Portaferry Sailing Club receives energy grant

Portaferry Sailing Club receives energy grant

1 February 2012

A PORTAFERRY community organisation will be able to carry out energy saving improvements to its social club thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Portaferry Sailing Social Club has been awarded £6,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Energy Efficient Venues programme to carry out a range of improvements to their hall so they can cut down on their heating and energy costs and make their venue more energy efficient.

The group will use the funding to carry out a range of work including an energy efficient audit to find out where they are wasting energy and identify how the building can be made energy efficient.

They will also replace their existing single glazed sash windows with 14 new hardwood, draft proof, double glazed sashes.

Club commodore Shane McCarthy explained that the money the organisation saves by making the improvements will go back into the upkeep of the club and running the activities and events they offer the local community.

“This is the first step in making the building environmentally and financially sustainable,” he said. “After the audit is complete and further improvements identified, the club intends to approach the Big Lottery Fund again for additional funding to complete the job.

“With energy costs ever increasing, unfortunately at the expense of the environment, this type of funding is very welcome. It is good to see the Sailing Club taking the lead in the community and showing other organisations in the area how to reduce costs and help the environment.”

Portaferry Sailing Social Club has been in existence for 45 years serving the local community with sporting and recreation activities. As well adding a social focus for young and old, the club has provided employment and encouraged tourism to the area.

Mr. McCarthy added: “This will allow us to reduce our high energy bills and make the building more comfortable for staff and users as well as reducing detrimental effects on the environment that continued high energy usage brings.”

Club treasurer Peter Lawson commented: “Many thanks to the Big Lottery Fund for having the foresight to provide such funding.”