VOLUNTEERS are sought to help turn a derelict chapel into a children’s art centre in Winterbourne after parents were awarded £3,000 towards the project.


A group of parents were awarded the money by South Gloucestershire Council in March to go towards a feasibility survey for the renovation of the old and derelict Ebenezer Chapel in Winterbourne into a children’s activity and arts based activity centre for the local community.


The centre will be named The Hat Factory in reference to the original chapel’s congregation, many of whom would have been hat-makers from the local industry which flourished in the 1800s in Watleys End and Frampton Cotterell area specifically.


Clearance at the building will take place on Saturday May 23 and volunteers are being called to take part.
Resident Mandy Nicholls, who had the idea to renovate the chapel into the centre, said: “We are keen to hear from local architects or people who could offer fundraising or market survey expertise, and anyone generally with a bit of spare time on their hands who, like us, would be keen to see this beautiful old chapel brought back to life.


“We particularly need volunteers to help clear the old chapel building so that scoping work can get underway, so please get in touch if you could spare us a few hours, by calling me on 01454 771956. If anyone can help, including donations, it would be amazing.”


Parents in Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell, Kate Turton, Kelly Allan and Graeme Burns are working with Mrs Nicholls on the project.