RUSHEN HERITAGE TRUST TO KEEP COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN DURING WINTER

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded Rushen Heritage Trust funding which will allow it to keep its centre open over the winter for local residents.

Rushen Heritage Trust normally close the centre at the end of October for the winter months, but with the £300 grant, they will be able to welcome members of the community three times a week to access a warm space and enjoy hot drinks, craft workshops, quizzes and board games.

The Trust also hope to host workshops during these days, such as beginner classes for yoga and photography, with each being single sessions to enable more participation.

During the summer months, Rushen Heritage Trust open the centre based in Port Erin which is used as an Exhibition Centre with a variety of exhibitions, talks and community events prepared by Rushen Heritage Trust, for individuals and locals to visit and enjoy.

Alison Graham, Treasurer of Rushen Heritage Trust, said: ‘When we realised we might be able to keep the centre open over winter, we knew we couldn’t pass on the opportunity, as it would have been such a shame to not utilise a practical and functional space for people to gather. The three days we chose to open, are the same days which other venues in the south are closed, so we’ve made sure that all days in the week are covered to meet the needs of the community.

‘Thank you Manx Lottery Trust for assisting us with the launch of this scheme, which we hope will benefit many people over the next few months.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘This is a great addition to the many warm space events being held in the South of the Island, which we’re very pleased to support.’

To reserve a spot on any of the workshops, either call in to the Centre and leave your name, or call/text Kathy on 330584.

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is funded by the Isle of Man Government. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/