A CROWDFUNDING project to raise funds for the removal of a bee colony and installation of a new kitchen at Chester Deaf Centre has surpassed its £33,000 target.

Chester Deaf Centre Management Committee expressed their thanks towards the backers of the project, which was part of the Cheshire West and Chester Spacehive Platform, as the final amount totalled £36,438.

The money has been essential in the ongoing renovation of the 128-year-old building which recently had a large nest of honey bees occupying one of its cavity walls.

Chairman of Chester Deaf Centre Management Committee, Michael Ritchie said: "Chester Deaf Centre Management Committee would like to express their heartfelt thanks for all the pledges from backers of their recent CWAC Spacehive Crowdfunding Platform Project - launched to raise funds for a new all-electric kitchen and live removal of a colony of Honey Bees occupying a cavity wall in Chester Deaf Centre.

Chester and District Standard: The building has been part of South View Road for 128 years.The building has been part of South View Road for 128 years. (Image: Chester Deaf Centre Management Committee)

"The sum of £33, 532 was the target and £36,438 was actually raised by the deadline. Crowdfunding is an 'all or nothing' way of raising funds, which means if you don't reach your target, then all the pledged donations are returned to the backers and the Charity would receive nothing. Pledges were from £2 upwards.

"Our thanks go to each and everyone who pledged including the following:- Cheshire West & Chester Innovation Fund, Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund, Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust, CWAC Crowdfunding Platform , Maple Grove School and contributions from Chester City and The Garden Quarter Ward Members Cllr. Martyn Delaney, Cllr/MP Samantha Dixon MBE and Cllr.Bob Rudd and members of Chester Deaf Community friends and families, and Trustees, plus so many others - Thank you so much.

"Thanks also go to Spacehive for their much valued help with setting up the Platform and guiding Management through the process in particular Andrew Redfern and the Spacehive Support Staff.

"Additional thanks go to The Ursula Keyes Trust - who have donated £10,000 towards the refurbishment of the main hall."

The Management Committee, who are all volunteers, have owned and managed the Centre for 46 years and will continue to oversee the refurbishment process at the building on South View Road.