Donations and Sponsorship
Sponsor a Stone
You can donate to the Sponsor a Stone appeal by either:
Or by collecting a form directly from the foyer the next time you visit Wyeside.
You may send your completed form to the address below or alternatively you can drop it off with the Box Office staff in the foyer.
Wyeside Arts Centre
Castle Street
Builth Wells
Powys
LD2 3BN
Please call 01982 553668 or email administration@wyeside.co.uk for more information.
What is Sponsor a Stone?
The Friends of Wyeside have launched a fundraising scheme we're calling ‘Sponsor a Stone’ to raise money for the exterior repairs needed to the art centre’s beautiful Grade II* listed building.
To start with, we’ve match-funded a grant from Powys County Council’s Community Grant Scheme so that work can begin. Barbara Stow, Chair of the Trustees of Wyeside, said:
“As custodians of Wyeside Arts Centre, the Board is very grateful for the work of The Friends and for the generosity of everyone who has contributed to helping us preserve the building for future generations.”
But this is only the start of what will be a five-year programme. The Friends of Wyeside are hoping that many more people in mid-Powys will make a donation so that this vital work can continue until the building is fully restored to its original glory.
Builth-based architect Jon Lees of Jonathan Lees Architects LLP, who is managing the project, says:
“Without this important restoration and conservation work to preserve the details and decorations on the building the original decorative fabric of the structure will soon be lost due to severe weathering and the damage caused by acid rain and traffic pollution. This careful and considerate conservation work will help to preserve the integrity and nature of this highly cherished building for generations to come.”
The average price for replacing a full stone is almost £500 so many of the trefoil stones are being re-dressed instead to remove paint and restore the former quality and character at a cost of around £50 each. Other vital repairs include widespread repointing and ‘piecing in’ – specialist tasks which all contribute to the renovation of this important local landmark.
FE James of Builth Wells are the principal contractor for the construction works, whilst Garth based Chris James of Chris James Stonemasonry is undertaking the technically challenging, highly skilled masonry elements of this delicate conservation work. Stones that have to be replaced will be carefully matched to the original type and colour. Exact profiles have been taken of all the trefoils to identify the original mouldings and tooling patterns used by the Victorian masons who constructed the building so that they can be meticulously matched.
Local artist, Amanda Skipsey, the family of Winifred Francis, and architect Jon Lees have all kindly supported the scheme by making their own artwork and drawings available free of charge for an attractive range of cards.
So don’t struggle any longer looking for that perfect present for the person who has everything ….. make a donation to ‘Sponsor a Stone’ on their behalf and let them participate as history is recreated in Builth Wells. We’ll even give you a free gift card to mark the occasion!
