A West Cumbrian arts and heritage centre has launched an urgent fundraising effort to help it replace 40 windows.
Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre, in a former Victorian school, needs to raise the final £6,000 to reach its £36,000 target for the project.
A substantial part of the window replacement fund was secured following a donation from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust.
From August 1, asking people to sponsor one or more of the 40 individual window panes to help the centre reach its final target.
Sponsorship options range from a £50 minimum for each of 10 smaller windows, to a £100 minimum for each of 10 larger side windows. A £150 minimum sponsorship is available for each of the 20 large prominent windows at the rear gable end.
Anyone pledging to sponsor a smaller window at £50 will receive one free ticket to a cinema screening of their choice at the centre.
Those sponsoring a side window for £100 will receive two free cinema tickets and anyone sponsoring a large rear window for £150 will receive four free tickets.
Sponsors will be recognised on a commemorative wall mounting to be erected in the centre on completion of the work, if they wish. They could also receive a namecheck on the cinema screen before the start of each film for three months.
Emma Heys, chief executive, said: “Once again, we have cause to be extremely grateful to the Benny Walker Charitable Trust for its invaluable support to the Kirkgate.
“We know we also have a loyal group of customers and supporters and we think many will be delighted at this unique opportunity to help in the centre’s refurbishment.
“The Kirkgate is a much-loved institution in Cockermouth and throughout West Cumbria but the fabric of the building reflects its considerable age.
“We’ve done much work in recent years to give it a modern facelift, including 21st century facilities and equipment, but some work still remains.
“We’d therefore obviously be delighted if any individual, company or organisation would like to contribute to the improvements fund over and above the sponsorship options outlined!”
Details of how to sponsor a pane can be found at www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
