Farndon Community Trust Secures Crucial Support from the Ursula Keyes Trust
The Ursula Keyes Trust has recently made a donation to The Farndon Community Trust (FCT) towards its ambitious “Raise the Roof” project. This invaluable support marks a significant milestone in FCT’s mission to restore and enhance the much-loved Farndon Community Club, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for residents of Farndon and surrounding areas.
Since its establishment in 2016, FCT has been at the heart of the community, managing the Farndon Community Club and creating a space that fosters social, educational, and sporting activities for everyone. With no membership fees and full accessibility for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, the club has grown into a cornerstone of local life. Thanks to the dedication of nine trustees and numerous volunteers, FCT has raised money in recent years to transform the facility. These funds have enabled essential upgrades, including new flooring, showers, heating, LED lighting, a kitchen, and even solar panels to improve energy efficiency.
The most recent addition, a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) completed in 2022, stands as a testament to the community’s passion for inclusive sport and recreation. This facility honors the memory of three local residents who championed the importance of sports for all. Today, the club serves as the home ground for four football teams (including women’s and youth teams), six netball teams (including mixed and men’s teams), and a crown green bowling team. It also hosts countless classes, events, and activities that enrich the lives of residents in Farndon and nearby villages such as Malpas, Tattenhall, and Holt.
However, the main hall—the beating heart of the community club—has been closed for 18 months due to structural challenges. Investigations into a minor ceiling leak revealed far more severe issues requiring urgent attention. The walls of the hall, which measures an impressive 24 by 11 meters with a high-pitched roof, need significant strengthening, and the entire roof must be replaced to ensure the safety and long-term usability of the facility.
To address these challenges, FCT’s “Raise the Roof” project was launched, with an estimated total cost of £204,697. This critical initiative includes:
- Strengthening three walls with steel columns.
- Rebuilding the gable wall for additional stability.
- Replacing the entire roof, including trusses and diagonal steel bracing.
- Adding insulation and replacing the ceiling for improved energy efficiency.
- Ensuring access to other parts of the building throughout the project to minimize disruption.
The Ursula Keyes Trust’s generous donation provides a vital boost towards meeting this funding target. It will help cover the costs of the structural work and allow the club to reopen its main hall, unlocking its full potential as a community asset. This support will benefit not only the immediate residents of Farndon but also the wider population of nearby villages, collectively estimated at over 19,000 people.
The reopening of the main hall is essential for restoring the club’s operations to full capacity. Over the past year and a half, the closure has led to significant challenges. Popular classes such as ballroom dancing, jive, and line dancing have had to move to alternative venues, while the winter bowling and walking netball teams have struggled without an indoor space. Event bookings have also declined, impacting the club’s ability to generate income.
With the hall back in use, the possibilities for community engagement are boundless. The space will once again host diverse events such as theatre productions, blues nights, children’s parties, Halloween celebrations, and agility classes. The annual fundraising ceilidh, band nights, and quizzes will return, bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. Importantly, this will also restore a reliable source of income, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the club.
The Ursula Keyes Trust’s commitment to community enrichment aligns perfectly with the vision of FCT. Their support underscores the importance of investing in grassroots initiatives that bring people together, improve quality of life, and create opportunities for all. By contributing to the Raise the Roof project, the Ursula Keyes Trust is not only preserving a vital facility but also championing the values of community, inclusion, and resilience.
The Raise the Roof project exemplifies the spirit of community-led development. Thanks to the generosity of the Ursula Keyes Trust and the unwavering dedication of FCT’s team and supporters, the future of the Farndon Community Club looks brighter than ever. Together, they are building not just a stronger roof but a stronger community for generations to come.