Earl Shilton sports hall revamp gets £1k boost

A COMMUNITY centre in Earl Shilton has received a £1,000 boost from a grantgiving foundation based in Gloucestershire.

The Stute, on Station Road, was given the money by the Cirencesterbased St James’s Place Foundation in association with Paul Geddes Wealth Management in Leicester.

It will be added to more than £1,330 raised by Stute users and supporters, plus a £200 donation from Dairy Crest to revamp the building’s first-floor sports hall which is used by dozens of people from across the town every week.

The St James’s Place Foundation supports small and medium-sized charities which improve the lives of children and young people and which can benefit from relatively small amounts of money.

Paul Geddes, from Paul Geddes Wealth Manage- ment, who visited the Stute with his wife Tracey to present a cheque for the amount, said: “We are delighted to support such a local and worthwhile charity.”

His organisation’s help was offered after the St James’s Place Foundation was approached by Stute supporters Rosemary and Geoff Coe.

The grant will help cover the costs of upgrading the sports hall which will include work to the floor and the replacement of soft mat coverings.

Leicester Ju Jitsu, which already runs classes at the Stute, and whose members helped to raise money for the revamp by dressing in Sumo costumes and taking part in a sponsored fun wrestling contest, is to extend its provision to offer sessions for pre-schoolers.

New performing arts sessions are also to be introduced, for children and young people aged from five to 15.

Stute honorary secretary Julia Pittham said: “Our members and users have done amazingly well to support the Stute.

“It’s great to be able to upgrade the facilities and also to welcome new activities which give more opportunities to local children closer to home.”

Find out more about the Stute on Facebook, online or by calling Hinck- ley 847273.

For information about the new performing arts sessions ring Kathryn on 07982 668926 and for Leicester Ju Jitsu call 07847 464482.

Paul Geddes and his wife Tracey Geddes from Paul Geddes Wealth Management in Leicester, third and second from right, presented a cheque for £1,000 to Earl Shilton Stute supporters and committee members, from left, Paul Statham, Rosemary Coe, Julia...