GRANT SUPPORTS LOCAL VILLAGE HALL

An important social and community lifeline in North Yorkshire has received a grant from Broadacres.

Broadacres prides itself on its community roots and is delighted to support village halls through its community development fund scheme, knowing that volunteers will get the maximum benefit out of every penny.

Swainby Village Hall in North Yorkshire is the latest such recipient with the money being used to fund a new fridge freezer. Built in 1860, the hall it is open most days with volunteers providing a range of activities.

Responding to local demand and with both village coffee shops closing on a Wednesday, volunteers decided to open one up at the hall for breakfast and lunch to fill the gap.

“It’s really taken off and we can have upwards of 50 people dropping in,” said Village Hall Chairman Terry Andrews.

“It’s mainly locals who can meet up with friends or use the book library and there are also passing hikers, cyclists and other visitors.”

The café crew provide a wide choice of hot food, sandwiches and treats as well as a full range of coffees from the barista machine. They were delighted to recently receive a top grade 5 hygiene rating for the café.

Typical of the community feel of the place, much of the food is sourced locally and the cakes and biscuits donated by villagers with any money raised helping with the upkeep of the hall.

Terry said grants from Broadacres and others are vital to keep the Hall running.

“We keep fees to a minimum and would struggle to carry out structural work or buy new essentials without help from the likes of Broadacres and other funding bodies,” said Terry.  “The new fridge freezer means we will be able to keep a decent stock of food and it can also be used by activity organisers on other days.”

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved a Panel consisting of Broadacres’ residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/