Gladedale invests in West Auckland’s community

A community donation from one of the North East’s leading housebuilders will enable more local residents to attend a variety of organised social classes and functions held at the West Auckland Memorial Hall.

Gladedale committed £1000 to a new community bursary aimed at helping local charities and organisations make a positive and far-reaching contribution to their immediate and surrounding areas. In response to the many applications that were received, Gladedale has responded by splitting the bursary amongst a notable North East cancer charity and the West Auckland Memorial Hall.

The hall which was built in 1924 to commemorate the heroes of World War 1 has been a key sanctuary and social venue for many, attracting children and adults of all ages who attend a wealth of organised classes and events from line dancing & western dancing classes to new age kurling, carpet bowls and Weight Watchers. It is estimated that over 300 residents from near and far attend the weekly activities and with new classes starting soon, a dry and secure storage facility is urgently required.

The money (£300) will be put towards repairing the roof and internal walls of the Store Room, where sports and class equipment will be securely stored.

Dave Williamson, the Treasurer for the West Auckland Memorial Hall said, “The hall has gained huge popularity over the last six months and we’re delighted with how the facility is currently being used. We know that it’s a great way of bringing people of all ages together and goes a long way to creating strong links within the community. We’re delighted with the support from Gladedale knowing that once the storage room is repaired we’ll have a community venue of the highest standard that can be enjoyed by all.”

Richard Jones, Sales Director of Gladedale in North East England, said: “Gladedale is committed to helping improve local communities from the planning, design and build of our home types and when possible lending additional assistance to the immediate community. We have an existing relationship with West Auckland Community Association and it is a pleasure to see the bursary being used in a way that will benefit all.”

The bursary is the first of its type from Gladedale in the North East of England and following the high number of applications made, it is expected that the house builder will launch its second bursary initiative at the end of 2009.