New roof for gym after £100k raised

By Stuart Wickham

Piddlehinton Gym Charity chairman Paul Hayes has thanked the community after £100,000 was raised to replace the roof in just five months. He said: “Following a major donation from Downing Renewables and Infrastructure Trust (DORE), who own Bourne Park Solar, and also Prototype Electronics agreeing to be a sponsor, we have now achieved our £100,000 target to reroof the gym.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support, it really shows the power of the community in protecting important rural assets. In particular, I’d like to recognise Adam White, Mike Healey, Chris Ebdon and Kenn Duffield without whom this challenging milestone would not have been achieved.” The money was raised with support from the public, a grant, and local businesses, including support from Jade Aden, Conduit Mead and Piddle Valley Parish Council. Paul said: “We’ve been accepted for a £20,000 grant from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, and we received donations from Dorset Drama and found an additional corporate sponsor in Wessex Internet. Dorset Council has also suggested passing ownership of the gym property to the charity, supported by councillor Jill Haynes, which will open up further grants. This includes the government’s Community Ownership Fund, suggested by Chris Loder MP.”

Danielle Strothers, head of asset management at DORE Plc, said: “We are delighted to support the Piddlehinton Gym Charity. This continues DORE’s efforts to support local communities. We are continuously looking for new ways of supporting local businesses, communities and environments surrounding our renewable energy projects.” The gym was built on requisitioned land in 1941 as part of the war effort, and was home to battalions of US troops, who were frequently entertained by celebrities of the day, including band-leader Glenn Miller and world champion boxer, Joe Louis. Around 240 people currently use the facility each week,