THE 75 year old East Thurrock Community Association (ETCA) hall was officially reopened on Friday 6th February 2015 by Stephen Metcalfe MP, following major refurbishment works which were made possible thanks to a grant of over £48,000 from the Veolia North Thames Trust (VNTT).
Essential works, including redecoration and installation of new flooring, have already made a huge difference to the many community groups who use the hall. The old flooring had deteriorated to such an extent that the playgroup had already moved to another venue and other groups were threatening to leave. The good news is that groups have started to return, with Monday being the day for Zumba and Thursday for Keep Fit.
Tom Mallet Chairman of the ETCA Committee said “It is no exaggeration to say that without the funds from the Veolia North Thames Trust, the ETCA would have faced closure. Since the refurbishment, the hall is being hired out at a rate that we have never experienced before and it is a pleasure to show people around. We believe that we have a venue equal to if not better than any other in the area”.
The total cost of the works was nearly £57,000, with the extra £8,000 coming from club members who kindly discounted their time – and cheerfully painted walls, made table cloths and helped out for free whenever they could.
VNTT is an independent charitable trust, funded each year by a generous, voluntary contribution from Veolia Environmental Services Limited. Over the last 12 months this contribution has allowed VNTT to give the green light to 27 projects with grants worth over £700,000.
