Local artist Alan Fernihough has donated an original artwork to Ashbourne Methodist Church to support their fundraising efforts for The Link Community Hub. Around £1.8m of the £15.2m total cost of Ashbourne Reborn is made up of match funding raised locally, including significant funds raised from Ashbourne Methodist Church members, friends and grants, as well as grant giving organisations and local businesses.
Local artist Alan Fernihough has donated an original artwork to Ashbourne Methodist Church to support their fundraising efforts for The Link Community Hub.
The original artwork, which took the artist around 8 hours to complete, shows the church, the Cornerstone and Century Hall in great detail. Limited edition prints, which have been signed by the artist, are now being sold by the church to raise funds for The Link project.
Each of the 50 prints has been signed and numbered by the artist, and are available for £25, including an art mount. The church is also selling greetings cards featuring the artwork, at £2 each or 3 for £5.
Alan Fernihough said, “I’m happy to support the community hub as my Ashbourne Art Class often uses the Century Hall on Station Road and I look forward to seeing and using the new project for future displays by local artists.”
The church’s Minister, Rev Nicola Briggs, thanked the artist, saying, “We are very grateful for Alan’s generosity in donating this artwork to the church in support of The Link project, which will make our buildings even more accessible for the local community.”
Copies of the artwork are available by contacting Cath Patterson on 07803 266918.
The church, which is a registered charity, has committed to raising £1.4m in funding for the project which will transform the buildings into a multi-purpose community building. The redevelopment is one of the key project areas of the ‘Ashbourne Reborn’ transformation programme, which will receive Levelling Up Funding from central government.
Church partners have contributed funding and expertise to support and deliver the proposals, which will see the building of a new foyer linking three current buildings into one accessible suite, creating a flexible performance, events and worship space. Meeting rooms of various sizes will be developed for community and business use, and the Gateway Centre will be remodelled to provide affordable quality visitor accommodation, to attract visitors to the town. The Cornerstone Coffee Shop will be upgraded and a community garden created with ramped access.
