ARBORY AND RUSHEN PARISH COMMISSIONERS RECEIVE FUNDING FOR WARM SPACES EVENTS

Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners has received a grant of £2,500 from the Manx Lottery Trust to develop a series of warm spaces events at Arbory Parish Hall, which will run until the end of February 2023.

Thanks to Manx Lottery Trust funding, the Commissioners will host a weekly adult-focused session every Tuesday between 14:00 and 15:30, followed by an after-school club for children between 15:30 and 17:30. The Parish Hall, which is based in Ballabeg, will also be hosting an entertainment evening on the last Tuesday of every month, which will include film screenings and quiz nights. All sessions will include hot food and drinks available free of charge to those attending.

Trust funding will also contribute towards the costs associated with Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) on donated equipment, hygiene courses for volunteers, and heating at Arbory Parish Hall.

Mrs Kirrie Jenkins, Chair for Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners, said: ‘We are delighted to have received Manx Lottery Trust funding which has allowed us to open our Parish Hall doors to the community on a more regular basis throughout the winter period.

‘Forming part of the Southern warm space venues initiative, the Commissioners hope these events will be more than just an opportunity to keep warm and have something to eat and drink but will act as a social nucleus for regular community get togethers.’

Commissioner Mrs Jane Glover MBE, who helps run the hub, said: ‘The Parish Hall can accommodate up to 100 individuals per session and given current attendee numbers we anticipate that between 20 and 50 people will attend each session. This just goes to show that the demand is there for these types of events, and that there is a real need to support the community, especially those that are more vulnerable, during this difficult time.

‘Everyone is affected by the changes in cost of living so we are happy to welcome all. The sessions cater for all ages with activities designed accordingly. Our Christmas party was a wonderful event enjoyed by all. The fantastic volunteers make the atmosphere welcoming and joyful.’

Mrs Jenkins added: ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Manx Lottery Trust and the local suppliers who are contributing towards the cost of food and drink for the events, which we hope will benefit many people over the coming months.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘This is a great addition to the many warm spaces events being held in the South of the Island, which we have been delighted to support.’

To find out more about Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioner’s warm spaces events, visit: www.arbrus.gov.im/warm-spaces/.

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