A PROJECT to create a new community hub in Sandleheath has received a major boost after being awarded a grant of £10,000.

The money was from the National Lottery Community Fund. 

The village hall project has seen the former St Aldhelm’s Church building undergo renovation works to create the new facility.

The £144,000 necessary to renovate the kitchen/toilet block, re-lay and insulate the roof, and refurbish the exterior and interior of the main hall has already been raised. 
The last element of the work, which includes new double-glazed windows and a new electrical system, was given a helping hand by a £5,000 grant from Hampshire County Council’s Rural Communities Fund. 

The final part, which the National Lottery grant will help underwrite, is to provide the fittings and equipment necessary to allow the hall to operate effectively, and the village hall trustees are fundraising towards this. 

As well as curtains, tables and chairs, the hall needs presentation, catering and audio-visual equipment.

The National Lottery donation is a major contribution towards getting these items.
Trustee Mike Richardson said: “Our village hall will provide a well-designed, well-equipped space where our residents can meet, make new friends and take part in a wide variety of social, educational and leisure activities. 

“It will greatly enhance inclusion, combat loneliness and enrich our village lives. We are all delighted at how our comprehensive refurbishment programme to achieve this is going. 

“In two and a half years, we have converted St Aldhelm’s into a contemporary amenity that will make a splendid community hub. In addition, we have preserved this historic landmark and significantly reduced its environmental footprint.

“As we seek to acquire the money necessary to finish off the job, this wonderful National Lottery Community Fund donation is a most generous and welcome addition.”

Around £16,000 needs to be raised to complete the refurbishment project. 

Mike added: “This is our final push in bringing St Aldhelm’s back to life.”
The trustees aim to finish their refurbishment programme by the end of May, in time to open the hall in June as Covid restrictions are eased.

For more information or to make a donation to the Village Hall Fundraising Appeal go to sandleheathvillagehall.com.

 

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