AS A Monmouth charity moves towards its 40th year in Monmouth, it is launching a major fundraising appeal to enable it to stay at its Grade II*-listed home.

Bridges Centre is vitally important for the residents of Monmouth: making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people; it hosts a wide range of support groups and services; it supports enterprise and job creation; it works across the county on a number of important projects; it serves as a hub for volunteering.

There was a tremendous fundraising initiative from the local community when Bridges restored and moved into Drybridge House in 2003. It is now hoped that the community will join forces once again to sustain its future and to prevent it being sold off or falling once again into a state of disrepair. The challenge, therefore, is to raise up to £100,000 to enable Bridges to set up a development fund to tackle some of the major work required in the building to bring it up to modern standards. For example, the floor in one of the upstairs rooms has been condemned as unsafe and requires expensive specialist reconstruction. As a result, this valuable space can no longer be used.

This challenge has been given a boost as a result of a generous donation of £3,000 from local solicitor, Alan Curtis.

“Having been a local solicitors practice in Monmouth for 21 years Bridges Centre was already known to us,” he said. “My daughter Gemma who is a regular supporter of Bridges reminded and drew our attention to the good works that Bridges does. It is so important that the senior generation do not feel that they are alone or left out. Bridges Centre is a very important facility for the Monmouth community to use and it is something that deserves the support of the business sector. We are delighted to assist such a worthy and local cause.”

Alan Curtis visited the Social Circles group, at which his daughter is a regular volunteer, on Thursday 22nd November to present the cheque from his practice.

Mark Walton, Bridges Centre Director, stated: “The Curtis legal practice has provided us with a great start to our campaign. We would like to associate more local businesses with what we do at Bridges as there are many opportunities for both parties to benefit from such a relationship. I have already started to visit a number of local enterprises and it has been very instructive to learn how we can support each other.”

Bridges is also planning a number of fundraising events in the near future, including a French evening in February, a Danceathon in March and a gala celebrity meal in April. If you wish to find out more about the work carried out by Bridges and feel you would like to support the fundraising efforts, contact Mark Walton ([email protected]) or phone 01600 228665. Leaflets listing current services, activities and volunteer opportunities are available at the Bridges Centre reception, community shop in town and the bistro.