Select a region
Alderney is to benefit from two new community facilities for islanders of all ages to enjoy thanks to the generosity of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands.
Since it was set up in 1985, the Foundation has donated in excess of £17 million to charities across the bailiwicks, in the UK and overseas. Among this year’s beneficiaries are Alderney’s Community Sports Centre Swim ‘n’ Gym appeal and the Skate Park Project.
The Foundation donated £25,000 towards the £553,000 Community Centre project to build a 25-metre, three-lane indoor heated swimming pool with a gymnasium at the site of the current outdoor pool at St Anne's School. And it gave a further £15,000 to a project to create a skate park in The Butes.
Alderney States put up £250,000 for the community pool and gym, with the centre’s trustees raising the rest, including the successful bid to the Lloyds Bank Foundation. In addition, more than 1,150 residents signed a petition and supported fundraising events.
The Chairman of Alderney Community Sports Centre, Kerry Wedd, said: ‘Receiving £25,000 from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands was a real boost to our fundraising efforts and we are extremely grateful for the trustees’ support for such an important community facility which will be enjoyed for many years to come by the people of Alderney and visitors.’
The President of the States of Alderney, W Stuart Trought, thanked the Foundation for making not one but two generous donations towards important community projects that would the benefit the people of Alderney.
He said: ‘It is my understanding that, once complete, the pool and gym will open every day for islanders, the school, those with special needs, visitors and clubs, with St Anne’s School having priority during school hours.’
Emma Odoli, the Chairperson of the Alderney Skate Park Trust, also expressed thanks for the Foundation’s support.
‘Receiving £15,000 for our project was simply amazing and we cannot thank the Foundation enough, and the local community for getting behind us at a time when they were also showing equal enthusiasm for the Swim ‘n’ Gym appeal. To see two such projects delivered in the same time in a small community is outstanding,’ she said.
There are four Lloyds Bank Foundations formed in 1985 - covering England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands - to support the community. The Foundations are legally independent of the Lloyds Bank Group and their policies are determined by independent boards of local trustees.
The Chairman of the Channel Islands Foundation is John Boothman – who succeeded Jurat Stephen Jones in April - and the Deputy Chairman is Jurat Dr John Ferguson. The Executive Director is John Hutchins.
Mr Hutchins said: ‘We are delighted to have helped these two organisations with projects critical to Alderney.’
