Hastings greenhouse campaign extended to help raise £10,000 target

Let’s Raise the Roof, a month-long crowdfunding campaign to help put a permanent roof on the 1930s structure, began on August 17 with an appeal to supporters to raise at least £10,000 towards work to complete the project.

The crowdfunding appeal, which was due to end on September 16, has been extended until midnight on Wednesday (September 30). It has raised almost £8,000 so far towards its £10,000 target.

A steady stream of visitors arrived at the historic greenhouse in Hastings last weekend when volunteers opened its doors for Heritage Open Days.

The two-day event raised £900 towards the Alexandra Park Greenhouse Group’s Let’s Raise the Roof crowfunding appeal.

Among the visitors was Hastings mayor Nigel Sinden, who praised the work of volunteers to turn the greenhouse, once dilapidated, into a vibrant hub for the town.

He said: “I think it is a jewel within the park, in our town and within the county.

“With my younger two brothers and four sisters, we visited the park from the 1960s, often attending the petting zoo where we could see the greenhouse in the background. I would like to see the greenhouse fully restored. It’s a wonderful place to visit and the plans for its future show its value to the town and the community.”

He was accompanied by Cllr Margi O’Callaghan, the borough council’s heritage champion. She said: “I think the greenhouse is very important; we need outdoor spaces and also an educational setting for children. It brings the community together.”

Cllr O’Callaghan hopes the greenhouse can be registered by the council as a community asset.

A generous supporter has already promised the lion’s share of the funds to restore the teak-framed building and install reinforced glass.

Pledges have included £500 from Hastings Lions’ Club, with its president, Brett McLean, visiting the open day.

Mr McLean said: “Horticulture plays such an important role in therapy, education and in living. It’s one of those things that we often take for granted. There are so many varieties of plants here under one roof and I don’t think people really appreciate plants and horticulture in general.”

Greenhouse group chairman Linda Pearson said: “Help us raise £10,000 or more and make our greenhouse part of a walk in the park for generations to come.” Supporters are asked to donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/lets-raise-the-roof-and-grow-together.

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