400-year-old hall gets a makeover

Wigglesworth – a lower Ribblesdale village near Settle, with a population of just 280 – has raised a total of 410,000 from various sources, including community donations.

Yesterday villagers were celebrating reaching their target, thanks to a grant of 98,000 from the Yorkshire Dales Leader Programme.

The money means that work can now begin on bringing Clarke's Old School in Wigglesworth up to date.

The old schoolhouse, which comprises two classrooms, will be completely refurbished.

A new annex will be built that will provide disabled access, a kitchen, new toilets, a large multi-purpose function room and car parking.

There will be a range of 'green' and energy-saving measures, including improved insulation, rainwater harvesting, new heating and lighting.

Alongside funding already in place from the Big Lottery Fund, the Clothworker's Foundation, the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation and the Craven Trust, as well as fund-raising by the village itself, the 98,000 Leader Programme grant will allow the Old School to be redeveloped and renovated for a range of village and community projects.

Originally founded as a result of a legacy from Lawrence Clarke in the 17th century, the School operated until the 1960s, when it was closed, but the buildings have continued to provide a meeting place for the local community.

The standard of the facilities deteriorated as the small community found it hard to pay for repairs.

Chairman of Trustees, Dr David Clarke said: "This is a real New Year bonus for Wigglesworth, and means that we can get the work under way that we have been planning for so long.

"The grants we have received underline the support and involvement of the whole community in this project – from the youngest to the oldest – and represent a success for the whole village. It will mean that within 12 months the village will have use of a modern community facility."

The completed project will give facilities that will provide for meetings, local businesses, social events and access to outreach services from local organisations.

The Trustees are holding a series of informal presentations to update villagers about progress in the Old School on Saturday, January 30, between 1pm and 3.30pm, with complimentary soup and sandwiches.

It will probably be the last chance to see inside the old building before work begins.

Dr Clarke added: "From children's parties and community events such as the village show to facilities to support local businesses, we can now create a truly adaptable facility.

"Already people are coming up with ideas that will support and bring the community together. Young people are offering to teach older people how to explore the internet, and local voluntary organisations are keen to use the proposed facilities as an outreach point for their services.

"At the same time it will again provide an opportunity for village social events and activities, which have fallen by the wayside due to the current poor state of the building.

"This award (of 98,000) will not just ensure the upgrading and future of a core facility for Wigglesworth, but will contribute to maintaining the spirit, involvement and 'togetherness' that is essential for the survival of rural communities in modern society."