ILMINSTER AREA NEWS: Pavilion will rise from the ashes

ORGANISERS of the Dowlish Wake Pavilion Phoenix Appeal – which is raising money to replace the village pavilion which was burnt down by arsonists this year – have exciting plans for 2017.

It was back in October when villagers woke up to see the much-loved Lawrence Kellett Pavilion burnt to the grown at Dowlish Wake near Ilminster.

Chairman of the Playing Field Trust, Mike Lane, was quick to say that all efforts would be made to ensure the “wonderful community asset” was rebuilt.

And that is clearly what is going to happen.

PHOTO - ABOVE: What the new pavilion will look like.

PHOTO - RIGHT: The old pavilion is ravaged by fire in October this year.

The remains of the pavilion were demolished following the fire and the site has been cleared. This was done by a team of local volunteers led by Mario Ruiz and their hard work and professionalism saved a lot of money for the Trust by not having to employ a demolition company.

Mr Lane said: “We have now approved a plan for the new pavilion. This has been shown to the community at a village meeting, and we have taken on board the many suggestions and improvements.

“We have had a very positive response to the plan, and it is now in the process of being put forward to planning.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed so generously to the appeal. I’d especially like to thank Nicky and Rich of the New Inn who have been so generous, and also made the New Inn our unofficial base.

“We had a very successful Beetle Drive in October, and two pub nights in November. But our main source of funds has been individual donations, both large and small. We are so appreciative of the generosity of the community.

“Our first fighting-fund target of £20,000 has been raised and is in our bank. We will shortly update the progress display in the New Inn to now show a target of £40,000 and the fact we are half way there!”

Mr Lane added: “We have identified three likely organisations for grant applications and much of the preliminary work is underway, but we cannot finalise them until we have a number of firm quotations. When we do all three applications will go out very soon after, and we expect some significant funds from this source.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: The pavilion immediately after the fire in daylight hours.

The organisers have two major fundraisers planned for 2017. These will include a Second World War themed event at the Playing Field in July with an apt name of Blitz Spirit.

But firstly there will be a grand fundraising Phoenix Ball at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on February 24, 2017.

All are welcome and tickets cost £35 to include a welcome drink and three-course meal.

There will be a grand auction and raffle and dancing to the wonderful Soulville Express. Tickets are available from the Shrubbery, or from Mike Lane on 01460-250726.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Pulling down what was left of the arson-hit pavilion.

PHOTO - ABOVE: The fundraising got started with a Beetle Drive in the village.

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