Historic Miners Welfare Centre Reopens Following Major £25,000 Renovation
A cherished local institution in Chesterfield has been given a new lease of life, with the Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre officially reopening its doors after a significant £25,000 transformation project. The centre, a vital charity providing social, recreational, and cultural facilities for residents, successfully secured funding through Chesterfield Borough Council's Community Grants Fund scheme to undertake this essential refurbishment.
A Modern Hub for Community Connection
The substantial investment has been utilised to completely renovate the main room of the welfare centre, delivering a comprehensive facelift that has created a contemporary and inviting space. This modernised area is now poised to serve as a central social gathering point, enabling local residents to come together, participate in a variety of events, and engage in community activities in a vastly improved environment.
Council Leader Praises Transformative Project
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, visited the club ahead of its grand reopening to witness the results firsthand. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "It was fantastic to see how the money from our Community Grants Fund is being used to renovate this space, providing a valuable place for this close-knit community. The centre has truly transformed the area, and the hard work is evident. This is one of over 100 projects benefiting from the scheme."
Stewardess Celebrates a Welcoming New Look
Isabell Herrmann, the stewardess at Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre, shared her personal joy regarding the renovations. "All the work means everything to me. I love my job and our visitors. With the new layout and decorations, I no longer feel hesitant to invite people in. I've always aimed to make people feel welcome; now the space looks welcoming too. We eagerly anticipate more community events and want everyone to feel this club is for them—to socialise and share their ideas," she remarked.
Local Collaboration and Skills Development
The transformation was a collaborative effort, heavily involving Sue Ready from "This Girl Can Paint", a Chesterfield-based painter and decorator. Sue worked alongside Craig Watson Joinery, other local tradespeople, and the club's team to realise the vision for the refurbishment. Notably, the project also provided valuable real-world experience for painting and decorating students from Chesterfield College, who were mentored on-site, gaining practical skills and guidance in the trade.
Substantial Community Investment Across Chesterfield
Since its launch in 2023, the Community Grants Fund scheme has awarded more than £500,000 in grant funding to various community groups and voluntary organisations throughout Chesterfield. The scheme's primary objective is to support these groups in delivering key projects that generate a positive impact on local communities, fostering social cohesion and improved facilities.
Funding Sources and Future Celebrations
The Community Grants Fund scheme receives part-funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), under the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Additional funding is sourced from the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL). To mark the successful renovation, a reopening party is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, from 7.30pm. Further details regarding the celebration can be obtained by contacting Duckmanton Miners Welfare Centre directly.
