Parwich villagers of all ages are counting down the days to the re-opening of the Royal British Legion Club, now that is being given a new lease of life through a grant from local company, Tarmac.
Thanks to a donation of almost £20,000 from Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund*, a five-part project is underway to ensure the venue is as safe, warm and welcoming for all those who use the building which is more than 150 years old. The project involves essential repairs to the roof; updating internal and external furniture; enhancing décor and lighting; contributing towards a new central heating boiler; and replacing cellar cooling equipment. And since venues are currently not allowed to open during Covid-19 restrictions, but building work is permitted, work is well underway.
Jon Micklefield, a member of the project committee says: “This is a very exciting scheme for Parwich. We are delighted the grant from Tarmac’s Landfill Community Fund has enabled us to achieve significant improvements in the Club which is used for all sorts of events from bingo to bike rides!
“And whilst we are all missing being able to get out more and enjoy our local venues, for us the lockdown has given us an opportunity to progress the messy work inside the building more easily. We are looking forward to finishing the work, restrictions being relaxed and re-opening the improved facility for the whole community to enjoy.”
Darren Middleton is Tarmac’s Powders Business manager, based at Ballidon Quarry, near Parwich. He adds: “Venues like this are so important to bring villagers together for social events. We are so pleased to have been able to award a grant from our Landfill Communities Fund for such a beneficial project. We look forward to hearing how busy the Club is once it can re-open.”
*The Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund (or Landfill Tax Credit Scheme as it was formerly known) enables landfill operators like Tarmac, to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Landfill operators can reclaim 90% of their contribution as a tax credit which means the remaining 10% must be provided either by them or an independent third party. Through the fund Tarmac donates around £1 million each year to community projects throughout the UK. The fund is open to applicants who meet the strict criteria for projects delivering community benefit. For more information, please go to www.entrust.org.uk
Picture captions:
Top image – Parwich British Legion Club is given a makeover thanks to grant from Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund
Second image – Jon Micklefield of the Club’s Committee