This week the Canaries Trust Board held their regular monthly meat The Nest and took the opportunity to meet the tour de force behind the project, Jackie Thornton.
You really can’t help but be captured by the enthusiasm that Jackie brings to the project, bringing to life the transformation from the former Anglian Windows Social Club venue, eventually a multi-purpose community hub.
When completed the Nest will feature an indoor sports hall, a gymnasium, a floodlit 3G football pitch, classroom facilities. The clubhouse will be renovated (some of which has already taken place), with the installation of residential “bunk boxes” and the relaying of seven grass football pitches, which was completed this summer.
To make this fantastic facility a reality though means that they need to raise £2.5m and have therefore launched a public fundraising campaign #buildthenest.
Every donation, large or small, will contribute to getting this huge and unprecedented project over the finish line, to provide a fantastic asset to the community around Norwich and Norfolk.
Jackie talked us through some of t the Nest will change lives, including:
Tackling Norfolk’s inactivity:
* Each year, 1,000 people will access a 60 station all- inclusive community gym. * Each year, 650 people with disabilities will take part in sports and physical activity, supported by our skilled team. * Each year, 6,000 grassroots footballers of all ages and abilities will use the 3G and renovated grass pitches.
Boosting Social Mobility.
* Each year, 250 Young people will study and train with our football and education programmes. * Each year, 135 vulnerable adults who are homeless or unemployed will improve their skills and increase their life chances with us. * 27 Full time equivalent jobs will be created and 600 people a year will be supported in work related training.
Improving Health and Well-Being:
* Each year, 320 over 55’s will take part in sports and social sessions such as the Extra Time project. * Each year, 70 people suffering from mental and physical illness will access support activities and services such as dementia cafes health fit clubs. * Each year, 100 children and young people will take part in our Fit4It healthy lifestyle programme.
The Trust are proud to support such a wonderful project and would recommend taking a proper look at:
Chair, Robin Sainty, Vice Chair, Mandie Thorpe, plus Kathy Blake, are braving the North Sea on Boxing Day to help raise funds. If you could spare a pledge for our ‘3 Degrees’ please take a look at our Just Giving page:
If you are able to spare a donation or even your time to help at their fundraising events, please contact the Community Sports Foundation and help them to #buildthenest