Earlier this week, the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey, led a service of thanksgiving and dedication and formally declared the Chilton Foliat Community Clubhouse open.
The service, held at St. Mary’s Church, Chilton Foliat was attended by members of the school and local community, including contractors, benefactors, fundraisers and alumni of the school. Over £85,000 was raised to complete the Community Clubhouse project.
The Clubhouse, situated at Chilton Foliat Primary School, also provides a new classroom for years five and six pupils.
Pupils at the school were integral in fundraising for the project with initiatives including ‘Grow your Fiver’ – which raised over £1,000 for the building. The scheme saw pupils devising imaginative ways to make their Fiver ‘grow’ such as craft and cake sales and a pop-up shop. Additional fundraising by the children included sponsored runs and tooth fairy and pocket money donations.
The Chilton Foliat Community Association, which administers the Clubhouse and pioneered the fundraising for the building, also received a grant of over £9,000 from National Lottery Awards for All.
This enabled them to purchase new furniture, kitchen appliances and kitchenware. Picnic tables, outdoor games and a wooden shed will be purchased for its garden in the spring. The aim is to provide pleasure for young and old, both indoors and out.
The Clubhouse currently houses Chilton Club Childcare which runs the school’s Early Birds’ Club, After School Club and Holiday Club. The space is available for use by the local community.
It is hoped that it won’t be long before there can be a toddler group in the village again, as well as more activities for the senior members of the community. With easy access to the new outdoor recreational space created by the local housing development being built adjacent to the school, it is anticipated that opportunities for sport clubs will materialise over time too.
Sam Wolcough is Chair of Governors at Chilton Foliat Primary School and a trustee of Chilton Foliat Community Association: “We are hugely grateful to the school, local community and many generous contributors for all their hard work and enthusiasm in fundraising for the Clubhouse, which is a fantastic resource for all.”
“The service of thanks was a fantastic way to celebrate this and to also acknowledge the work and dedication of the contractors, who went above and beyond to ensure that the classroom was operational for the start of the school year.”
The Bishop of Ramsbury unveils the plaque at Chilton Foliat’s Community Clubhouse