ALCESTER Community Shed has received a vital £1,000 funding boost.
Housebuilder McCarthy Stone donated the cash at a special ceremony at its retirement living development, Romeo Place on Alcester Road.
Inspired by UK Men’s Sheds Association, Alcester Community Shed provides support and a safe and friendly meeting place for local people who might otherwise find themselves isolated and lonely. Members are encouraged to pursue practical interests and enjoy ‘making and mending’, with further opportunities to be part of creative projects individually, jointly, or for the benefit of the wider community.
In October 2023, Alcester Town Council approved a nearly £200,000 project to transform the old redundant squash courts at the rear of The Greig Hall on Kinwarton Road into a creative hub, especially for Alcester Community Shed and other arts and crafts groups. The building features a multipurpose area, along with a workshop fitted with machine tools.
However, since the project began, funding has begun to wear thin. McCarthy Stone spotted an opportunity to step in and donate £1,000 to support its endeavours to bring people together and foster connection.
Alcester Community Shed is headed up by Coun Mark Cargill.
He said: “We can’t thank McCarthy Stone enough for their generous donation. In less than a year, we have transformed a derelict squash courts into a superb community space, where people can come to learn for fun and try something new. We have a number of exciting ideas for the shed and the funding. We’ve got lots of exciting plans up our sleeves and the funding from McCarthy Stone will come in handy to support this.
“As with many projects of this type, funding is key but not always available at the right time. McCarthy Stone recognised this and stepped in with a £1.000 grant to ensure the success of the project.”
