Hankelow Chapel Refurbishment

The Good News is that the contributions from events and individual donations made so far mean that we have raised almost half of our £15,000 local fundraising target. This includes £1,500 from Hankelow Amenities Group following the success of this year's Hankelow Fete.

WREN grant

More Good News is that we have recently received funding approval from WREN for £30,000 towards our project. WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The receipt of the WREN grant towards the refurbishment will make a big difference to the facilities available at the chapel for the local community and has enabled the project to proceed to implementation. The WREN grant is made as a specific contribution for the provision of the new heating system, the new kitchen, the suspended ceiling and lighting in the hall and insulated and accessible exterior doors and decoration.

Simon Settle, Head of Community Programmes for WREN, says: "We're delighted to be supporting the Hankelow Church & Community Hall project and pleased our funding will make such a difference to so many local groups. WREN is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that benefit local communities and we're looking forward to this one having a positive impact, once the extensive programme of work is complete".

The Refurbishment Project includes:

• a new central heating system throughout the building
• a new side porch into the hall
• a suspended ceiling in the hall with new lighting
• a new and enlarged kitchen
• a new disabled toilet
• a replacement roof over the rear part of the building
• improved insulation throughout the building
• new front and side doors and improved disabled access
• provision of audio/visual and broadband facilities
• a more prominent notice board to advertise events

The Success of Fundraising Overall means that we are now nearing the achievement of our total fundraising target of £96,000 for the refurbishment project. We are now aiming to make a start on the build in the early autumn of 2015 subject to a final push on fundraising and donations.

Other funders

• The Cheshire South Methodist Circuit continues to fully support the Project and the Circuit has now formally agreed to make a significant financial contribution of £30,000 as part of its policy of helping rural churches to extend their mission into the local community.
• Cheshire East Council has already made a grant of £20,000 towards the Project from their 'Giveback Your Money' Fund.
• Hankelow Parish Council has also given a significant donation of £1,000.
• The Chester and Stoke Methodist District has donated £500 from its small churches fund.

Next Steps:

We still need to raise another £7,000 locally to reach our overall target. Various fund raising events are continuing in the coming months.

Donations

Individual donations continue to be welcome and can be made to our Treasurer, Sheila Ainley, Greyhouse, Audlem Road, Hankelow. Donations can also be Gift Aided for people who pay income tax.

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