Heritage centre 'bowled over' by boiler donations

Staff at the heritage centre, pictured with Councillor Kris Wilson (left), said they were amazed by the donations

Staff at a heritage centre said they were "bowled over" after receiving thousands in donations towards a new gas boiler.

Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, put out a plea for help after a 33-year-old appliance broke down before Christmas.

But the £15,000 bill was close to being met after almost £6,000 in donations and a £7,000 grant secured through the borough council.

"We have been bowled over by the generosity of local people," said chairman John Burton.

The heritage centre houses books, artefacts and memorabilia

The centre had feared it would have to cancel planned activities which attract about 16,000 visitors each year to the Grade II listed former school building.

Having recently paid out £4,500 to repair a leaky roof after thieves stole lead from it, Mr Burton said they were "horrified" to learn the cost of the boiler replacement.

“We sat down with the borough council to see if they could assist, and they were able to help us apply for money from the borough lottery," he added.

“Now we have learned we have secured a £7,000 grant... we are so grateful."

Writing on an online fundraising site, Mr Burton thanked "wonderful, kind donors" and user groups for putting up with "cooler surroundings than we would wish".

Borough council leader Kris Wilson said the authority was glad to help.