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The British Judo Trust
helped heat up Dagenham’s Kingsley Hall Judo Club in time for
Christmas as a £300 donation ensured the club could install a
new heating system.
The club is hosted by a
charitable association which is a community church. The Greater
London outfit are totally embedded in the infrastructure and are
a well thought of member group, often utilised by the BJA and
London Area for UKCC Awards.
Kingsley Hall has flourished
as a training venue and has become a very welcoming place for
tutors, candidates and members.
However, during the winter
months of 2009, the club struggled with no heating system in the
Hall. A portable heater was hired, which became very costly to
the club.
After looking for competitive
prices on a heating system, a suitable one was found by Club Secretary
Kevin Cleasby. Money from the Church and the Grant was used to
purchase the heater to keep the venue open for other training
ventures.
“I really appreciate the
help from the Trust and the money we’ve received,” said Kevin.
“We were remembered by
some visiting judoka as the cold club as people felt the chill
as soon as they stepped into the building.
“We have to thank British
Judo’s London Development Manager Karen French who recommended
us to the Trust. I wasn’t previously aware that the Trust also
donated funds to clubs but I’m grateful for their support as the
new heating will really help us long-term.”
As part of the London Development
plan the BJA are also looking to use and promote Kingsley Hall
as a hub club for all the schools work we are undertaking in the
area.
Membership stats drop off
for this club in the winter months due to parents or spectators
not wanting to sit in the viewing gallery due to the cold environment.
With the help of the British
Judo Trust, the club has been able to keep the judo hall open
and continue hiring and promoting the venue.
Wolverhampton Judo Club
also received a £1000 grant in December towards a new heating
system.
The British Judo Trust
operates solely off donations and aims to support the development
of the sport. If you would like to make a contribution, please
visit the website at www.britishjudotrust.org.uk.
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