A need had long existed for a support centre for voluntary and charitable organisations, clubs and similar groups where smaller organisations could meet in comfortable accommodation and where support facilities were available. Providing office/storage/desk space, telephone, information, library, play centre, postal address and most importantly, supportive staff and co-operation with the statutory sector.

Buckinghamshire County Council Social Services local Manager and High Wycombe Citizens' Advice Bureau, recognising this need, in 1979 applied for and obtained a 5-year urban aid grant followed later by a further 5-year urban programme funding. Upon obtaining charitable status The Priory Centre was formally launched on 25th June 1980. An excerpt from the 1982 Annual Report reads "This time last year we were in the delightful position of being old enough to attempt to define our role but young enough to not be overwhelmed by the plethora of possibilities open to us!'.

Some 19 groups were meeting regularly at No 11 by 1982 with at least 12 others having occasional use. In addition, some 40-odd casual enquiries weekly were being responded to apart from users of the photocopier and other facilities and equipment.

Many local organisations started life at The Priory Centre and have now been able to move on to more permanent accommodation. They include the Youth Enquiry Service, Wycombe Friendship Housing Association (now part of Bucks Housing Association), Wycombe Women's Aid, Cruse, Gingerbread, 7-9 Club, Tuesday Mother and Toddlers Club.

In November 1984, the Volunteer Bureau 'left home' in The Priory Centre to move into a portacabin in the garden, an occasion marked by the attendance of the Mayor, Councillor Mrs Betty Barrett, and an opening ceremony performed by Tim Brooke-Taylor!'

1987 saw the departure of Leonora Wilson, our Administrator, to seek fresh challenges. Her vision, wisdom and enthusiasm provided the foundation for The Priory Centre we value today.

In December 1988, the Centre celebrated the completion and opening of the lower ground floor extension which meant the staff was able to re-organise the Centre to better meet the needs of users and re-organise the office. The quarterly newsletter continued to be produced and distributed to some 400 outlets. The Priory Centre and Volunteer Focus maintained their profile with exhibitions at Wycombe Show, the library, Bucks College Freshers Fayre and various other situations. About this time WH Smith Ltd, with support from Volunteer Focus, set up their "Willing Hands Service" to encourage volunteering.

By October 1999, Volunteer Focus had obtained independent charitable status to facilitate seeking funding. However, Volunteer Focus still operates from The Priory Centre! Throughout its existence The Priory Centre has been supported financially by Buckinghamshire County Council and Wycombe District Council as well as many benefactors. We trust we have used these resources wisely.

Evelyn Roe, Founder Chairman.
May 2003.