Village hall's future more secure

Graveney and Goodnestone Village Hall’s future is more secure after grant funding enabled crucial energy saving measures.

The village hall, which features a one acre playing field, adult exercise area and a fenced children's play area, hosts many community events from private parties to town council meetings.

As a non-profit organization it offers cheap rates to hire the hall and has become a key destination for residents to meet, socialize and have fun.

However, the hall’s future was under threat as their energy bill was set to increase by a staggering 100% by the end of 2024.

The trustees of the hall received £7,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity fund (UKSPF), secured through Swale Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure grant (CIG).

This funding, along with other grants, allowed for the installation of 34 solar panels on the hall’s roof and a battery system to store the generated electricity.

Since the installation, their energy costs have been reduced to zero, with plans to sell any surplus electricity back into the grid providing green energy not just for themselves, but others too.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the Economy and Property Committee, said:

“Village and town halls are important spaces for communities to be able to gather, socialize and celebrate unique moments with the people with fellow residents.

“There must be countless memories and friendships made in this hall, hosting weddings, parties, regular group meetings and community events.

“Our grant being able to help this important community asset become more sustainable for years to come is an amazing success and will leave a lasting, positive impact on Graveney and Goodnestone.”

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee said:

"We are thrilled that Graveney Village Hall has successfully utilised the grant from Swale Borough Council to install solar PV on their roof.

“This initiative not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also brings significant benefits in terms of carbon reduction and cost savings. By harnessing solar energy, Graveney Village Hall is setting a commendable example for the community, demonstrating how renewable energy can lead to a greener future while also reducing their annual running costs."

Colin Relf, trustee of the Graveney and Goodnestone Village Hall, said:

“I have been actively involved with the Village Hall since 2019 and I was aware that energy costs were a financial burden causing difficulties when forecasting current and future budgets.

“Then the energy crisis arrived which saw the price per KW/hr double, this was a problem that needed to be addressed or the future would be very bleak and ultimately closure was around the corner unless something was done.

“Thanks to grant funding we were able to invest in a solar generation and battery project, which will help secure our future for years to come.

“The Trustees are very grateful to the following sponsors of this project; Kent County Council, Swale Borough Council, Kent Community Foundation, Graveney Goodnestone Trust, Action with Communities in Rural England and The Queenborough Fishery Trust.”

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