, sustainable, and award-nominated hub for our local community.

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🏗️ Building a Better Home: Major Improvements

We have worked tirelessly to ensure the Solihull Lodge Community Centre is safe, modern, and welcoming. Key structural and operational upgrades include:

• A Solid Foundation: Full replacement of our flat roofs and structural lintels to protect the building for decades to come.
• Modern Facilities: A complete refurbishment of our toilet block, including new unisex and accessible facilities.
• Safety First: New fire alarms, emergency lighting, and comprehensive CCTV coverage for the car park and centre.
• Green Power: An upgrade to a three-phase electrical supply, paving the way for future eco-friendly projects like solar panels and air conditioning.
• Digital Booking: Implementation of the Hallmaster system, making it easier than ever for our residents to book space and view our schedule online.

🤝 Community & Events: What’s On?

The heart of the SLCA is its people. We have introduced a wide range of regular and special events to bring everyone together:

• The Community Café: Join us every Thursday (12:30–2:30 PM) for snacks, drinks, and a friendly chat.
• Sunday Socials: Our “Open Bar & Café” (5:00–9:30 PM) is the perfect spot for board games, crafts, and a relaxed evening with neighbors.
• Family Fun Days: Our annual fundraisers bring the whole community together for BBQs, stalls, and family entertainment.
• Special Interest Nights: From sold-out “The Tuesdays” entertainment to high-engagement Psychic Nights and craft workshops.
• Community Support: We are proud to host local Police Surgeries and our annual Christmas Day Lunch for those who might otherwise be alone.

⚖️ Professionalism & Trust: Our Major Decisions

To ensure the long-term survival of the SLCA, our Trustee board has made several critical strategic decisions:

• Governance Reform: We have transitioned to a transparent, volunteer-led management model and are currently converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) for better legal and financial security.
• Financial Sustainability: By modernizing our payment systems (LoPay/Xero) and adjusting hire rates to reflect true running costs, we have ensured the centre remains financially viable.
• Award-Nominated Progress: In April 2026, our efforts were recognized with a nomination for the Community Innovation Award, a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and supporters.

📅 Timeline of Milestones

• Early 2024: Transition to new management and recovery of association accounts.
• August 2024: Formal handover to the current Trustee board.
• January 2025: Major refurbishment begins, supported by the Heart of England grant.
• May 2025: Official opening of the SLCA Bar and Sunday social evenings.
• October 2025: Our first AGM and Celebration Party under the new structure.
• Early 2026: Launch of our 5-year strategic roadmap and CIO conversion.

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Interested in joining us?
Whether you want to hire the hall, volunteer your time, or simply drop in for a coffee, we’d love to see you.

Visit us at Grafton Road, Solihull Lodge.

Next AGM Saturday 17th October 2026 – Tickets to be released closer to the time. – Save the date!

Proposal to move to a CIO

The trustees of SLCA are planning to change the charity structure. 
We are seeking to change from an association trust  to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

In practical terms there will be no changes to how we operate.  
In legal terms, we will be a new charity with a new constitution, based on the recommended format from the Charity Commission.
It will mean the trustees will gain additional legal protections in that they will not be personally liable should the organisation close. 
It should mean we will be able to claim gift aid on donations.

The trustees have agreed:
1. A new constitution document, which follows the recommended template provided by the charity commission.

2. Bye-laws which mean our current management committee and membership continues as before. 

3. That all existing assets will transfer to the new charity.

If you have any questions or concerns, then contact us, we will be happy to explain it to you.

The new Constitution and Bye-laws can be viewed or downloaded below.