West Sussex County Times

Plea to help centre survive

- Sam Dixon-French ct.news@jpimedia.co.uk

Lodge Hill is appealing for help to fund its core costs as it struggles due to lost income.

An outdoor activity centre near Pulborough is appealing for help to fund its core costs as it struggles to cope with months of lost income.

Lodge Hill, in Watersfiel­d, which provides activities for young people, had to shut down during lockdown and says the loss of income ‘could have led to the charity closing for good’.

However Chair of Trustees Matthew Wykes, CEO Lisa May, and the Board of Trustees were determined to keep the charity afloat, knowing there would be an even greater demand for its activity led programmes once the pandemic had died down.

A spokesman for the centre said: “With nearly all the staff furloughed, thankfully Lodge Hill succeeded in obtaining funding through generous donations from individual­s, foundation­s and trusts, for which it is very grateful.

“This has helped fund basic running costs and a core team has been maintained to oversee essential maintenanc­e, provide site security and prepare for safe operations to resume.”

The funding obtained only covered the first 12 weeks of lockdown, and whatever social distancing advice is issued, it is unlikely that Lodge Hill can return to full capacity for some time, he added.

The spokesman said: “There will undoubtedl­y be a serious impact on Lodge Hill’s ability to generate the income needed to cover the winter months.

“On a positive note, the centre is now taking small bookings for children and families who need a safe place to exercise.”

But this will remain a trickle due to safeguardi­ng and distancing requiremen­ts.

The centre is now concentrat­ing on restarting Covid-secure activities for visitors this summer.

“The priority must be for safe visits to the site, whilst still allowing young people to enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities and have fun in the trust’s 32 acres of woodland.

“Lodge Hill is determined to survive Covid-19 and continue with its outdoor activities, which have proved so important in the developmen­t of young people.

“The trust therefore appeals to any company, organisati­on or individual who can help fund its core costs during the transition period to make contact.”

For donations or to enquire about the facilities at Lodge Hill, call 01798 831411 or email ceo@lodgehill.org.uk.

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 ??  ?? Lodge Hill offers a range of activities. Photo: Graham Franks Photograph­y
Lodge Hill offers a range of activities. Photo: Graham Franks Photograph­y

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