A campaign to recognise the historical significance of the 100-year-old St John’s Church Hall in Kirkby Woodhouse — and the potential to grow it into a community hub — has received a grant of £8,980 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Elaine Moulton, project co-ordinator, who has led the fundraising drive with a small group of volunteers, said: “We want to make this wonderful community space fully accessible to everyone in the local community, preserve its heritage and develop it further to become a place for people to socialise, reminisce, explore, learn — and ultimately be proud of.”

“The building, and the area in which it sits, is steeped in history and has a rapidly growing number of locals regularly attending community events and making use of services — including the weekly food bank, library and coffee mornings.

“The funding will help us take the first steps in establishing it as St John’s Heritage Centre.

“I thank everyone who has supported us thus far, including funders and Sarah Taylor at Ashfield Voluntary Action.”

In addition to the Big Lottery Fund support, St John’s Heritage Centre received a donation of £560 from Mansfield Building Society and £500 from Coun Rachel Madden, on behalf of Nottingham County Council.

Pictured is Elaine Moulton (right) with Gail Rigley, who have successfully secured funding for the new St John’s Heritage Centre in Kirkby Woodhouse.