£8,000 grant success

Bexhill Visitor Information Point founder Sandra Melvin said the award had been received from the Lottery distributor Awards for All.

Sandra said: "The grant of nearly 8,000 will pay for laptops, printers, photocopier, telephone line, Broadband, dedicated website and associated costs for three years."

The award came about when Sandra who initiated the BVIP, was advised to contact Claire at S.M.E. Solutions in Eastbourne for free equipment available to charities.

Claire advised she could help by applying to Awards for All, for a grant which would cover all the equipment needed as well as a three-year contract for ongoing maintenance costs.

Sandra said: "We are absolutely delighted with this award, it will make a huge difference to us.

"The BVIP opened in May with no funding and is run entirely by volunteers. We are all local people with a mass of local knowledge and have helped many people since opening. The entries in our Visitor Book proves that there is a need for our services.

"Currently, if someone has an enquiry for information outside Bexhill, this is researched at home. The information is either brought in the next day or the people are telephoned with the results. Alternatively, whoever is on duty can ring me, I research the information and pass it back over the phone.

"It will be fantastic when we get our own Broadband installed."

The Bexhill Visitor Info Point helps visitors, businesses, residents and community groups.

Sandra said: "It is currently based in the Colonnade Coffee House, an ideal position with beautiful views across the promenade and sea, business has been curtailed on a couple of occasions when the Colonnade has had to close due to dreadful inclement weather conditions.

"Other suitable premises are currently being sought, preferably near the sea front."

The BVIP is also seeking more volunteers. If you think you can help, please contact Sandra on 844641 or 0780 192 1105