We’re Fixing a Hole where the Rain Comes in…
Braunston and Brooke villagers celebrated winning an Awards for All grant from the Lottery that will help them to finance a new roof for their village hall.
Over the past three years residents of both communities have worked hard to raise cash for the hall. “It has been a wonderful effort by all concerned. Some gave money, some applied for grants and others gave their labour to save money. In a phrase we have giftors, grantors and grafters. Thanks to all of them.”, said Sue Willetts, Chairman of the village hall committee.
Everyone who attended the celebrations on Saturday evening, 1st September, was asked to bring along an umbrella to symbolise the final end of the leaky roof. More than fifty people came along with their umbrellas to enjoy the tea and cake served by Sue Willetts. She said, “It is the only time we have given away tea and cakes without asking for money!”.
The new roof will provide improved facilities for popular community activities such as the Tiny Tots Playgroup, indoor bowling, gardening club, table tennis, annual flower show, beetle drives, Women’s Institute, wine tasting and children’s parties which will now benefit from being held in dry conditions.
Mr John Callaghan, village hall committee member, said: “The fundraising has been a tremendous success. The next big project is a new foyer and new and extended toilet facilities, for which the KATS appeal has already raised £5,000 so far. It is important to maintain the village hall as it is regularly used as a community centre. The village is growing and there is an enormous number of children who we want to provide facilities for.”
The £9, 850 grant from the Lottery was acquired with the help and advice from the village halls advice service and the grants information service based at the Rural Community Council. The committee also received £4,000 from Cory Environmental, £3,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation, £2,000 from the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation and £1,000 from both the Bruce Wake Charitable Trust and The Maud Elkington Trust.
