A COMMUNITY project to help breathe life into the pavilion at Bourne Green is in need of public support, now more than ever.

Almost seven years ago, the Bourne Green pavilion caught the eye of an anonymous benefactor, who “wanted to give the breath of life to a very tired building”.

For seven years now, Martin Lear, Brian Copeman and Andy Morse have spearheaded The Great Bourne Community project with the benefactor, alongside Waverley Borough Council, to draw up plans for the pavilion, which would serve future generations in the Bourne.

Looking back at the past year, Martin said: “Recent news stories such as Brexit, Covid-19 and other world events have meant the progress of the project has slowed.

“We have been very lucky to have the benefactor financing the journey so far, but we now need the widespread community enthusiasm to assist with delivering the vital funds required to complete the next phase, and build the pavilion.”

Planning permission for the pavilion has been granted by the borough council, thanks to a design by a local architect, but funding now needs to be secured to build it.

With a fundraising plan set to launch in the coming months, it is hoped people locally will join the team of volunteers to make the project a reality.

An official website and video explaining the project, featuring members from across the community, have been put together by a group of professionals in the area who have volunteered their time, and can be viewed at the website thegreatbournecommunity.co.uk

A formal fundraising scheme is set to be launched, but anyone wishing to donate to the project can contact the Bourne Green trustees at [email protected]