Local community rallies round for Ropetackle

Less than two weeks since the launch of its Ropetackle 2020 Patrons and Friends Appeal, donations have flooded in, to the tune of £10,000, which, with the addition of Gift Aid, has increased the fund to £12,500 – more than a third of the target.

But the hugely popular arts centre is not out of the woods yet.

“The response to the appeal has been truly amazing,” says Ropetackle Chairman, Martin Allen. “We know that Ropetackle is highly valued by the local community and our wider audiences, but to see this level of support so early on is truly gratifying. We are hugely grateful to all of those who have made a donation.

“The target for Ropetackle 2020 is £30,000, however, so we do still have quite a way to go. We are also up against time. It is vital that we get close to our target by the middle of September to secure our position, and to provide us with the essential platform for the restructuring needed to ensure our longer-term future.”

Ropetackle’s discussions with Adur Council are continuing. “We are optimistic that, with this level of community support, the Council will agree to contribute, thus providing a sound and enduring partnership between community and Council,” Martin says. “This will guarantee a long- term future for what is a vital asset both to the community and the local economy.”

Fundraising Gig

To boost the coffers further, Ropetackle regulars South Coast Soul Revue will be performing a fundraising gig on Friday 6^th September. The night will open with the Lindsey Oliver Band, whose brilliant first album “you me us” is out now. Next up will be some original soul ‘n’ funk from the fantastic Frank Greene Band, featuring SCSR vocalists, Ruby and Danny, while the full band will close the show with 60 minutes of high-energy music. Tickets are £20 and available at www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk or from the Box Office (01273 464440).

All proceeds will go directly to Ropetackle.

Band manager, Barclay Thompson says: “South Coast Soul Revue have been performing regularly at Ropetackle since we first played there on New Year’s Eve 2014. We love the venue, the audience and the wonderfully welcoming and hard-working staff and volunteers. This venue, with its varied offering, is a vital element in what makes Shoreham-by-Sea such a wonderful place to live and It is so important that community venues like these survive.

“We not just happy, but proud to help its survival with this fundraiser.”

If you would like to sign up to the Patrons and Friends Scheme, visit www.ropetacklecentre.co.uk/Ropetackle2020/ or call in at the Box Office to pick up a form.