ONGAR: Trust welcomes lottery cash

10:56am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

VOLUNTEERS at the Great Stony School Trust are celebrating after being awarded £7,526 of lottery cash to modernise the former school hall - now a vital community and arts centre.

Trust administrator Karen Bush said the Ongar-based trust was "absolutely delighted" after receiving the money through the lottery's Awards for All small grants scheme.

She said: "The majority of the cash will go towards an adult changing table for infirm or disabled people who use the centre, while some will be spent on special signage to help people with learning difficulties make their way around the building."

The rest will be put towards urgent electrical and plumbing works in the building, which was built in 1903. it is now home to several community groups including the Epping and District branch of the Alzheimers Society and Ongar Millennium History Society.

It also has a drop-in computing centre which is popular with older users, or so-called "silver surfers", and a mental health drop-in arts programme.

However there is still plenty on the wish list of the trust, including a new external sign and 'tactile maps', which are of particular use to elderly visitors or those with vision problems.

Mrs Bush added: "We always need more adult volunteers who are willing to give their time to making a difference to the community."

Anyone interested to helping the trust should ring 01277 365626.