Rockets Community Foundation, the charitable name of Cramlington Rockets RLFC has launched a £10,000 fundraiser to build a community kitchen in its new home in Cramlington.

Eastfield Pavilion is currently undergoing a £400,000 refurbishment to create an inclusive and welcoming community hub that will see improved sporting, accessibility and community facilities available to local people to use seven days a week.

“We are very excited to be able to develop the site” said Chair, Jeff Ball. “It is a great part of Cramlington with a lot of potential and we are keen to give the local people somewhere to call their own with a true sense of belonging.”

With function space that is available to hire, part of the plans include expanding and modernising the kitchen. Currently small and outdated, the intention is to double the size and modernise it. However, due to rising costs because of inflation, the Foundation is short of the crucial funds it needs to complete this part of the refurbishment.

“Originally the budget was £300,000 but the war in Ukraine and high inflation has increased the cost to £400,000. While we have been able to plug most of the gap with kind support from our funders, there is still more needed. That is why we are asking the people of Cramlington and Northumberland to help us raise £10,000.”

Eastfield in Cramlington has one of the highest levels of deprivation in Northumberland, and a recognised need for more community facilities to support all social groups – youth, the elderly, unemployed, veterans and more.

Donations are more than appreciated and supporters are encouraged to hold their own fundraising events. As a registered charity, we can be found on Justgiving. Even £1 makes a difference and hopefully we are able to plug the shortfall to ensure the kitchen is part of the refurbishment.

To make a donation or set up your own fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/cramlingtoncommunitykitchen

For more information or to get involved, contact Jeff Ball on 07809114905 or jeff.ball@cramlingtonrockets.co.uk.