Project Progress - September 2020

The second phase of The Old Chapel Community Project was to seek grant funding to enable us to renovate the building and address long-term issues with damp. In March 2020 we had achieved our fundraising target and were able to progress forward with the renovation.  Snape Construction were contracted to install a new roof and re-render The Old Chapel, with support from Caroe & Partners who have vast experience in alterations to historic buildings.

We are thrilled with the results of the external renovation.  With the help of some highly skilled craftsmen, we think you'll agree, The Old Chapel has never looked better!

Trustees are now working on the internal improvements before we are able to re-open.  This includes fitting a new balustrade, flooring and fresh lick of paint all over.  We look forward to opening the doors again.

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​Thank you so much to all of our tiles sponsors!

Before building work commenced on The Old Chapel we launched our crowdfunder 'New Tiles for the Old Chapel' to help cover some of the costs and allow us to get as much of the internal works done during the renovation as possible.

As work began on the roof, and the old tiles and trusses were removed, villagers started sponsoring tiles and signing them before they were fitted.  Thanks once again to the amazing support from neighbours, family and friends, we managed to raise over £4,000!!!

Although the tiles have now been fitted, you can still sponsor a tile for your family, or someone special.  We will be keeping a record of all our sponsors for future generations to see.

You can sign up via our JustGiving page or print and return the Sponsor Form and Gift Aid Declaration Forms below.  Thank you
​New Tiles SPONSOR Form.pdf
Gift Aid Declaraion Form.pdf
www.justgiving.com/ ​crowdfunding/theold-chapel
​Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund
The Old Chapel Community Project was recently awarded £20,015.92 from the Village Hall Improvement G​rant Fund, an initiative that was set up by the government to mark the centenary of the Armistice. The grant funding is managed by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) on behalf of Defra with support from the ACRE Network. The grant aims to help fund the updating and refurbishment of village halls so that they are fit for purpose and provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:
  • •Improved health and wellbeing/reduction in loneliness
  • •Demonstrates a positive impact on the environment
  • •Supports the local rural economy​
This is a wonderful boost at a tricky time, when our own fundraising initiatives have had to be postponed.
 
We would like to thank Howard Samuals, for his kind support of our application, in his capacity as both Chair of Gotherington Parish Council and as a Trustee of Gotherington Village Hall.  We are pleased to be able to work together to meet the needs of our expanding community.
We have also received grants from Enovert Community Trust (£50k), The National Lottery's Community Fund (£10k), the Garfield Weston Foundation (£7k) and Allchurches Trust (£3k), totalling £70k.  Thanks to the Grant funding committee, who have worked so hard on these applications.  We are all very excited to have this funding as it enables us to commence work on the renovation of The Old Chapel.   
The Old Chapel Community Project was set up in March 2018 by a group of people in the village, who wanted to ensure that The Old Chapel remained part of their community.

The aim of the project was to initially raise £50,000 required to purchase the building from the Countess of Huntingdon's Trust, thus preventing it from going to auction.  After just 10 weeks and a fabulous Open Day celebrating the Royal Wedding, we reached our goal, receiving donations and pledges totaling £50k!

On November 2nd 2018, purchase of The Old Chapel was completed.  An Official Opening Day was held on November 3rd, with special guest (and resident of Gotherington) Edward Gillespie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.
With local support we have secured financial investments for our project from the following community support schemes.
You can now support our charity as you shop.  Just register to amazon smile and Easyfundraising and search for 'The Old Chapel Community Project'
 The local support shown for The Old Chapel Community Project has proven the love people have for this building, and together we will ensure it remains open to the community for generations to come.