JCB has helped secure the future of Rocester Village Hall for future generations by donating £10,000 to pay for a new roof. The money will be used for vital refurbishment work on the building’s ageing flat roof surfaces, to pay for new insulation and also for fascias to be fitted.
The work is part of a major refurbishment programme at the popular venue, which will cost in the region of £70,000. It includes installing a brand new heating system, constructing an extension block and building new toilets for disabled visitors.
The hall has served the village for more than 40 years and was officially opened in November 1976 JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford. It has gone on to become a popular community venue with many local groups using it. It also plays host to wedding receptions, family parties, exercise and dance classes, quizzes, talent nights, bingo sessions and a variety of other events.
JCB Group Chief Executive Alan Blake visited the venue on High Street to present a cheque for £10,000 to Jenny Woodward, Chairman of the Rocester Village Hall Management Committee.
Jenny said: “We are extremely grateful to JCB. This £10,000 donation will not only pay for the much-needed roof and insulation work to be carried out but has also given us a real kick start to the rest of the refurbishment programme.
“Together with our own fundraising activities the money puts us in a good position to apply for match funding from community schemes and the local authority to pay for the other projects. It is quite fitting that Sir Anthony Bamford opened Rocester Village Hall almost 40 years ago and now JCB’s generosity is helping to secure it for future for generations to come.”
JCB’s World Headquarters is just a stone’s throw away from the village hall and many employees and their family members have used the venue for functions over the decades.