Lundy Island - St Helen's Centre Appeal - Crowdfunder Initiative

BIDEFORD, U.K. - Oct. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- This 120 year old church is using 21^st century social media techniques to raise essential funds!

The St.Helen's Centre Appeal on Lundy has taken an innovative approach to help fund the specific learning benefits of its refurbishment.

A Crowdfunder initiative plans to raise £60,000 over a six week period, it started from Friday 30^th September, this sum will be used to specifically fund the internal changes to the Church to support educational groups.

Around 350 school children visit this little isle to explore the island's natural wonders, including the largest seabird colony in the southwest, discover a wealth of marine creatures in its rockpools and seek out the many clues to its varied history such as St Helen's church, the Old Lighthouse and Benson's Cave. The only place for shelter, during periods of inclement weather (rain, wind, hail), is St Helen's church as it is the largest building on the island. Presently, the building is not suited to engage educational groups and does not provide the facilities that would enhance and support their visits to the island.

The vision is to create a centre that not only acts as a refuge during periods of bad weather, but also as a centre for educational groups - such as universities, colleges and research groups, plus of course schools - to utilise during their visits to the island. However, St Helen's is in need of considerable repair and refurbishment, with the roof in a state of disrepair, which has affected its general structure. The planned restoration work will provide an outstanding new facility for Lundy – this work on St. Helen's will mean that many more children and other groups can benefit from the wonders of Lundy, with the benefit of much improved facilities.

The project is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, who will be providing 50% of the funds – providing that the target Appeal levels are achieved.

Rewards for pledging include day trips to Lundy, 2 nights stay for 2 people in Castle Keep on the island,   Limited Edition 1st Day cover issue of St Helen's stamps and much more.

Details are on the Crowfunder website at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/st-helens-centre-appeal

The St Helen's Centre Appeal website is at – www.sthelenslundy.co.uk