Grant funding 'raises the roof' on North Cerney's memorial hall

After surviving for more than 50 years, the roof of North Cerney Memorial Village Hall is being replaced, thanks to grant funding from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, Cotswold District Council and fundraising events held in the hall over the past 18 months. The contractors - Colman Roofing of Swindon - began work on 19th April and expect to complete the project over the next two weeks.

The hall, which was built from traditional Cotswold stone in 1926 to commemorate those who fought and lost their lives in the First World War, has undergone a programme of major refurbishment since 2012. Phase One saw the installation of new toilet facilities, disabled persons' access and the building's internal and external redecoration; Phase Two, completed in time for North Cerney's WWI commemoration in 2014, saw the hall's 'Green Room' to the rear of the stage completely re-built and Phase Three, the re-roofing of the entire building, is now underway.

Chairman of the hall's management committee, Denise Ewbank, has been on a mission to bring the fabric of the hall into the 21st century.

"When we started planning the refurbishment back in 2011 it seemed like a huge mountain to climb. But here we are, thanks to the hugely generous grant funding of Gloucestershire Environmental Trust and Cotswold District Council, about to secure the future of the hall for the next 30-50 years," said Denise.

"Without this crucial financial support to replace the roof, despite what we have already achieved, the building would eventually have fallen into disrepair so it was absolutely vital that we communicated that message to our prospective funders. Thankfully they listened and understood, and we are hugely grateful to them for helping us achieve this in record time."

Gloucestershire Environmental Trust has given £13,766 towards the project, with Cotswold District Council providing £6,258 from its Community Project Fund. The balance of just over £5,000 is coming from funds raised by the community at events in the hall for its 'Raise the Roof' Appeal and from other donations.

Over the last 12 months, close to £1.5 million has been awarded to community projects in Gloucestershire by the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust.