CHESTER Deaf Centre has thanked donors after a new kitchen was installed and the live removal of a honey bee colony was completed.
The Standard reported in March that a crowdfunding scheme had surpassed its target of £33,532 - achieving £36,438 - allowing essential work to begin on the 128 year old building on South View Road.
A new all-electric kitchen has now been installed together with improvements to the main hall space and the careful removal of a group of bees who had formed a colony within one of the building's cavity walls.
Chester Deaf Centre was last refurbished some 27 years ago, and the updated space will be benefit around 300 regular users. It is also hoped that that the improved facilities will help to sustain the centre by generating more income from private hire.
An important community resource
The centre is well used by members of the local Deaf Community offering a place for them to socialise, the centre is also home of the award winning members of Dee-Sign British Sign Language Choir who practice there and have supported the centre since 1997.
Chester Deaf Centre is also vital for the likes of Chester Stroke Club, Chester Guitar Circle, several youth clubs and it provides Disability Disco sessions together with British Sign Language Courses.
Cheshire West and Chester Council contributed over £15,000 to the project from its Community Innovation Fund and was among 50 backers on crowdfunding platform Spacehive, including Anne Duchess of Westminster's Fund and the Marjory Boddy Charitable Trust.
The Chester & District Committee for Deaf People said: "We are delighted to let all our backers, the pledgers of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Spacehive Crowdfunding Pitch know that Chester Deaf Centre's new kitchen and the live removal of the honey bee colony in the cavity wall has now been completed.
"The members of the Deaf Community and private users are delighted with the changes and it is hoped that the centre improvements will encourage more private bookings thereby increasing the income from rentals.
"Huge thanks to the kitchen company - C & C Catering Engineers Ltd and Chris Bowyers Bee Removals. The honey bees have now been safely removed to a new hive.
"There is still much to do but huge thanks to the Ursula Keyes Trust for their £10,000 donation towards the main hall complete redecoration and Deefloor, Darren Jones Decorating, Apple Blinds and Calbarrie Compliance Services.
"Thanks also go to staff of Dunelm who have kindly redecorated the bottom end of the main hall now a lovely meeting/private quiet space for users.
"Finally, thanks go to Cheshire West & Chester Council/Spacehive Crowdfunding Platform for their support. If you need funding why not 'Give it a go', We did."
For more information on Chester Deaf Centre, or to hire the space, call 0333 220 5050.
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