Official opening of Noah’s Ark Soft Play Area in Belvedere Date: 14-04-2010 Noah’s Ark Soft Play and Belvedere and Erith Congregational Church received funding from the Local Network Fund for its initial steel construction and a £20,000 grant from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB) for the installation of the soft play, toys and educational equipment. In addition, the £20,000 grant funded the creation of a high level window to give children views across Upper Belvedere and the Thames. The play area has recently been granted a further £25,000 by the London Borough of Bexley, through the Aiming High fund, for accessibility improvements. The Church will also soon have wheelchair access throughout due to the help of a second grant of £60,000 from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB). As well as this, the £60,000 will fund the construction of a training room with an IT suite between the Church and its community hall. Training opportunities, including IT skills, will be offered in conjunction with local colleges. The developments will begin this summer. Rev Mark Evans, Chairman of Noah’s Ark Soft Play, said: “The support we have had from the Local Network Fund, Cory Environmental Trust in Britain and the London Borough of Bexley has been fantastic. The funding they have provided has enabled the transformation of the Church to become not only a place of worship, but also great children’s facility and learning centre for the community. With the improvements, we can now accommodate an even broader section of the community.” The Church is used by community groups, local schools and children’s clubs, including Noah’s Ark, SNAP, Smiley Ark, Beavers, Brownies, Rainbows and educational and fitness classes. Angela Haymonds, Trust Secretary at Cory Environmental Trust in Britain, said: “Projects, like this one, which make a real difference to the community, are exactly what the Trust aims to fund. The development of the Church and the new play area has will benefit disadvantaged groups, such as special needs children, and the wider community. We are delighted to help make a difference to so many local people by funding the project.” (Left to right) Janine Wooster, Complex Needs Manager, London Borough of Bexley, Sue Sutcliffe, Commissioning Officer, London Borough of Bexley and Rev Mark Evans, Chairman of Noah’s Ark Soft Play, at the official opening of Noah’s Ark Soft Play.

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