A COMMUNITY-run sports and social club is appealing to supporters to raise tens of thousands of pounds to pay for roof repairs.
Officials at Middleton-in-Teesdale Sports and Social Club committee have worked tirelessly for the past two-and-a-half years bringing the venue back to life, redecorating the interior and organising varied and popular evenings of entertainment.
However, years of patch repairs combined with recent storm damage has seen the condition of the building’s roof deteriorate to the point it desperately needs replacing.
The committee launched an online appeal – dubbed Raise the Roof – earlier this month to raise the estimated £40,000 it will cost to carry out the work.
Club committee member Natalie Mitchell said: “Unfortunately, our roof has been deteriorating for quite some time and the recent harsh winter and storms have exacerbated the problem, causing quite significant damage.”
Organisers of the community gym, which is located in the social club building, were forced to close the weights room after significant flood damage.
Ms Mitchell added: “Last month we had to make repairs to the concert hall roof because it needed it and the community gym had to close their weight room because of water damage.
“We got quotes to do all the work and although we could do another patch repair, we want to ensure the club is here for future generations.
“We need to make sure the building is weatherproof.
“Even though there was damage from storms our insurance company has said it’s wear and tear so they won’t cover the cost.”
Fellow committee member Ali Collinson said: “As successful as we have been in the last couple of years, we simply don’t have that kind of money in the kitty to afford all the repairs.
“We launched the Raise the Roof fundraiser at the carnival weekend and we have had a number of people get in touch offering to do fundraisers for us.”
As well as launching an online donation page that has attracted £790 in just two weeks, supporters have already organised a number of events including Legless Bingo in September, a raffle at this weekend’s sold-out Elvis tribute night and raffles at the country music evenings.
Ms Mitchell added: “We have lots of ideas but it’s just finding the time to do everything.”
A fundraising thermometer, made by Mrs Collinson’s husband Stephen, is keeping residents apprised of the appeal total.
Ms Mitchell said: “We are in the process of looking at what grant funding is available and Grace [Crawford] at Utass is helping us.
“We have been in touch with Teesdale Action Partnership as well as our county councillors. Whatever we can raise could help with match funding.
“If we don’t do anything the club won’t be here.
“We have had quotes, but because the main building is three storeys and the gym is two storeys it will need scaffolding to be put up for the work to be carried out.
“Our intention is to do the work in stages with the gym roof first, then the main building and the concert hall.
“We have invested in things at the club for the community and now we just need it to invest back into the club.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the club’s Raise the Roof Appeal should visit https:// shorturl.at/oG6oh.
