Lottery stories

A derelict building in one of the most rural parts of Wales has been saved by a community group, and with help from The National Lottery, is becoming an invaluable resource for an isolated area.

The former Calvanistic Methodist chapel of Burnetts Hill, deep in Pembrokeshire had been vacant since 1980 and its deterioration has accelerated in recent years. Now, thanks to a £52,800 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Burnetts Hill Chapel Restoration group has completely restored the Grade II listed building.

'The chapel was put up for sale and the community really wanted to use it so we applied for Lottery help and we were delighted to get it,' says Phillip Roach, the project manager from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. 'We bought and refurbished the site and it looks absolutely lovely.'

The new site has proved immensely popular, 'It's used for a huge variety of things, such as singing, concerts, parties and community meetings. It's also really nice to have saved and conserved an old building. We used traditional decor - slates and old craft techniques, and used local contractors.'

Isolation means that the new hall is all the more appreciated. 'This is a very, very rural area - we're in the middle of nowhere really - so this centre has become a hub for the community,' says Phillip. 'It's made a huge difference and we're very grateful for the Lottery's support. It's a real success, an absolute gem.'