A lightning storm in July caused significant disruption at The Kenilworth Centre, a registered charity and vital community hub. The strike led to damage throughout the building, affecting internet and phone systems, as well as the centre's security infrastructure. A full investigation later revealed that the recently installed solar panels on the roof were also damaged.

While the solar panel and electrical repairs should be covered by our insurance - the scaffolding required for the fix, presents a rare opportunity to address longstanding issues with the roof. Persistent leaks into the main hall which we believe to have been caused by failed or insufficient original fixings, and the roof now urgently needs sealing and a full replacement of all fixings.

The total cost of these essential repairs is just under £8,000. Thanks to a huge amount of work over the last few years, increasing our income from room hire and gaining support with funding and donations we have managed to secure £4,000 of maintenance funds for the repair — and now we're calling on local businesses and the wider community to help us raise the remaining amount, so this can be done alongside the repair of the solar panels. This will also save future costs of erecting scaffolding once again. After a soft launch at the AGM we have already received significant support, so we hope to hit out target before the end of October.

We will be hosting an afternoon tea fundraiser here at the Kenilworth Centre on Sunday the 26th. We will playing music from Singing in the rain and other leak related tunes while serving tea, sandwiches and homemade/ donated cakes.

(You can also contribute by donating a homemade cake - email [email protected] for details.

Join us in the Main Hall from 12pm - 2pm