DAVID Cox has realised his dream of a music community where everyone is welcome. Three-and a half years ago, he conceived the idea of bringing together music performance, production and enjoyment under one roof.

His project finally reached fruition on May 29 last year, when the Forum Music Centre was opened, in Darlington's Borough Road.

It was the 43-year-old's own passion for music which made him realise that there was a need in the area for a music centre accessible to all ages and music abilities.

"I've always enjoyed music and it's been my hobby since school," said Mr Cox.

"When I pick up a guitar, I just switch off. Music is my passion.

"Music is very social, but there was no where accessible to all ages and all music types.

"I wanted the Forum to be a place where people could be creative, enjoy music and form a community.

"I think it is a civic amenity - it is only a privately-run venture because we couldn't get the financial backing."

Mr Cox, who has worked in the car dealership industry for 25 years, was unable to achieve any funding from public or private organisations, and took the decision to finance the centre through resources from his own car components business.

He said: "We had a lot of individual support from people at Darlington Council, but overall I think the council was quite worried about how it would affect the Arts Centre. However, we didn't come across one person who tried to hold us back.

"I have worked with my business partner, Peter Robertshaw, for a long time, and we trust each other. We decided to privately invest in the centre."

The Forum, a non-profit making company, is situated in what was Darlington Music Centre, and before that Borough Road Primary School. The building has been leased from the borough council for ten years.

A caf bar and a performance room with stage, sound and lighting are two of its main features.

Rehearsal rooms and three recording studios and mixing suites are available, with drums, keyboards and electric guitar amplifiers provided.

The venue operates on a membership basis, with members paying £25 per year.

Non-members are welcome to visit the bar and use the facilities but priority will be given to members when booking rehearsal rooms and recording studios.

Mr Cox said: "People who are not members can come along and are very welcome.

"What we have found, is that when people have made one or two visits they become a member.

"What makes us different is that we have tried to stick to the idea of being a members' facility, but it's also based on the development of a community resource," explained Mr Cox.

"We have live music on about four times a week - our youngest member is seven and the oldest is over 80.

"Some of the biggest issues for younger people is being able to afford equipment and finding a place to play their instruments, but the centre solves that.

"We are also attracting a lot of professional musicians.

"I couldn't envisage how it was going to come together but it has.

"One problem we have faced is that people have thought they needed to be a musician to come along - you don't.

"Musicians exist to perform to an audience and visitors who just want to listen to the music are just as much, if not more welcome. They are the driving force behind the centre."

Mr Cox is encouraging more families to use the centre. His wife Valerie and three children Jacob, Tom and Lauren are regular visitors.

A youth rock club for 14-17-year-olds is in operation to give youngsters experience in running their own event.

The Darlington Youth Orchestra also rehearses at the centre every Sunday.

Mr Cox said: "We have an open mic event on Sundays. It allows people of any ability who are used to playing behind closed doors to perform any type of music on stage. It's a great success and everyone gets on incredibly well here because they all have music in common.

"A nice community is forming and a lot of members just pop in for a drink. "We've got some really talented young people, but they need to be nurtured and our older members can offer that maturity. Everyone has a part to play."

The Forum staff are also looking at developing musical workshops for schools, and the facilities can be used by GCSE, A-level and university students.

Mr Cox said: "We are looking at developing a partnership with a number of organisations, including the Arts Council.

"We are in the very early stages, but are hoping to work with autistic children and the disabled to combine music and therapy."

Corporate and business meetings can be held at the centre, and catering is available.

A comedy night will also make its debut in February through popular demand.

Mr Cox said: "The facility is right for Darlington. We have got the Civic Theatre and the Arts Centre and if we can work with them in the future that will be fantastic.

"However, to keep it accessible we need support and we are looking at gaining some funding.

"We now have a lot of national interest and as a business model and concept it definitely could move from Darlington and become far bigger if we get the right support. We are currently in discussions with various parties."

Mr Cox's one wish is to have more people buying into the ethos of the Forum by becoming members.

"I've been in business for a lot of years but this has been the hardest thing I have ever done," he said.

"It's been passion-driven, not financially-driven.

"I will be satisfied if it can stand on its own two feet, could make a profit and be developed.

"We have learnt a lot and we will modify things.

"I personally feel the Forum has a purpose and I recognise it as a concept.

I don't think I can define how it works but it does for a lot of people."

For more information about the Forum, call 01325 363135.