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Reading Centre gets big financial boost
 Christmas
came early for those involved in the Reading Irish Centre when it was
confirmed in late December that the venue will receive £95,000 through
the Díon funding initiative.
It’s by far and away the largest single grant the centre has attracted
in its 20-year history and the funds are set to re-invigorate the facility
which caters for members of the Irish community living in Reading and
the surrounding Berkshire area.
Plans are now under way to fit a new kitchen as well as improved toilet
facilities with the organising committee eager to maximise the potential
the windfall presents.
Also the Reading Irish Centre is hopeful that planning permission will
be granted in the coming weeks for a bridge from the public pavement,
which will allow improved disabled access.
Recently traditional music evenings have attracted a wide range of visitors
to the centre and it’s hoped with improved facilities the centre
will be able to offer more services to the Irish community in Reading
many of whom see the centre as a home away from home.
Representatives of the Díon Fund visited the centre in September
and were impressed with the efforts being made there.
Extensive plans were submitted to the Díon Fund representatives
and the resulting grant announcement has been hailed as one of huge significance
for emigrants in the area. |
